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The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are a strong fit if you want highly effective noise cancellation, comfortable folding over-ear headphones, and flexible wired and wireless listening. The trade-offs are a premium launch price, spatial audio that not everyone enjoys, app dependence for full setup and updates, and no water-resistance rating. This article covers the over-ear 2nd Gen model announced in 2025—not the original 2023 headphones or Bose’s earbuds.
What are the main pros and cons?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally effective noise cancellation in TechRadar’s review | Premium launch pricing; current local prices may differ |
| Plush cushions, adjustable headband, and foldable design | Comfort and heat depend on fit and personal preference |
| Multiple listening modes, including Cinema Mode | Spatial effects are subjective and may not appeal to everyone |
| USB-C lossless audio, Bluetooth multipoint, and physical controls | Full feature access, settings, and updates require the Bose app |
| Up to 30 hours of rated battery life in the standard mode | No IP rating; Bose says the headphones are not waterproof |
Why choose the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?
Strong noise cancellation
Bose says the 2nd Gen uses an updated adaptive noise-cancellation algorithm. TechRadar’s reviewer praised its real-world cancellation as exceptionally effective. That is a review judgment, not a controlled comparison proving it is the best in every setting.
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Comfortable, foldable design
Bose describes plush ear cushions, an adjustable headband, and a foldable build. TechRadar also praised comfort and portability. Those qualities can make the headphones appealing for commutes and travel, but fit and heat vary between listeners, so no single pair is guaranteed to feel comfortable for every extended session.
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Listening modes for different situations
Quiet, Aware, and Immersive Audio let you choose between noise cancellation, awareness of your surroundings, and spatial processing. Bose’s Cinema Mode is designed to spatialize and balance dialogue, background sound, and effects for video and spoken-word listening. If you prefer conventional stereo, you can leave spatial modes off.
#1 Best Overall
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Bose also uses CustomTune to adapt playback based on the shape of your ears. This is a product feature, not independent proof that the headphones will sound better to every listener.
Flexible connections and controls
The 2nd Gen supports Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint connections to two source devices. It also has physical controls, a volume touch strip, and customizable app shortcuts. Bose identifies lossless USB-C audio as a new feature, and the headphones can be charged while in use.
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
TechRadar reports USB-C support up to 24-bit/48 kHz, plus aptX Adaptive, SBC, and AAC over Bluetooth. aptX Adaptive’s higher-resolution wireless mode requires a compatible source device; Bluetooth codec support does not mean every phone will use the same codec.
Battery ratings for different modes
Bose rates the 2nd Gen for up to 30 hours of playback, 23 hours with Immersive Audio on, or 45 hours with ANC off. These are maximum ratings, not guaranteed runtimes; actual battery life depends on use and settings. Bose support also lists a 15-minute charge for up to three hours of playback, or up to two hours with Immersive Audio. Check the support specification for your market, since charging figures can be market-specific.
Rank #3
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
What are the drawbacks?
High launch price and value trade-offs
TechRadar listed the 2nd Gen’s 2025 launch price as $449, £449, and AU$699. These are historical launch figures, not current offers. Its reviewer found the overall experience strong but judged some rivals to offer better value, and described the earcup plastics as somewhat hard and thin while still praising the build and overall experience. Compare current local prices before buying, especially if you are weighing the Ultra against Bose’s standard QuietComfort headphones or other premium ANC models.
Spatial audio is a matter of taste
Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode are optional extras, not essential to the core noise-cancelling experience. What Hi-Fi’s review coverage says its reviewer was not fully convinced by the spatial effects and found Motion distracting. That is a preference-based criticism, not evidence that the feature is defective; it matters most if spatial processing is a major reason you would pay more.
Rank #4
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
The app is needed for full control
You can pair the headphones over Bluetooth without the Bose app, but Bose says the app is needed for full feature access, settings changes, and updates. TechRadar found the app stable and easy to navigate, while noting that it lacks streaming-service integration. If you want to manage settings and firmware, expect to use the app rather than the headphones alone.
No stated water protection
Bose says the headphones are not waterproof and have no IP rating. That means there is no water-resistance certification to rely on for rain, heavy sweat, or wet environments; they are a poor choice if that protection is a priority.
Best Value
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- LOSSLESS USB AUDIO: Over-the-ear headphones with USB-C audio for wired listening deliver crystal-clear lossless sound that reveals every nuance, so you can hear your fave song like it’s the first time all over again.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
How should you decide if they are worth it?
- Consider them if: noise cancellation and comfort matter more than getting the lowest price, and you value USB-C listening, multipoint, or the option of spatial modes.
- Look elsewhere if: you want water protection, do not want an app for full settings and updates, or are paying extra mainly for spatial audio without knowing whether you like it.
- Compare by current price: the $449 / £449 / AU$699 figures were launch prices reported in 2025, not a current quote. Check the price in your market and compare it with standard QuietComfort headphones and other rivals at the prices available to you.
Check the generation and compatibility before buying
Bose announced the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on September 10, 2025. It retains the first generation’s core technologies while adding lossless USB-C audio, an updated adaptive ANC algorithm, Cinema Mode, longer battery life, and improved on-head detection. Do not assume those additions or the 2nd Gen battery ratings apply to the original 2023 model.
What Hi-Fi reported in late September 2026 that a firmware update brought Bluetooth LE Audio-related capabilities, including 5.1 spatial audio with head tracking on compatible Android devices and improved wired USB-C gaming and voice audio for compatible devices. The report says LE Audio does not work with Apple devices. Availability depends on firmware rollout, operating system, and hardware, so verify Bose’s official update notes and your device’s compatibility before treating those capabilities as a purchase benefit.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
