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For the broadest feature set, choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). They combine Bose’s strongest noise-cancellation positioning, an adaptive microphone system, CustomTune, Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode, lossless USB-C audio and up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and Immersive Audio off. Choose the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) if you want the newer QuietComfort-generation design, Immersive Audio, USB-C audio and improved voice pickup with a simpler value proposition. The recommendations below are based on Bose’s documented specifications and claims; no independent listening, call or laboratory test was performed.
Quick answer: which Bose headphones fit your use?
| What matters most | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Calls in noisy offices, streets or cafés | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Bose documents an adaptive microphone system intended to isolate your voice from competing noise and wind, with support for phone calls, Teams, Zoom and FaceTime. |
| Long flights and daily commuting | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Active noise cancellation, around-ear cushions, a carry case, approximately 9-ounce weight and up to 30 hours in the ANC-on/Immersive-off mode. |
| Music and films with the most processing options | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | CustomTune, Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode and USB-C digital lossless audio are all documented features. |
| Newer QuietComfort features at a simpler tier | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Bose lists Immersive Audio, USB-C audio, Cinema Mode and improved voice pickup for this generation. |
| Maximum battery with processing disabled | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Bose states up to 45 hours with ANC turned off; the claim falls to 30 hours with ANC on and Immersive Audio off. |
“Best” depends on the mode you use. A battery number quoted without its ANC and Immersive Audio settings is not a useful comparison, and Bose’s microphone and noise-cancellation statements are manufacturer claims rather than independent test results.
What is new in Bose’s current lineup?
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose announced the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones on September 10, 2025. Availability was announced for October 2, 2025, at a $449 launch price. The update introduced lossless USB-C audio, Cinema Mode, updated adaptive noise cancellation and longer battery life. Bose’s comparison material dates this model to September 2025.
The product page lists an around-ear fit, removable cushions, USB-C charging, built-in microphones and a carry case. Bose’s comparison article places the weight at approximately 9 ounces. Those details matter for travel: removable cushions can be replaced when they wear, while a case protects the folding headset in a bag.
#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
QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose’s current comparison lists the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) as sold from August 2026. It identifies Immersive Audio, USB-C audio, Cinema Mode and improved voice pickup as additions for this generation. The comparison lists the earlier QuietComfort Headphones from October 2023.
Bose’s supplied material does not establish a battery figure, weight, cushion-removal specification or device-switching behavior for the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). Treat those items as unconfirmed rather than assuming they match the Ultra model.
Original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are useful as a reference point. Bose stated up to 24 hours of battery life, or up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The second generation raises the manufacturer’s claims to as much as 30 hours in its ANC-on/Immersive-off mode, but the two figures are not directly comparable unless the listening modes are the same.
Compare the two current QuietComfort models
| Feature | QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Position in lineup | Feature-rich Ultra model | Simpler QuietComfort option |
| Model availability date listed by Bose | September 2025 | August 2026 |
| Launch price | $449 launch price, announced in 2025 | Not stated in the supplied Bose material |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes; Bose highlights updated adaptive noise cancellation | QuietComfort ANC positioning is documented; specific second-generation performance measurements are not stated |
| Aware/ActiveSense behavior | Bose documents the QuietComfort family’s Aware/ActiveSense behavior; exact second-generation settings are not stated | Exact second-generation Aware/ActiveSense details are not stated |
| Microphones and voice pickup | Adaptive system designed to isolate voice from background noise and wind | Improved voice pickup is listed by Bose |
| Immersive Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Cinema Mode | Yes | Listed by Bose as an addition |
| CustomTune | Yes | Not stated |
| USB-C audio | Yes; lossless digital audio | USB-C audio is listed |
| Battery claim | Up to 30 hours ANC on/Immersive off; 23 hours with both on; 45 hours ANC off | Not stated |
| Fit and included items | Around-ear fit, carry case, removable cushions and USB-C charging | Not stated in the supplied material |
| Weight | Approximately 9 ounces, according to Bose’s comparison article | Not stated |
| Laptop-to-phone switching | Bose documents switching without re-pairing | Not stated |
“Not stated” means Bose’s cited material does not establish that specification for the model; it is not a claim that the feature is absent.
Best Bose headphones for calls
Why the Ultra 2nd Gen is the safer call choice
Bose says the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) microphone system adapts to the surroundings to isolate your voice from competing noise and wind. Bose also lists support for ordinary phone calls and voice applications such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and FaceTime. That combination addresses the situations in which headset microphones usually matter most: a windy walk, an open office or a shared workspace.
Rank #2
- 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.
The wording is important. These are Bose’s design claims, not a third-party call-quality score. The documentation does not establish studio-grade isolation, equal performance in every wind condition or how the headset compares with a dedicated conference microphone. If your work depends on consistently clear speech, test the headset with your own laptop, phone and meeting software during the return period.
When the QuietComfort 2nd Gen is enough
The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are the lower-tier alternative when calls are important but you do not need every Ultra feature. Bose specifically lists improved voice pickup for this model. The material does not provide an independent measurement or a detailed wind-rejection specification, so do not treat “improved” as a quantified performance guarantee.
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A practical call checklist
- Pair with the computer and phone you actually use, then place a short test call in a quiet room and in your normal noisy location.
- Test both a cellular call and the VoIP service used by your workplace.
- Ask the other person whether your voice remains intelligible when you turn your head or walk near traffic.
- Check whether switching between laptop audio and phone calls behaves as expected before an important meeting.
- Keep the microphone openings clear of hair, scarf fabric and case material.
Best Bose headphones for planes and commuting
Start with the listening mode, not the headline battery number
For a flight, the relevant Ultra 2nd Gen figure is up to 30 hours with ANC on and Immersive Audio off. Turning on Immersive Audio changes the claim to up to 23 hours. Turning ANC off raises the claim to up to 45 hours. Bose’s figures are maximum play-time claims under the specified modes, not a guarantee for every volume level, codec, temperature or call-heavy day.
| Ultra 2nd Gen mode | Bose battery claim | What it means for travel planning |
|---|---|---|
| ANC on, Immersive Audio off | Up to 30 hours | The clearest reference for a long-haul flight with noise cancellation enabled. |
| ANC on, Immersive Audio on | Up to 23 hours | Allow more charging margin if you use spatial processing for films or music. |
| ANC off | Up to 45 hours | Longest stated endurance, but without active noise cancellation. |
Comfort and packing factors
The Ultra 2nd Gen uses an around-ear fit and includes a carry case. Bose lists approximately 9 ounces, which is a useful reference for a travel bag, although comfort depends on head shape, glasses and clamp preference. The removable cushions are practical for long-term ownership because worn pads can be replaced rather than requiring a new headset.
For a plane, set up the headset before boarding, charge it, pack the USB-C cable and store the headset in its case rather than loose in a seat-back pocket. If you expect to watch films for many hours, decide in advance whether the wider spatial presentation of Immersive Audio is worth the lower 23-hour claim.
Rank #3
- 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 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
Noise modes on the move
Active noise cancellation is the appropriate starting point for steady aircraft and train noise. Aware mode is intended for hearing surroundings, while ActiveSense behavior can reduce sudden loud sounds when that feature is enabled. Bose’s supplied material does not provide second-generation laboratory attenuation values, so choose by comfort and real-world suitability rather than an assumed decibel ranking.
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Why the Ultra 2nd Gen is the feature pick
The Ultra 2nd Gen brings together four features aimed at music and video: CustomTune, Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode and USB-C digital lossless audio. CustomTune is designed to tailor the listening experience to the individual wearer. Immersive Audio changes the presentation from conventional stereo, while Cinema Mode is intended for film and television. USB-C digital audio provides a wired digital path from a compatible source and is described by Bose as lossless.
These features describe capability, not a universal sound-quality verdict. Preferences differ: some listeners prefer a direct stereo presentation, while others like a wider or more room-like field. Try familiar tracks, spoken dialogue and several film scenes before deciding which mode you will actually leave enabled.
What the QuietComfort 2nd Gen adds
The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) also add Immersive Audio, USB-C audio and Cinema Mode according to Bose’s comparison. That makes them a meaningful step beyond a basic ANC headset for buyers who want spatial listening and a wired digital option without moving to the Ultra tier. CustomTune is not stated for this model, so do not assume it is included.
Choose the connection for the source
- Bluetooth: Use it for phones, tablets and normal wireless listening.
- USB-C digital audio: Use it with a compatible computer or device when you want the documented digital, lossless path on the Ultra 2nd Gen.
- Immersive Audio: Enable it for a wider presentation, but remember its effect on the Ultra battery claim.
- Cinema Mode: Try it with dialogue-heavy films and television, then compare it with standard playback for your own preference.
Device switching for work and personal use
Bose documents laptop-to-phone switching without re-pairing for the Ultra 2nd Gen. That is useful when music is playing from a computer and an incoming call arrives on a phone. Set up both devices before you need the workflow, confirm which device handles calls and media, and check that your operating system does not automatically route audio to another headset or speaker.
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- 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
Equivalent switching behavior for the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) is not stated in the supplied material. If seamless two-device use is essential, verify it in the model’s current documentation or test it immediately after purchase rather than inferring parity from the product family.
How to choose: a five-step decision process
- Rank your main task. Choose calls if voice pickup is the deciding factor, travel if ANC and endurance dominate, or music/video if processing and USB-C audio matter most.
- Pick your operating mode. For the Ultra 2nd Gen, decide whether you will use ANC with Immersive Audio off, ANC with Immersive Audio on, or ANC off. This determines which of the 30-, 23- or 45-hour claims is relevant.
- Decide whether Ultra-only features justify the upgrade. CustomTune, the documented adaptive microphone system, the around-ear/case details and the most complete feature set point toward the Ultra 2nd Gen.
- Choose the simpler option if your requirements are narrower. The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) cover ANC-family use with Immersive Audio, USB-C audio, Cinema Mode and improved voice pickup, while several specifications remain unstated in the available material.
- Validate fit and workflow. Check comfort with glasses, test calls in your actual environment, verify switching between devices and confirm that the included case and charging arrangement suit your bag.
Battery, charging and ownership details
The Ultra 2nd Gen charges over USB-C. Bose’s stated battery figures are “up to” values, so music at high volume, frequent calls, wireless-source behavior and environmental conditions can reduce runtime. Immersive Audio has a measurable effect in Bose’s own figures: 30 hours becomes 23 hours when ANC remains on and Immersive Audio is enabled.
For a trip longer than one day, carry a USB-C charging cable and schedule a charge before departure rather than relying on the maximum claim. If you mainly use the headset in a quiet room, ANC-off operation offers the longest stated endurance, but it removes the benefit that makes the QuietComfort line attractive for aircraft and commuting.
Common buying mistakes and fixes
Comparing battery numbers from different modes
Do not compare the original Ultra’s 24-hour claim or 18-hour Immersive Audio claim with the second generation’s 30-hour figure without matching ANC and Immersive Audio settings. Write down the mode you will use, then compare only like-for-like figures.
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Assuming a feature is present because the name is similar
The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) share several features with the Ultra 2nd Gen, but CustomTune, weight, removable cushions, battery life and device switching are not established for the non-Ultra model in the supplied material. Confirm each requirement instead of assuming the two headsets are identical.
Best Value
- 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
Treating marketing claims as independent tests
Bose’s statements about microphone adaptation, noise cancellation and battery life describe intended performance and manufacturer measurements. They do not replace a call test in your environment or an independent attenuation test. If a return window is available, use it to test the exact phone, laptop, meeting app and travel conditions you care about.
Ignoring the physical fit
Even an excellent ANC system can become uncomfortable if the cushions press on glasses or the headband does not suit you. Wear the headset for at least an hour while seated and walking, and check that the case fits your normal travel bag.
Which Bose model should you buy?
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) when you want one headset to cover noisy travel, frequent calls, music, films and computer use. Its documented adaptive microphone system, CustomTune, Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode, lossless USB-C audio, around-ear design, carry case and 30-hour ANC-on/Immersive-off claim make it the most complete choice.
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) when the newer QuietComfort design and feature updates are sufficient and you prefer a simpler proposition. Bose lists Immersive Audio, USB-C audio, Cinema Mode and improved voice pickup, but the supplied material does not establish several Ultra-level specifications.
If you already own the original QuietComfort Ultra, the second generation’s clearest documented reasons to change are the updated ANC, lossless USB-C audio, Cinema Mode and higher battery claims. Whether those changes justify replacing a working headset depends on how often you use those modes and features.
Quick Recap
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.
