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Yes—but it depends on the exact Bose QuietComfort model. The current QuietComfort Headphones can play through the supplied backup audio cable while charging, and both QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) support USB-C audio while charging. The earlier QuietComfort Ultra does not play while charging, and QuietComfort SE does not play while charging either.
QuietComfort wired audio and charging, by model
| Model | Wired audio | Can it play while charging? | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuietComfort Headphones | Yes, using the supplied backup audio cable | Yes, with that audio cable | Bluetooth is disabled while charging. Wired volume may start low. Bose’s troubleshooting instructions explain the wired-volume controls. |
| QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Yes, including USB-C audio | Yes | Bose says the included USB-C cable supports charging while listening and USB audio; a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C cable is listed for analog sources. See Bose’s product details. |
| QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Yes, USB-C audio | Yes | The owner’s guide describes USB-C connections to an external power source and audio device. Read the owner’s guide. |
| QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (prior generation) | Yes, with an audio cable; USB is not an audio connection | No, not while powered on and charging | USB is for charging. For listening with a depleted battery and no Bluetooth, Bose’s guide says to connect both the USB power cable and audio cable. Read the owner’s guide. |
| QuietComfort SE | A general wired-audio answer is not established in the cited guide | No | The guide states that the headphones do not play while charging. Read the owner’s guide. |
How to listen on current QuietComfort Headphones while charging
- Connect the supplied backup audio cable between the headphones and your audio source.
- Connect the headphones to a charger. Bluetooth is disabled while the current QuietComfort Headphones are charging, so use the cable for playback.
- If the sound is faint, press Volume + on the headphones. If they are off or depleted and the headphone volume control is unavailable, raise the volume on the connected source.
For QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), USB-C audio is also supported while charging. For analog sources, Bose identifies a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C cable. Do not assume that any USB-C charging cable carries audio on every QuietComfort model.
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Why the generation matters
USB-C charging does not always mean USB-C audio
The two second-generation models listed above support USB-C audio. The prior QuietComfort Ultra guide treats USB as a charging connection, not an audio connection. Use an audio cable or Bluetooth for sound on that model.
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Charging can stop playback on older or different models
The earlier QuietComfort Ultra turns off when external power is connected and does not charge while powered on. QuietComfort SE’s guide likewise says playback does not continue during charging. These limits differ from the current QuietComfort Headphones, which can play through the supplied backup cable while charging.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
SaleBestseller No. 3
Best Value
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Cypress Green - Limited Edition
- 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 earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear 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 gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #4
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) (Renewed)
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLATION: Effortlessly combines noise cancelling headphones technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- PREMIUM COMFORT: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear 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 gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #3
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Sandstone
- 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
Rank #2
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke
- 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
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
- 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
If wired sound does not work
- Confirm the full model name. QuietComfort Headphones, QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), QuietComfort Ultra, QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), and QuietComfort SE have different wired-audio and charging behavior.
- Check the connection type. On the prior QuietComfort Ultra, USB does not carry audio; use an audio cable or Bluetooth. USB-C audio is supported on the two second-generation models named above.
- Check volume on both ends. On current QuietComfort Headphones, raise headphone volume if it is low; if the headphones are off or depleted, adjust the source volume.
- Use a cable that matches the model and source. Bose’s instructions do not establish one universal replacement cable for all QuietComfort generations.
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.
