The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) add USB-C lossless audio, revised adaptive noise cancellation, Cinema Mode and a longer claimed battery life. Hands-on reviewers found the changes useful, but not transformative—so they look more compelling as a new purchase than as an automatic upgrade from the first generation.
What’s new in the second generation?
Bose announced the headphones on September 10, 2025, with planned availability from October 2 and a US launch price of $449. The refresh changes several features while keeping a similar-looking exterior, according to Bose’s launch announcement and Tom’s Guide’s September 2025 hands-on first impressions.
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- USB-C lossless audio: Bose says the headphones support lossless listening over USB-C. This matters most if you want a wired digital connection and have lossless audio sources; it does not mean every Bluetooth connection is lossless.
- Revised adaptive noise cancellation: Bose says a new algorithm makes noise cancellation more precise. Tom’s Guide’s reviewer found a tangible, though not dramatic, improvement in a short hands-on test. TechRadar also praised the noise cancellation in its review. Those are reviewer judgments, not lab rankings.
- Cinema Mode: Bose describes this mode as making video sound more lifelike, with clearer dialogue. Its usefulness depends on whether you watch video on the headphones and prefer the mode’s presentation.
- Longer claimed battery life: Bose rates the headphones for up to 30 hours with Immersive Audio off, or up to 23 hours with it on. These are manufacturer figures; Bose says actual playback varies with settings and use.
- On-head detection and standby: Bose also says detection is faster and the headphones can enter Bluetooth standby with a low-energy deep-sleep mode.
- Updated connectivity: Bose lists Bluetooth Core 5.4 multipoint for two source devices, SBC and AAC, aptX Adaptive, and Google Fast Pair for Android.
How long does the battery last?
Bose’s product page gives a maximum of 30 hours of playback with Immersive Audio off and 23 hours with it on. The company notes that settings and use affect the result, and its linked testing notes describe controlled company testing—not independent measurements. Treat the figures as a reference point rather than a promise of the same runtime in everyday use. Details are on Bose’s product page.
If you use Immersive Audio regularly, the relevant advertised figure is 23 hours, not 30. Other settings and listening habits can also change runtime; the cited sources do not establish a single real-world battery result that applies to every listener.
#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.
How do they compare with the first generation?
The second-generation headphones retain the Ultra identity but add specific features rather than a wholesale redesign. Tom’s Guide’s Tammy Rogers reported that the exterior looks similar and described the battery and noise-cancellation improvements as noticeable, but not enough to make the upgrade essential for every Gen 1 owner.
| Decision point | Second generation | What it means for a Gen 1 owner |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C audio | Bose says lossless audio is supported over USB-C. | A meaningful addition if you want this wired listening option; less compelling if you mainly listen over Bluetooth. |
| Noise cancellation | Bose describes a revised adaptive algorithm. Tom’s Guide found the improvement tangible but modest. | Do not expect a dramatic change based on the available hands-on impressions. |
| Battery | Bose claims up to 30 hours, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio. | Potentially useful if longer listening time matters, but the figures are manufacturer maxima and are not a direct independent comparison with Gen 1. |
| Cinema Mode | Bose says it is designed to improve video sound and dialogue clarity. | Relevant if you watch films or shows on your headphones and want this listening mode. |
For a new buyer, the new features are part of the package from the outset. For someone who already owns Gen 1, the case depends on whether USB-C lossless audio, the battery change, Cinema Mode or the incremental ANC improvement solves a specific need. Rogers’s September 20, 2025 first impressions concluded that existing owners need not spend the $449 launch price simply to move to Gen 2.
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.
How do they sound and feel?
TechRadar praised the headphones’ noise cancellation, comfort, portability and overall listening experience, while noting that some similarly priced alternatives may sound fuller or offer better perceived value. Its review lists a weight of 250 g and says Bose does not disclose driver details. These are the publication’s review findings and specifications, not results from independent testing for this article.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Tom’s Guide likewise characterized the ANC change as tangible but not dramatic. Taken together, the hands-on coverage supports a picture of a capable, comfortable premium headphone with strong noise cancellation, while leaving room for listeners to prefer a fuller-sounding presentation or a different value proposition.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Who should buy them—and who should wait?
They make more sense if you are buying new
- You want Bose’s noise-cancelling headphone experience and value the features added in Gen 2.
- You expect to use USB-C lossless audio, Cinema Mode or the longer battery claim.
- You use two source devices and want multipoint connectivity.
Keep Gen 1 if its current performance meets your needs
The available hands-on impressions do not establish a dramatic ANC leap or a must-have redesign. If your first-generation headphones already suit your listening habits, the new features may not justify paying the launch price to replace them.
Check compatibility if codecs matter
Bose lists SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive. The latter is most relevant if your source device supports it; check the device’s codec support rather than assuming aptX Adaptive will be available. Bose also lists Google Fast Pair for Android. Bluetooth multipoint is specified for two simultaneous source devices.
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.
Launch pricing and availability
Bose announced a US launch price of $449 and planned availability beginning October 2, 2025. TechRadar cited launch pricing of £449 in the UK and AU$699 in Australia. These are launch-period figures, not verified current offers; local retail prices and stock can change. Check the price in your region before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPATIAL AUDIO HEADPHONES: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalized sound, shaped to you
- NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES: These wireless noise cancelling headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio
- HEADPHONES WITH MIC: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice and the bluetooth headphones with microphone filter out background noise for the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Soft ear cushions hug your ears, the band spreads pressure evenly and elevated materials let you make a statement with these noise cancelling over-the-ear headphones
- WIRELESS HEADPHONES BLUETOOTH: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers connection within 30 feet of your device; SimpleSync allows you to sync with a Bose smart soundbar so you can listen to TV at your own volume
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.
