Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen

Bose Β· Audio & Tech

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen review

The comfort pick: reviewers consistently rate it among the most comfortable premium over-ears, with noise cancelling on par with Sony's best. Several reviewers find Sony's WH-1000XM6 ahead on sound detail, and the upgrade over the first-gen model is modest.

Bose's 2025 refresh of its flagship over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. It adds lossless wired audio over USB-C, longer battery life, on-head detection for automatic on/off, and a Cinema mode, while keeping Bose's Immersive Audio spatial processing.

9/10SnipSnapy score Β· Excellent

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Who should buy this

Long-haul travellers and all-day wearers who value comfort and simple, effective noise cancelling, and who want USB-C wired listening.

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • Reviewers consistently rate it among the most comfortable flagship over-ears
  • Noise cancelling is rated close to the Sony WH-1000XM6
  • Lossless wired audio over USB-C, plus a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable in the box
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life, with 15 minutes of charging giving up to 3 hours
  • On-head detection turns the headphones on and off automatically

What to Consider

  • Several reviewers rate Sony's WH-1000XM6 ahead on sound detail
  • Battery drops to up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio on
  • A mild update over the first-gen QC Ultra; reviewers note the hardware design is largely unchanged
  • No IP rating for water or sweat resistance

SnipSnapy score

9/10
Excellent
Sound Quality
8.8
ANC
9.4
Comfort
9.6
Battery
8.8
Features
8.6
✎ Researched by Audio TeamUpdated 2026-10-29How we score β†’

Specifications

Battery lifeUp to 30 hours (up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio)
Charging time3 hours
Quick charge15 minutes for up to 3 hours
Weight (headphones only)0.58 lb
Bluetooth version5.4
Wired audioUSB-C, 16-bit at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz from compatible sources

Key features

  • ✦ Bose Immersive Audio spatial processing
  • ✦ Cinema mode for video and dialogue
  • ✦ Lossless audio over USB-C
  • ✦ On-head detection with automatic power on/off
  • ✦ aptX Adaptive support with Snapdragon Sound sources

Where to buy

StoreLink
A
Amazon
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Frequently Asked Questions

What changed from the first-gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?
Bose added lossless wired audio over USB-C, longer battery life, refined noise cancelling, on-head auto on/off and a Cinema mode. The overall design and fit stay very close to the original.
Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) or Sony WH-1000XM6?
Choose the Bose if comfort over long sessions and USB-C wired listening matter most. Choose the Sony if sound detail and app customisation are the priority; noise cancelling is close between them.

How we pick and rate products

1

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2

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3

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4

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SnipSnapy is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, SnipSnapy earns from qualifying purchases. Buying through our links can earn us a commission at no extra cost to you, and never changes what we recommend. How we make money