OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£400Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:30 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen
8.4/10

Overall score

Score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

80%

8.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

★Better than 96% of headphones
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

▲Better than 89%
8.4

Technical score

Technical score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

52%

8.6

Sound

20%

9.6

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

6.5

Connectivity

6%

6.3

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

★Better than 96%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-2nd-gen
bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-2nd-gen
Where to buy
    N/A~ £400
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen

Technical score
Technical score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

52%

8.6

Sound

20%

9.6

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

6.5

Connectivity

6%

6.3

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

8.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

8.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
35 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 35 mm, smaller driver size than 73.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
10
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 10 microphones, more microphones than 99.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5.4
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5.4, newer Bluetooth version than 95.2% of headphones and equal to 4.1% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
9 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 9 m, lower Bluetooth range than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Audio latency
292 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 292 ms, higher audio latency than 97.8% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
10
Market range: <2 – >12
This pair of headphones offers 10 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 98.8% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
30 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46.3% of headphones and equal to 10.4% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
30 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 30 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 43.1% of headphones and equal to 9.1% of headphones.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
750 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 750 mAh, higher battery capacity than 71.9% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Bose
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
252 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 252 g, heavier than 63% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
3.6
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.6, lower clamp force than 60.4% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
Show more

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Head tracking support
    This pair of headphones supports head tracking, the average pair of headphones does not. 2.9% of headphones support head tracking.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 15.4% better value for money
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (8.39 vs 7.3).
    8.39 vs 7.27
  • 16 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    60 mm vs 44 mm
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.15 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.15 % vs 0.3 %
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 29.3% higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (750 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    750 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Adaptive support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Fast pairing support
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 9 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    10 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Head tracking support
    This pair of headphones supports head tracking, the average pair of headphones does not. 2.9% of headphones support head tracking.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • Find-my-headphones feature
    This pair of headphones supports find-my-headphones features, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.7% of headphones support Find My Headphones.
  • 9 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2025 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2025
    2025 vs 2016
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 142 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (292 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    292 ms vs 150 ms
  • 5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (35 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    35 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (252 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    252 g vs 218 g
  • 4.44x more expensive
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£400 vs £90).
    £400 vs £90
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 4.44x more expensive
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£400 vs £90).
    £400 vs £90
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 15.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (252 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    252 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (35 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    35 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 142 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (292 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    292 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Osha 4K
≈ estimated
08/03/2026
Hands-on comparison · second generation vs. first generation
Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen replaces the first generation, though its plastic build is hard to justify.
9.0
Wanna Buy It
≈ estimated
13/02/2026
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and battery versus first gen
Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen have better comfort and sound than the first gen, and they are recommended if you can afford them.
7.0
Erin Lawrence
≈ estimated
25/11/2025
Hands-on review · three weeks of use
Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are comfortable and sound great, but the upgrade isn't necessary; the original is the better buy at a lower price.
8.0
foXnoMad
≈ estimated
10/11/2025
Travel review · noise cancelling, fit and battery tests
Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen have strong noise cancelling and build, though the fit and hum may not suit everyone.
9.0
RonOnTech
≈ estimated
03/11/2025
Unboxing and review · sound, ANC, mics and app tests
Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are a clear step up from the earlier model and a very good pair for Bose fans.
9.2
RecordingNOW
✓ explicit
10/10/2025
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and noise cancelling tests
Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are a clear improvement over the first generation, with few weaknesses.
6.0
SoundGuys
≈ estimated
08/10/2025
Lab-tested review · sound measurements and ANC tests
Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offer solid noise cancelling and useful upgrades, but the tuning won't suit everyone.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
26/11/2025
Hands-on review · Upgraded flagship
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are Bose's best noise-cancelling over-ears to date, with 30-hour battery life, but they look almost identical to the first model.
theguardian.com
14/10/2025
Hands-on review · Commute and travel
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are very comfortable with strong noise cancelling for commutes and flights, though Sony's WH-1000XM6 edges ahead in that area.
R
rtings.com
30/10/2025
Summary of the review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review
techradar.com
22/10/2025
Hands-on review · Premium noise cancelling
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) have top-tier noise cancelling and are very light, but they lack fine detail.
expertreviews.co.uk
17/10/2025
Hands-on review · Daily wear
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) excel at noise cancelling, comfort and calls, but their plasticky build falls short for the price.
gethegoods.com
24/11/2025
Field test · Lisbon commute
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) cut metro and tram noise well and feel light, though brake squeal still faintly comes through.
techgearlab.com
12/12/2025
Lab test · Bass-focused sound
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) suit listeners who want a bass-heavy, dramatic sound, with plush comfort and clear calls.
businessinsider.com
16/10/2025
Hands-on test · Flagship refresh
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is a modest upgrade: automatic on and off works well and lossless USB-C is new, but sound and noise cancelling barely changed.
audioreviews.org
25/01/2026
Detailed review · Spatial audio
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is comfortable with strong noise cancelling, and its Immersion and new Cinema modes shine, though bass needs turning down in the app.
trustedreviews.com
01/04/2026
Three-month test · Wired audio
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is comfortable with long battery life and slightly better ANC, but Sony and Sennheiser sound better for less money.
pcmag.com
06/10/2025
Hands-on review · Noise cancelling
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen sounds deep and rich and offers USB-C lossless listening, but Sony's WH-1000XM6 beats it on audio and noise cancelling.
soundguys.com
01/10/2025
Lab test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is a crowd-pleaser with a convincing sense of 3D space and USB-C audio, though Sony offers more customization.
zdnet.com
19/09/2026
Long-term test · Flagship upgrade
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 is comfortable with noise cancelling matching Sony's, but Sony sounds cleaner and owners of the first generation can skip it.
digitaltrends.com
19/09/2025
Hands-on test · Travel headphones
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen excels at blocking plane noise, with all-day comfort and lossless USB-C, but Sony and Bowers & Wilkins sound better.
ecoustics.com
24/09/2026
Hands-on review · Upgrade check
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen keeps the original's strong noise cancelling and comfort, and suits anyone wanting a lively, fun listen.
stereoguide.com
28/09/2025
Lab test · Over-ear ANC headphones
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen suit bass lovers and long-haul travelers, with punchy bass and strong noise cancelling, but voices sound harsher than on the first model.
computerbild.de
09/01/2026
Lab test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer detailed sound, best-in-class noise cancelling and a 49-hour battery, but they are not ideal for energetic sport.
stereoguide.de
25/09/2025
Hands-on test · Punchy tuning
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) hit hard with punchy bass and very effective noise cancelling, but voices sound rougher than on the first model.
spiegel.de
07/10/2025
Field test · Long-haul flights
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) suit long flights, with strong noise cancelling and comfort, though AirPods Pro 3 did a better job of blocking cabin announcements.
lesnumeriques.com
16/09/2025
Hands-on test · Incremental update
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are comfortable, with clear, punchy sound and strong noise cancelling, but changes from the first model are modest.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen

  • Industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) that excels at blocking low-frequency engine rumbles and mid-range chatter.
  • Exceptional all-day comfort due to a lightweight 250g design and plush protein leather ear cushions.
  • Improved battery life of 30 hours with ANC enabled, an increase from the 24 hours offered by the first generation.
  • New 'Cinema Mode' that enhances spatial audio for video content, making dialogue and background effects more immersive.
  • Wired lossless audio support via USB-C, allowing users to listen and charge simultaneously.
  • Fast and reliable connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4, including stable multipoint pairing for two devices.
  • Helpful auto-pause and auto-off sensors that trigger when the headphones are removed or laid flat.

What customers don't like about Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen

  • Premium launch price ($449/£449) remains high compared to strong competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6.
  • The companion app is considered somewhat basic, with a limited 3-band EQ rather than more advanced parametric options.
  • Default sound signature can be overly bass-heavy ('wall of bass'), often requiring manual EQ adjustments to balance the mids and highs.
  • Capacitive volume touch strip is prone to accidental triggers when adjusting the headphones on the head.
  • No IP rating for water or dust resistance, making them less suitable for intense exercise or outdoor use in bad weather.
  • Microphone quality is passable for calls but can sound compressed and 'thin' in noisy outdoor environments.
  • Minimal design changes from the first generation, making it a marginal upgrade for existing owners.

Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are flagship over-ear headphones released in late 2025 that feature industry-leading adaptive noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity, and the CustomTune calibration system that tailors audio to your ear's unique shape. Key characteristics include the addition of lossless audio support via USB-C, a new Cinema Mode for spatialised 3D sound, and an upgraded battery life of up to 30 hours with ANC enabled (45 hours with it off). Main pros include class-leading comfort with soft protein-leather cushions, remarkably effective noise isolation for travel, and a more tonally balanced sound profile compared to the previous generation. Notable cons are the limited 3-band EQ in the companion app, the lack of an official IP rating for water resistance, and occasional issues with physical durability in the swivel mechanism.

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