Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Review: Do These Headphones Still Rule Amidst Rival Giants?

Explore how the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 stands out in the fierce wireless headphone market with its upgraded noise-cancellation and sound features.

Remember when the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones dropped and wowed us with their stellar noise cancellation but left some gaps—like no USB-C audio input, shorter battery life, and a not-always-convincing immersive sound? Well, Bose heard the whispers and delivered a sequel that aims to fix all those quirks: the QuietComfort Ultra 2.

With this release, Bose stakes its claim as one of the most feature-packed noise-canceling headphones on the market. But is the Ultra 2’s upgrade enough to keep it at the top of the game against fierce competition? Let’s unpack the details.

Specs at a Glance

• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
• Multipoint Connectivity: Yes
• Battery Life: 30 hours with ANC, 45 without
• Weight: 250 grams
• Ports: USB-C, 2.5 mm audio jack

Priced at around $449, the Ultra 2 lands in the same ring as Sony WH-1000XM6, Sennheiser HDB 630, and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3—all similarly tagged around the mid-$400s. While wireless headphones have recently crept into more premium price zones, Ultra 2 represents Bose’s flagship consumer-tier offering, sitting above the regular QuietComfort models with added flagship perks like spatial audio.

Design and Build: Familiar, Yet Refined

If you expected a radical redesign with the second generation, think again. Bose sticks with a look that whispers “long-haul travel companion” — the earcups fold neatly inward, making them easy to stash in a roomy coat pocket or the included compact hard case.

Though they might look a tad delicate compared to some rivals, the build quality stands strong—our original Ultra pair still looks pristine after two years of heavy use.

Ultra 2’s shell is thin, with oval ear cushions trimmed in faux leather, and a brushed metal band that now dazzles more with polished edges rather than matte. Color enthusiasts get five choices, including the standout “Midnight Violet” and “Desert Gold” with black and gold accents.

While they don’t exude the luxe metal vibes of Apple AirPods Max or the meticulous detail of Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, their clean, business-smart minimalism offers a sharp alternative to the boxier Sony XM6 and Sennheiser HDB 630.

Fit-wise, these headphones are a delight. The combination of soft synthetic leather on the earcups and headband delivers a snug seal that’s great for noise isolation without feeling suffocating. Weighing only 250 grams, they’re easy to wear for hours at a stretch—even when you’re nodding along to your favorite tunes.

Controls and Features: Small Tweaks, Big Impact

The control layout remains familiar: the right earcup packs the power/pairing button, a multifunction control for play/pause and calls, a mode toggle, plus a responsive touch slider for volume adjustments.

Left earcup holds the 2.5 mm and USB-C ports, but here’s the big news—the USB-C port now not only charges but also serves for wired listening. This simplicity means just one cable to keep around. Plus, USB-C wired audio supports lossless CD-quality sound, a level Bluetooth aptX Adaptive can’t quite match despite its efficiency. Heads-up though: wired use still requires the headphones to be powered on.

Battery life takes a notable leap from 24 to 30 hours with ANC activated, and up to 45 hours without it—numbers that hold up in real-world tests and rival Sony’s WH-1000XM6. But if you crank on the power-hungry Immersive Audio mode, expect around 23 hours.

Immersive Audio is Bose’s proprietary spatial sound tech. While the “Motion” mode, which tracks head movements, felt a tad gimmicky to us during music playback, the “Still” mode—with a fixed sound source—opens up a more spacious, cinematic soundscape. Film lovers, rejoice!

Bose smartly blends Still Immersive Audio with its strongest noise cancellation settings into a “Cinema” mode, optimized for movie watching. Dialogues pop, special effects become crisp in a wide sonic field, even if this smooths out dynamics a bit—something to keep in mind for audiophiles.

Noise Cancellation That Still Leads the Pack

Whether you’re enjoying music or binging movies, these headphones keep distractions at bay. Bose’s noise cancellation remains a benchmark—despite Sony closing the gap with their WH-1000XM6, the Ultra 2 still outshines in delivering near-complete silence in its “Quiet” mode.

From noisy commutes and construction zones to just craving a moment of peace, these headphones create a vacuum that blocks out low rumbles and most mid-range clatter. On a plane, only a piercing baby cry might break through this fortress of calm.

If you find Bose’s noise-blocking approach a bit too intense, the “Immersive” mode lets you dial down the effect via the app. Sony’s counterpart offers similar performance but with a softer touch that doesn’t feel like ear pressure.

“Aware” mode works like a charm too, letting environmental sounds in so you stay alert without removing the headphones. Bose’s updated ActiveSense algorithm now automatically mutes sudden loud noises—tested with a vacuum cleaner, the headphones quickly softened the motor’s roar every time it kicked in.

Sound Quality: Clear, Punchy, Yet Facing Tough Competition

Although Bose typically sticks to a consistent sonic signature generation after generation, the Ultra 2 impresses with a subtle but real boost in clarity and detail. Compared to the original, the new model sounds denser and richer, shedding some of the former “hollowness.” There’s more breathing room between instruments, making the sound feel punchier, more engaging, and sharp.

Cue up “Von Dutch” by Charli XCX, and these headphones spring into action. Synth textures come alive, and the rhythm snaps with a satisfying crunch. It’s the same warm bass that Bose fans adore but now with added depth and precision.

However, should first-gen Ultra owners upgrade? The answer isn’t straightforward. The competitor landscape has shifted. The Sony WH-1000XM6 not only sounds different but arguably superior—more natural, balanced, textured, and dynamic.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Sennheiser HDB 630 also stand toe-to-toe with Sony’s level, making Bose’s otherwise entertaining signature feel a little behind the curve in this cutthroat arena.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Upgrade, but the Competition Is Fiercer Than Ever

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones do exactly what you’d expect: they patch previous gaps and polish the strengths of the original. They rightfully earn their “second generation” badge with thoughtful enhancements across the board.

Still, the challenge now lies beyond Bose’s camp. Over the past two years, rivals have raced ahead, especially in sound quality, ratcheting up the pressure on the noise-cancellation kings. Bose’s next move will need to be bolder to reclaim the crown.

Ratings Summary:

• Sound: 4/5
• Build Quality: 4/5
• Features: 5/5

"The new model shows a small but noticeable rise in clarity and detail, making the sound punchier and more engaging."

— Review Perspective

FAQ

• What’s new in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 compared to the original?
  The Ultra 2 adds USB-C audio input with lossless support, longer battery life, improved noise cancellation, and enhanced sound clarity.
• How does the battery life hold up with active noise cancellation?
  You get about 30 hours with ANC on, and up to 45 hours when it's off, matching top competitors.
• Can I use the headphones wired?
  Yes, via the USB-C port or the 2.5 mm jack. Note that the headphones need to be powered on for wired listening.
• Is the noise cancellation better than Sony’s WH-1000XM6?
  Bose still edges Sony in total sound isolation but Sony offers a gentler noise-canceling experience.
• Are these headphones comfortable for long-term wear?
  Absolutely. At 250 grams with soft faux leather cushions and a snug fit, they’re among the most comfortable over-ear wireless headphones.

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