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Yes—but the answer depends on the exact Bose QuietComfort model. The current QuietComfort Headphones can play through the supplied backup audio cable while charging, while the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) support USB-C audio and listening while charging. The earlier QuietComfort Ultra cannot play while powered on and charging, and QuietComfort SE does not play while charging.
QuietComfort wired audio and charging, by model
| Model | Wired audio | Audio while charging | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuietComfort Headphones | Yes, with the supplied backup audio cable | Yes, using that cable | Bluetooth is disabled while charging. Wired volume may start low. Bose Support |
| QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Yes, including USB-C audio | Yes | Bose lists an included 3.5 mm-to-USB-C cable for analog sources. Its USB-C-to-USB-C cable supports charging while listening and USB audio. Bose product details |
| QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Yes, USB-C audio | Yes | The owner’s guide describes connecting USB-C to an external power source and audio device, including when the battery is depleted and Bluetooth is unavailable. Bose owner’s guide |
| QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (prior generation) | Yes, with an audio cable; USB is not an audio connection | No, not while powered on | Connecting external power turns the headphones off. When the battery is depleted and Bluetooth is unavailable, connect both the USB power cable and audio cable. Bose owner’s guide |
| QuietComfort SE | Not stated in the cited guide | No | The guide states that the headphones do not play while charging. Bose owner’s guide |
How to listen while charging
Current QuietComfort Headphones
- Connect the supplied backup audio cable between the headphones and your audio source.
- Connect the charging cable to the headphones. Bluetooth is disabled during charging, so use the wired connection for audio.
- If the sound is faint, press Volume + on the headphones. If they are off or depleted and the headphone volume control is disabled, adjust the source device’s volume instead. Bose’s troubleshooting instructions
2nd Gen models
QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) support USB-C audio while charging. For an analog source with QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), Bose identifies a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C cable. Check the connector and the exact model before substituting a cable; QuietComfort models do not all support the same wired connection.
Earlier QuietComfort Ultra
Use an audio cable for wired listening; the USB connection is for charging, not audio. Because the headphones do not charge while powered on, Bose’s guide says that if the battery is depleted and Bluetooth is unavailable, connect both the USB cable and audio cable.
Quick Recap
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If a wired connection does not work
- Check the full product name. “QuietComfort,” “QuietComfort (2nd Gen),” “QuietComfort Ultra,” “QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen),” and “QuietComfort SE” have different audio and charging behavior.
- Do not assume any USB-C cable carries audio. USB-C audio is supported by the two 2nd Gen models listed above; the earlier QuietComfort Ultra uses USB for charging and an audio cable for wired playback.
- Raise volume at the right point. On current QuietComfort Headphones, try the headphone’s Volume + control first. If it is unavailable because the headphones are off or depleted, change volume on the source.
- Use a model-matched cable. Bose’s instructions identify a supplied backup audio cable for current QuietComfort Headphones and a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C cable for analog sources with QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). They do not establish one universal replacement cable for every QuietComfort model.
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.
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