Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Review: Have QuietComfort Truly Improved?

Explore the enhanced features and sound quality of the Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen, and see if these QuietComfort earbuds set a new standard.

Introduction: A Fresh Take on Bose’s Flagship Earbuds

Not long ago, Bose upgraded its flagship wireless earbuds with the Ultra edition. So, releasing a second generation might seem a bit premature. But the Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen aren’t exactly a full sequel — more like a deluxe reissue with a few bonus tracks that complement an already stellar product.

You can expect the same impressive, pleasant sound, an immersive audio mode that expands the soundstage, and an almost supernatural ability to shut out the outside world—just like the original QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. Only now, adaptive noise cancellation handles sudden loud noises better, and the microphones are tuned for clearer voice calls. Plus, wireless charging is finally standard, not an add-on.

Nothing here disrupts the winning formula. The key question: are these updates enough to outperform tougher competition and justify the steep price of around $410?

Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refined

Telling the 2nd Gen apart from their predecessors requires a sharp eye and encyclopedic knowledge of Bose’s color palette. The White Smoke shade in my review model is a bit grayer than the pure white of the first generation, while the black version remains nearly identical to the original. Only the limited Deep Plum edition stands out as a clear new flavor.

They’re still fairly bulky, mostly plastic, but the metal-like finish gives them a polished look. Thanks to their ergonomic shape, you won’t notice their size once they're in your ears. They stay firmly put thanks to rubber stabilizing bands that tighten with a twist—easy to master once you get the hang of inserting and adjusting them.

Now, you can sweat it out without worrying about them falling off — although, honestly, these aren’t really workout earbuds. They still carry an IPX4 rating, enough to shrug off small splashes and light rain but nothing more demanding.

The most significant design change is internal: each earbud now has a redesigned structure to block earwax from reaching the driver casing. Still, after a few weeks of use, I found myself wiping them down anyway.

Battery Life and Features: Wireless Charging Joins the Party

Aside from color, the charging case looks identical to the previous one, except wireless charging is now included. Honestly, it felt a bit cheeky that Bose made wireless charging optional on the first-gen Ultra earbuds, especially when competitors offered it as standard at similar prices. The second generation fixes this oversight.

The case fits easily in your pocket but isn’t the smallest you’ll find on the market.

Unfortunately, battery life hasn't improved. You’ll still need to recharge frequently. With noise cancellation turned on, expect about six hours of playback—one to two hours less than some top competitors. If you switch to Immersive Audio mode, that drops by another two hours. The case holds enough charge for three full earbud charges before it itself needs a power top-up. A quick 20-minute charge in the case gives you an extra two hours of listening.

Bose has improved call quality, though. Updated algorithms make voices clearer even amid background noise, and I had zero complaints from call recipients. This applies whether using both earbuds or just one.

Immersive Audio technology offers spatial sound that works in tandem with noise cancellation modes. Hold down a button to feel enveloped in your music. It widens the soundstage significantly and colors the sound less than some competitors, though audiophiles may argue it’s not exactly what the artist intended. There are two modes to choose from: Still, where the soundscape remains fixed, and Motion, which tracks your head position to anchor the sound directly in front of you. It feels a bit artificial to me but has its fans.

Interface: Familiar Yet Functional

Bose hasn’t updated the companion app, so if you used the older model, this will feel familiar. The app is straightforward with a standard set of features, but a few options make it worth downloading.

You can assign different functions to the left and right touch controls, such as switching between paired devices, toggling Immersive Audio, resuming your last Spotify playlist, or activating your phone’s voice assistant. If you’re not a fan of touch controls, you can fully disable them to avoid accidental taps while adjusting fit or fixing your hair.

The Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen also feature Multipoint Bluetooth, allowing you to switch between two connected devices with a single tap. They remember more devices than that, and the app lets you pick which two are active at a time.

However, the default sound customization is quite basic—only four simple EQ presets like “more bass” or “less treble,” plus a simple three-band equalizer. There’s no way to save settings for specific content types like podcasts or movies.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation: A Leader Maintains Its Throne

Noise cancellation is where Bose didn’t mess with success. The original Ultra earbuds set a high bar for in-ear ANC, and the 2nd Gen keeps that crown. It efficiently blocks out noises from trains, airplanes, and busy streets. Sudden loud sounds are less jarring now, and background hiss is barely noticeable, even when listening to podcasts. Transparency mode has also improved noticeably—speech sounds clearer than on the previous model.

This doesn’t affect the overall sound quality. Whatever you listen to, the Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen deliver a rich and pleasant experience. Bose’s signature deep bass is present and well-balanced, as heard in Modestep’s “Hang my Heart”, without drowning out the mids. The crisp highs reveal plenty of detail and give vocals room to shine.

Their soundstage is impressive for in-ears, even before activating Immersive Audio, and everything stays clear even at maximum volume. While others like Technics EAH-AZ100 sound a bit more dynamic, and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offer more precise sound at low volumes or with acoustic tracks, QuietComfort Ultra earbuds still confidently hold their ground.

Final Verdict: Not a Revolution but a Worthy Evolution

Maybe not a full sequel, but the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen fix most issues of the original. Call quality is better, cleaning them is simpler, and wireless charging doesn’t hit your wallet extra. Battery life could be longer, but noise cancellation and sound quality remain top-notch.

These might be small wins, but they’re enough to keep Bose leading its class.

“The Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen maintain their crown for in-ear noise cancellation, effectively silencing trains, planes, and busy city streets.”

— Reviewer

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the noise cancellation on the Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen compare to the original?
  The 2nd Gen improves noise cancellation by better handling sudden loud noises and reducing background hiss, maintaining leadership in in-ear ANC technology.
• Are the Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen suitable for workouts?
  They have an IPX4 rating, resistant to sweat and light rain, but are not designed specifically for intense workouts.
• Does the new generation support wireless charging?
  Yes, wireless charging is now standard with the charging case, unlike the first generation where it was an extra feature.
• How long is the battery life with noise cancellation enabled?
  You get about six hours of playback with ANC on, plus three full recharges from the case.
• Can I customize the earbuds’ sound profile?
  Yes, but customization is limited to four EQ presets and a simple three-band equalizer without saving profiles for different content types.

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