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Bose announced four audio products in 2026: QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), Sport Open Earbuds, Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), and Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. They span over-ear headphones and two different earbud formats. Bose has described features for each, but the announcements alone do not establish independent test results or availability in every country.
At a glance: Bose’s 2026 audio announcements
| Product | Format | Announcement date | What Bose highlighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Over-ear headphones | August 6, 2026 | Wired USB-C lossless playback up to 24-bit/48 kHz; Bose says the headphones retain its SoundDesign digital signal processing. |
| Sport Open Earbuds | Open-ear earbuds | September 17, 2026 | Bose’s OpenAudio approach and SpeechClarity voice-isolation technology. |
| Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Open-ear earbuds | September 17, 2026 | Bose’s OpenAudio approach and SpeechClarity voice-isolation technology. |
| Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds | USB-C wired earbuds | September 28, 2026 | Bose SoundDesign digital signal processing and lossless listening support. |
These dates are announcement dates, not a guarantee of retail launch timing or stock in a particular market. Feature descriptions in this guide are Bose’s claims, not independently verified performance findings.
What’s new in QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)?
Bose announced the second-generation QuietComfort Headphones on August 6, 2026. The company says the model retains its SoundDesign digital signal processing and adds lossless playback over wired USB-C audio, supporting up to 24-bit/48 kHz. That specification describes the supported audio format; it is not an independent assessment of how the headphones sound.
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#1 Best Overall
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
How do Bose’s two open-ear earbuds differ?
Bose announced Sport Open Earbuds and Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) together on September 17, 2026, extending its open-ear lineup. Bose describes its OpenAudio design as delivering personal sound while leaving the ear open, and says both models include SpeechClarity voice-isolation technology.
| Model | Form factor | What the announcement establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Open Earbuds | Open-ear | A distinct model in Bose’s open-ear range; Bose identifies the Sport name and says it includes OpenAudio and SpeechClarity. |
| Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Open-ear | The second generation of Bose’s Ultra Open model; Bose says it includes OpenAudio and SpeechClarity. |
The shared open-ear description means these are intended to leave the ear open rather than seal it like conventional in-ear buds. That design is relevant for listeners who want to remain more aware of surrounding sounds, but the announcement does not prove how well either model handles that in a particular environment. It also does not establish a tested winner, or enough detail to make a performance comparison between the Sport and Ultra models.
Rank #2
- A COOL NEW HUE: Listening feels anything but fleeting when you tune in with QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
Are Bose’s new noise-cancelling earbuds wired?
Yes. Bose announced Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds on September 28, 2026, and describes them as USB-C wired earbuds. Bose says they use its SoundDesign digital signal processing and support lossless listening. The company presents the wired connection as a return to wired earbuds.
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The announcement’s noise-cancelling name is not evidence of independently tested cancellation performance. It also does not establish country-by-country availability.
Rank #3
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
A related Bose home-audio release
In May 2026, Bose announced the Lifestyle Collection, comprising a smart speaker, a soundbar, and a subwoofer. These are home-audio products rather than part of the four personal-audio products above, so they are best treated as a separate related release.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLATION: Effortlessly combines noise cancelling headphones technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- PREMIUM COMFORT: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #4
- Custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers for powerful Beats sound.
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
- Ultralight ergonomic design for all-day comfort. Flex-grip headband and ergonomically angled, adjustable ear cups for a stable fit.
- UltraPlush ear cushions are designed for comfort and durability.
- Up to 50 hours of battery life.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
