The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) have the longest published battery life among the over-ear models compared here: up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on and Immersive Audio off. Bose rates them for up to 45 hours with noise cancellation off, or up to 23 hours with both noise cancellation and Immersive Audio on. Those are manufacturer maximums, not guaranteed real-world runtimes.
Battery-life comparison for Bose over-ear headphones
| Model | Bose-stated maximum | Conditions and availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Up to 30 hours; up to 45 hours with noise cancellation off | 30 hours with noise cancellation on and Immersive Audio off; 23 hours with both features on. Bose owner’s guide. |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Up to 24 hours | Bose lists this figure with noise cancelling on. Bose product page. |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | 22 hours | Historical comparison: Bose says this model was sold from 2022 to 2024. Bose product specifications. |
On Bose’s published figures, the 2nd Gen Ultra leads both the current QuietComfort Headphones and the older QC45. This comparison is limited to these Bose over-ear models and the official specifications cited; it is not a hands-on test or a ranking of every Bose in-ear, open-ear, discontinued or future model.
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How settings affect the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) runtime
The advertised maximum changes with the features in use. Bose specifies up to 30 hours when noise cancellation is on and Immersive Audio is off. With both on, Bose’s figure is up to 23 hours; with noise cancellation off, it is up to 45 hours. Compare models using the same feature settings where possible. Bose notes that battery life varies with settings and usage, so actual playback time may be lower than these maximums. Bose owner’s guide.
Does the QuietComfort Ultra charge quickly?
Bose says a 15-minute charge provides up to three hours of playback for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). Treat that as a Bose product-page claim, not a guarantee for every listening configuration: the owner’s guide gives separate, setting-specific quick-charge language. Bose product page.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
What to choose if battery life is your priority
- For the longest published runtime: choose the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), with the understanding that its 30-hour figure assumes noise cancellation on and Immersive Audio off.
- For a simpler current-model comparison: Bose rates the QuietComfort Headphones for up to 24 hours with noise cancelling on.
- When comparing claims: check noise-cancellation and Immersive Audio settings, and remember that the quoted numbers are manufacturer maxima rather than independent comparative measurements.
Bose’s September 10, 2025 announcement for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) likewise states: “The headphones also feature improved battery life with up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio on, 45 with ANC turned off) of play time”. Bose announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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 #4
- Custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers for powerful Beats sound.
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
- Ultralight ergonomic design for all-day comfort. Flex-grip headband and ergonomically angled, adjustable ear cups for a stable fit.
- UltraPlush ear cushions are designed for comfort and durability.
- Up to 50 hours of battery life.
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.
Rank #2
- A COOL NEW HUE: Listening feels anything but fleeting when you tune in with QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue
- 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
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.
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