Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd generation).
For the best possible blend of active noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, you need look no further than the recently released Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Generation). Although they’re expensive – and although we give the edge to Sony in ANC quality – their solid construction and excellent performance will definitely last you years of use.
The first generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have been one of our favorite headphones since their release in 2023, so the second generation headphones had great potential. Although the upgrades aren’t too shocking, Bose does fix the most serious problems with the first-generation earbuds.
For the most part, noise-cancellation and the sound profile remain unchanged. There are minor improvements over both: the sound profile is a little richer, the adaptive noise cancellation is a little more effective, and the 10 levels of adjustable noise cancellation are easier to access through the companion app. Although we found the ANC to be slightly more effective on the Sony XM6 headphones, the adjustability of the Bose headphones can’t be beat.
The design is also aesthetically similar, with the main changes coming in the form of a shiny metal piece in the headband. They are, somehow, a bit more comfortable than the first generation Ultras, especially in the ear cup area. Like the first generation headphones, the ear cups are still removable, making them easy to clean and replace years later.
In combination with the above features, the folding ear cup design of the Ultras has made them one of the best headphones for long trips, but Bose has made them even better this time. Battery life is now up from 24 to 30 hours, and the headphones support passive playback with the auxiliary cable, meaning they don’t need to be turned on to play audio. The USB-C charging cable can also be used to play audio, although the headphones need to be turned on to use this feature.
Bose also improved wear detection on these headphones and added a Lay Flat mode, which automatically disconnects the headphones from Bluetooth and puts them into low power mode when placed on a flat surface. Overall, these headphones feel even more premium than the previous generation, and at the same price, the first generation was available for $449.
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