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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$450
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 30 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

8.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.4

Sound

20.0%

9.6

Features

10.0%

7.3

Design

8.0%

7.4

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

Excellent
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 9.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    10

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

  • 7.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 9.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 4.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    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.

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.

Technical Specifications of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

8.3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a technical score of 8.35 points, which is higher than that of 97.2% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

8.3

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

8.4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.4 points, which is higher than 92.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

35 mm
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen uses a driver size of 35 mm, smaller driver size than 73.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

10
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has 10 microphones, more microphones than 99.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

5.4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen uses Bluetooth version 5.4, newer Bluetooth version than 95.2% of headphones and equal to 4.2% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

9 m
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers a Bluetooth range of 9 m, lower Bluetooth range than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

?
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

10
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers 10 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 98.8% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

30 hours
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46% of headphones and equal to 10.5% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

30 hours
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers battery life with ANC of 30 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 43.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

3 hours
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66% of headphones and equal to 21.3% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

750 mAh
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a battery capacity of 750 mAh, higher battery capacity than 71.5% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bose
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

252 g
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen weighs 252 g, heavier than 63% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

3.6
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a clamp force of 3.6, lower clamp force than 60.6% of headphones and equal to 7.9% of headphones.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
    When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Spatial audio support
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 9 more microphones
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has more microphones than the average headphone (10 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has more microphones than the average headphone (10 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.10 vs 1
  • 17 mm more spacious earcup width
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.60 mm vs 43 mm
  • 17 mm more spacious earcup width
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • Foldable design
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audio support
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.15 % lower distortion
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • USB-C charging
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 25% higher battery capacity
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (750 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • Play while charging
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 9 more microphones
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has more microphones than the average headphone (10 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 8 years newer release date
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen was released more recently than the average headphone (2,025 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
Features
  • 15.6% higher weight
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is heavier than the average headphone (252 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 5 mm smaller driver size
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has smaller driver size than the average headphone (35 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
    When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=2 hours

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 5 mm smaller driver size
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has smaller driver size than the average headphone (35 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has smaller driver size than the average headphone (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
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15.6% higher weight
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is heavier than the average headphone (252 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is heavier than the average headphone (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 headphone (£400 vs £90).
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).£400 vs £90
  • 4.65x less popular
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery

Graphic comparison of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen and

Attribute category
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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 dislike 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.

Expert reviews

A
audioreviews.org
25/01/2026
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.) REVIEW – Space Patrol

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones offer an energetic, refined sound with punchy, controlled bass and enhanced midrange transparency, delivering a vivid audio presentation. Key features include versatile USB-C lossless audio, a compelling Immersive Audio mode for a 3D soundstage, and a specialized Cinema Mode for clearer dialogue. While praised for this engaging,...Read more

B
businessinsider.com
16/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are a refined, premium upgrade priced at $449, targeted primarily at new customers rather than first-generation owners. Visually, the flagship headphones feature sleek, shiny metal arms instead of the older matte finish, maintaining a highly comfortable, lightweight design with plush ear cups. The standby features are vastly improved,...Read more

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techgearlab.com
12/12/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Headphones Review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) wireless headphones earn an overall score of 88 out of 100, ranking first among 20 tested models and winning the Editors' Choice Award for Best Overall Wireless Headphones. Priced at a $449 list price, they deliver world-class comfort with a gentle clamping force and memory-foam-like padding that allows for over 10 hours of continuous wear...Read more

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wired.com
23/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 Review - WIRED

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) retain the original model's exceptional comfort and top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC), introducing minor but highly functional convenience features rather than a complete overhaul. Key upgrades include an extended battery life of up to 30 hours (up from 24) and multiple low-power standby modes, such as automatically...Read more

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mashable.com
09/11/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.: 2nd Gen vs 1st Gen

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones fix several connection flaws of the first generation while keeping the line's elite comfort levels intact. Key upgrades include an extended 30-hour battery life (up from 24 hours), Bluetooth 5.4, and richer sound quality with better vocal clarity. The biggest pros are its revamped wired capabilities, which now support both passive...Read more

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gethegoods.com
24/11/2025
Review: Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Go to product viewer dialog for this item. - The Goods

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones are premium, circumaural over-ear cans praised as an exceptional long-term commuter and travel companion. Extensively field-tested across Lisbon's high-decibel metro lines and historic trams, the headphones feature an exceptionally lightweight, "seriously plush" design with protein-leather cushions that distribute weight...Read more

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expertreviews.co.uk
17/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) retain their premium £450 launch price while introducing several key upgrades, highlighted by a striking Midnight Violet colour option alongside minor metallic design tweaks. On the positive side, the headphones deliver industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) that excels at blocking low-end and difficult mid-range...Read more

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techradar.com
22/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), building upon the success of the 2023 original model with key, highly practical upgrades. Released in September 2025 for $449, these lightweight 250-gram cans introduce a significantly improved battery life of up to 45 hours with ANC disabled, and 30 hours with it turned on. New...Read more

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rtings.com
30/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are a premier ANC flagship offering 37 hours of battery life, superb noise isolation, and native USB-C audio, according to RTINGS. While featuring a natural-sounding microphone, the headphones suffer from inconsistent frequency response due to an un-disablable CustomTune system and an overly warm, bass-heavy default sound profile....Read more

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theguardian.com
14/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 review: the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 noise-cancelling headphones are premium, travel-friendly cans that offer modest but meaningful upgrades over their predecessors, specifically boosting battery life to 30 hours and adding the ability to listen over a direct USB-C connection for lossless audio. Priced at a steep £449.95 / $449.99, these headphones retain their predecessor's shape, weight,...Read more

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whathifi.com
26/11/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) successfully address major design and feature gaps of the original model by adding 45 hours of total battery life (30 hours with ANC activated), lossless CD-quality audio playback over USB-C, and a specialized "Cinema" spatial audio mode optimized for TV and movie watching. Priced at £450 / $449 / AU$700, they retain a lightweight...Read more

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digitec.ch
06/11/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 review: Fine-tuning instead of a fresh start

The Digitec review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 highlights incremental refinements, praising the balanced, detailed sound, exceptional Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and comfortable design. Notable pros include the 30-hour battery life and a new USB-C audio mode, while cons focus on the high CHF 449 price tag and slightly loose, clicky hinge construction. The review concludes...Read more

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spiegel.de
07/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Review: Now Keep It Quiet", "Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) Review: Turn It Down Now

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)Go over-ear headphones hit the market with a few subtle yet notable internal upgrades, carrying a retail price of 449 Euro—which is notably 50 Euro cheaper than the launch price of its predecessor. While the physical design and structural flexibility remain identical, allowing the earcups to easily twist 180 degrees into a small companion case,...Read more

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chip.de
22/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen Review - CHIP

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Generation) deliver a highly balanced, neutral soundstage with clear highs, uncorrupted mids, and precisely balanced bass that can be customized via an in-app equalizer. Its absolute standout feature is the world-class active noise cancellation (ANC), which effortlessly silences ambient disruptions ranging from low-frequency engine drone...Read more

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hifi.de
11/09/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 Review - HIFI.DE

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Generation) offer excellent sound quality, top-tier noise cancellation, and minor yet practical upgrades over their predecessor at a premium price point of €499.95. While maintaining the same comfortable, foldable design, warm sound profile, and exceptional stereo imaging as the original model, this second-generation release brings a few...Read more

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computerbild.de
09/01/2026
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation) review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation) over-ear headphones achieve a "very good" test rating of 1.4 from COMPUTER BILD, showing major improvements over their predecessor, particularly in audio quality and battery endurance. The sound signature is noticeably more detailed and balanced, offering a precise, deep bass that no longer overpowers the clean mids and clear highs. Its...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
16/09/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Generation) Review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Generation) offer a refined, five-star update to their predecessor rather than a total redesign. Retaining the exact same 252-gram lightweight construction and exceptional comfort, the headphones introduce a polished mirror-finish metal hinge design and an embedded logo for a touch of elegance. Key functionality upgrades include a faster...Read more

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frandroid.com
03/10/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Review: Headphones That Elevate Silence to a Fine Art", "Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation) Review: Elevating...

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation) premium wireless headphones maintain the brand's classic aesthetic while introducing targeted refinements, achieving an impressive overall test score of 9/10. Weighing 250 grams, the headphones offer exceptional comfort with plush synthetic leather ear cushions and a well-padded headband that accommodates glasses and larger head sizes...Read more

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computerhoy.20minutos.es
15/11/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra HP Gen2 claim the top spot in over-ear headphones", "Bose QuietComfort Ultra HP Gen2 go straight to the top of over-ear headph...

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra HP Gen2 over-ear headphones are highly praised for their exceptional comfort, elegant design, and an absolute perfect score in active noise cancellation (ANC). Equipped with next-generation ActiveSense technology, they effortlessly block out disruptive public transit sounds like trains and engines. Key advantages include up to 30 hours of battery life...Read more

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avpasion.com
30/11/2025
We reviewed the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd generation)", "We tested the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd generation)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation) over-ear headphones maintain the lightweight 250-gram design and exceptional comfort of their predecessors while introducing several key upgrades,,]. Priced officially at 479 euros, they now feature new aesthetic finishes like Desert Gold and Night Violet, alongside an upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 connection and a new AI system for noise...Read more

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es.wired.com
13/09/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation): The Headphones with the Best Noise Cancellation

Overview The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation) earbuds maintain the brand's long-standing crown in active noise cancellation (ANC) by offering the best decibel reduction on the market, making them excellent for frequent travelers and daily use. While keeping the same physical transducers and comfortable ergonomic design as their predecessors, this generation introduces small...Read more

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digitec.ch
06/11/2025
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2: evolution, not revolution

The Digitec review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 highlights the headphones as a refined, minor upgrade rather than a revolution, emphasizing industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), supreme comfort, and up to 30 hours of battery life. While praised for balanced, stable sound and practical, lossless audio via USB-C, the device receives criticism for loose-feeling,...Read more

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krefel.be
28/01/2026
Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 at Krëfel

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Generation)Go offers an exceptional, immersive audio experience with deep, non-intrusive bass, clear highs, and precise spatial audio. Its lightweight design, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), and CustomTune technology for personalized sound optimization make it a top contender for both home and work use. However, some users may find the...Read more

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dhrme.nl
03/04/2026
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2: Still Worth It?", "Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2: Is It Still Worth It?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 headphones remain a top choice for premium audio, priced between $400 and $450. According to the DHRME long-term review, the standout pros include exceptional comfort for long flights, top-tier ANC and transparency modes (Tier S), and excellent call quality that handles noisy conditions well. A recent firmware update also improved the user...Read more

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