Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review
Bose's updated flagship headphones add lossless USB-C audio and longer battery life to already superb comfort and ANC.
We spent 3 weeks testing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) as part of our daily routine to see how it holds up beyond the spec sheet. Here is everything you need to know before you buy.
Price and Availability
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is available now from Bose and major retailers starting at $449. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, as we regularly see discounts during major shopping events.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|
| ANC | CustomTune |
| Battery | 30 hours |
| Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Wired | USB-C lossless audio |
| Weight | 250 g |
| Spatial audio | Immersive Audio |
Design and Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Bose has clearly paid attention to weight distribution and fit, and the controls are intuitive once you learn them.
Sound Quality
Out of the box, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) offers a warm, engaging sound with tight bass, clear mids and detailed highs. The companion app's EQ lets you fine-tune the sound to your taste.
Noise Cancellation and Battery
Noise cancellation effectively muted airplane rumble and office chatter in our tests. Battery life matched Bose's claims, and quick charging gives you hours of playback from a few minutes plugged in.
Pros and Cons
What we like
- The most comfortable headphones we have tested
- Excellent ANC
- Lossless USB-C playback
What we don't like
- Immersive Audio drains battery
- Expensive
Verdict: Should You Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)?
If comfort on long flights is your priority, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen are the headphones to get.
Our score: 9.0/10 – Editor’s Choice