Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review – The Benchmark for ANC

Experience superior ANC, comfort, and immersive sound with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), setting the standard for wireless headphones.

A Quick Dive into Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Let’s be real—finding headphones that master both noise cancellation and comfort is like striking gold. The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones from 2023 were already a beast in the ANC game, and the second generation builds on that legacy without reinventing the wheel. Bose wisely kept the core features intact while adding smart tweaks that make these headphones even more competitive.

Battery life saw a noteworthy boost—now 30 hours with ANC on and a whopping 45 hours if you decide to switch ANC off. Oh, and the new “Cinema” mode for immersive audio? A clever addition that brings a more cinematic vibe to your favorite films. Plus, you can still plug in with a wire for that high-res audio experience, which audiophiles will appreciate.

These upgrades don’t just add fluff; they highlight what Bose has always done best—top-notch noise cancellation, best-in-class comfort, stellar portability thanks to a hinged design, and lively, engaging sound quality.

True, some rivals might offer a fuller soundstage at this price point, but they often fall short in comfort and noise cancellation. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) remain unmatched for long-haul wear and that pristine ANC experience.

Release Date and Price

• Release Date: September 10, 2025
• Price: $449

Hitting shelves in September 2025 at $449, these headphones square off against some pretty formidable contenders. That price tag puts them firmly in the premium territory, demanding serious attention from anyone hunting for top-tier ANC headphones.

Specs at a Glance

Standout Features

• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive codec support
• Immersive spatial audio technology
• 30 hours battery life with ANC on

Bose remains pretty tight-lipped about some technical details, like the driver specs—a mystery that’s as intriguing as it is irritating. But what we do know is impressive: Bluetooth 5.4, compatibility with aptX Adaptive, plus older codecs like SBC and AAC, and now a USB-C input for wired high-res playback up to 24-bit/48kHz.

Immersive spatial audio has also evolved. You can toggle it off, switch between “Stationary” or “On the Move,” and the new “Cinema” mode adds a fresh cinematic twist to your media.

And of course, we get the legendary “ActiveSense” noise cancellation. This smart ANC automatically adjusts based on your environment. The companion app offers sliders to dial in ANC intensity and transparency levels. Unlike its predecessor, you can completely switch off ANC on this model, a neat touch.

Battery life has improved too—45 hours with ANC off, 30 hours with ANC on, and about 23 hours if you’re enjoying immersive audio simultaneously. Need a quick charge? Just 15 minutes plugged in nets you 3 hours of playtime.

Mic count? A whopping 10 microphones scattered around the earcups. Whether it’s ANC, calls, or voice assistants, the clarity and responsiveness are impressive.

• Feature rating: 5/5

Sound Quality

• Energetic, engaging sound signature
• Slightly less focus on micro-details
• Industry-leading noise cancellation

Let’s start with the headline: these headphones boast some of the best active noise cancellation money can buy. Seriously, their ANC outperforms many wireless over-ear headphones twice or even thrice the price.

This near-silence outside the earcups lets you dive into sound that’s direct, exciting, and full of life. Take Echo & The Bunnymen’s “Never Stop” in 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC format: the tempo stays tight and confident, dynamic shifts feel almost exhilarating.

The frequency response is pleasingly balanced. Deep lows hit hard but stay controlled, highs sparkle without harshness, and mids—especially vocals—are clear and upfront.

The soundstage is roomy and well-defined. Even in busy mixes, Bose carves out enough space for each instrument to breathe. The headphones glue everything together so the music feels like a whole, not a patchwork of sounds.

Switching to Nina Simone’s “Isn’t It a Pity?” reveals their ability to handle minimalistic, slow-building tracks just as well. The balance and restraint here reflect a mature sound design.

However, these aren’t the most detail-obsessed headphones out there. Subtle harmonic nuances and fleeting details get smoothed over a bit. But considering the incredible ANC, you’re more likely to enjoy the isolation than notice this minor shortfall.

• Sound quality rating: 4.5/5

Design

• Five color options
• Weighs only 250 grams
• Foldable construction

What hits you immediately is how incredibly light and comfy these cans are. At 250 grams, they’re significantly lighter than most competitors in the same price class. A masterful combo of plush padding on both the headband and earcups, plus just the right clamping force, means they stay comfy during marathon listening sessions. Plus, the faux leather stays cool, which is a blessing.

The design is packed with hinges, folding down to a compact size that fits neatly in the included semi-hard carrying case—much smaller than most rivals. Despite all the moving parts, the headphones never feel flimsy or cheaply built.

There are five colors to choose from. My review model came in a subtle “White Smoke” (a soft medical white), while options like “Black,” “Midnight Purple,” “Sand,” and “Desert Gold” bring stylish alternatives. The metal parts on the headband and slider got a brighter finish in some colors, adding a nice touch of flair.

• Design rating: 5/5

Ease of Use and Customization

• Physical and touch controls
• iOS and Android app support
• Immersive audio calibration

Setting up Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is as straightforward as it gets: power on, pair, and you’re off. Pairing with two devices simultaneously is just as painless.

Controls on the right earcup mix physical buttons and touch-sensitive sliders. You get a power/Bluetooth pairing button, plus a larger multifunction button for play/pause, track navigation, and ANC toggling. The touch slider controls volume, and a long press can trigger shortcuts like battery check, immersive audio modes, voice assistant, or Spotify launch. You can customize these shortcuts via the app.

Speaking of the app, it’s functional but not super flashy—especially compared to competitors like Bowers & Wilkins. You can tweak volume, EQ, ANC, immersive audio, and shortcut assignments. It also handles firmware updates smoothly. However, it lacks integration with streaming services or internet radio, features some rivals sneak in at this price.

• Ease of use rating: 4/5

Value for Money

• Some competitors offer better value
• Outstanding sound, ANC, and comfort

There’s no arguing Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are impeccably built with quality materials. Yet, the perceived value isn’t quite as high as some competitors. Maybe it’s the slightly firm, thin-feeling plastic on the earcups or the color of my test pair.

But when it comes to the user experience—from sound and noise cancellation to comfort and portability—they hold their ground firmly.

• Value rating: 4/5

Should You Buy Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?

Other Options to Consider

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

If value alongside great sound is your priority, the Px7 S3 offers a compelling alternative—though ANC doesn’t quite match Bose’s.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Looking for an all-rounder that nails every task without necessarily topping one? Sony WH-1000XM6 remains the go-to.

Apple AirPods Max

The classic benchmark in full-size headphones, these come at a higher price but bring ecosystem perks if you’re all-in on Apple.

How I Tested the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

• Wireless connections to iPhone 14 Pro, FiiO M15S digital player, and MacBook Pro
• Music from diverse genres and various file types and sizes
• Both wireless and USB-C wired connections

To get a full feel for these headphones, I paired them wirelessly with Apple MacBook Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and a dedicated FiiO M15S audio player, testing various codecs and file formats. I also plugged them in via USB-C to see how they handle high-res audio. Listening sessions took place both on the go and at home, ready for anything.

Bose managed to almost completely eliminate outside noise without altering the headphone’s sound signature or introducing the vacuum-like sensations some competitors struggle with.

FAQ

• What is the battery life with ANC enabled?
  With active noise cancellation turned on, you can expect up to 30 hours of continuous playback.
• Can these headphones be used wired for better audio quality?
  Yes, they support wired connection via USB-C for high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/48kHz.
• How effective is the noise cancellation?
  They offer some of the best active noise cancellation available, outperforming many more expensive models.
• Are there different color options available?
  Yes, there are five colors including White Smoke, Black, Midnight Purple, Sand, and Desert Gold.
• Does the companion app support streaming service integration?
  No, while the app offers settings control and updates, it lacks integration with streaming platforms or internet radio.

Ready to bring home the ultimate ANC experience and iconic design? Check out our collection of your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints to complement your music vibe.