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The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a strong fit if comfort, noise cancellation and the new immersive-audio features matter more to you than wear detection, an IP rating or longer battery life. They launched at $359 in the US, £299 in the UK and AU$549.99 in Australia. Whether that price makes sense depends on the current local price and how much you value the standard model’s features over the separate QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).
What’s new in the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)?
Bose positions this generation as a redesign with two headline audio changes: TrueSpatial Technology for immersive sound and updated ActiveSense, which adjusts noise cancellation in Aware Mode. Bose also advertises clearer calls than on the previous generation. These are the manufacturer’s feature claims, rather than independent measurements of how much each feature improves performance.
The headphones are an around-ear noise-cancelling model with six microphones and removable cushions. Bose lists the box contents as the headphones, a carry case, a 1 m USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to 3.5 mm cable and a safety sheet. The USB-C connection supports wired listening from analogue sources; Bose says its USB-C cable can also charge the headphones while listening and carry USB audio. Bose’s product page has the manufacturer’s full feature and connection details.
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How do they sound and feel to use?
Tom’s Guide’s September 4, 2026 review praises the plush padding for long listening sessions, the physical buttons and the noise cancellation, including during flight use. The reviewer describes the sound as warm and engaging, with punchy bass and strong mids, but says the treble and high vocals can feel restrained. Those are one reviewer’s listening impressions, not a universal result or a controlled comparison with every competing headphone.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 same reviewer says the companion app offers ten levels of noise-cancellation adjustment. That range gives listeners room to tailor ANC, but it does not establish that the headphones outperform every alternative in every environment. Read Tom’s Guide’s review for the reviewer’s full account.
How long does the battery last?
Bose rates the headphones for up to 24 hours of use, or up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio. Tom’s Guide also reports 18 hours with ANC and Immersive Audio enabled, and characterizes that runtime as middle-of-the-pack. These are manufacturer and reviewer-reported figures, not a guarantee for every listening volume, connection or use pattern.
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.
There is no wear detection, according to Tom’s Guide, so the headphones do not automatically pause or power down just because you take them off. If you want to conserve charge between listening sessions, you will need to manage power manually.
What are the main trade-offs?
- No wear detection: You will need to pause playback and handle power yourself when taking the headphones off.
- No stated IP rating: Tom’s Guide notes that Bose does not list an IP rating and advises keeping them to commuting and desk use rather than gym sessions. That absence does not establish a particular water-resistance result, so do not assume protection from sweat or rain.
- Immersive listening reduces rated battery life: Bose’s stated maximum falls from 24 hours to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled.
- Sound balance is a matter of preference: Tom’s Guide’s reviewer liked the warm, bass-forward presentation but found the treble and higher vocals somewhat restrained.
How do the standard and Ultra second-generation models differ?
The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are separate models, not two names for the same headphone. What Hi-Fi? reports Bluetooth 5.4, AAC/SBC codec support, multipoint and Google Fast Pair for the standard model, and says it lacks the Ultra’s aptX Adaptive support. Its comparison states that it had not yet tested the standard model when published, so it is useful for reported feature differences, not as a hands-on verdict on this model.
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 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
| Decision point | QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth codecs reported by What Hi-Fi? | AAC and SBC | aptX Adaptive is supported; the cited comparison does not give a complete codec list |
| Battery | Bose rates it up to 24 hours, or 18 hours with Immersive Audio | Not stated in the cited comparison |
| Hands-on assessment in the cited What Hi-Fi? comparison | Not tested at the time of publication | The comparison covers differences, but does not provide a controlled head-to-head test in the evidence available here |
| Price | Launch price was $359 / £299 / AU$549.99; current local price not stated | Current local price not stated |
Choose between them by checking current local prices and deciding whether the Ultra’s codec support or other model-specific features are worth any price difference to you. The available comparison does not establish that one is universally better in sound, comfort or noise cancellation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did they cost at launch, and are they worth buying?
Bose announced the standard model on August 6, 2026, at $359 in the US, £299 in the UK and AU$549.99 in Australia, according to TechRadar. These are launch prices, not current quotes; retailer pricing and stock can change, so check the price for your region before buying. Tom’s Guide also discusses potential discounting and discounts on the predecessor and Ultra models, but those publication-time observations do not guarantee a deal now.
Rank #4
- 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.
At or near launch price, the case for buying is strongest if you prioritize plush long-wear comfort, strong ANC, physical controls, USB-C wired listening and the option of immersive audio. Consider waiting for a lower local price—or comparing the discounted prior QuietComfort model—if you do not need the new features. The Ultra is the alternative to investigate if aptX Adaptive matters to your devices. For any model, weigh the price against the battery life you need and whether the lack of wear detection or a stated IP rating conflicts with how you listen.
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Best Value
- SPATIAL AUDIO HEADPHONES: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalized sound, shaped to you
- NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES: These wireless noise cancelling headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio
- HEADPHONES WITH MIC: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice and the bluetooth headphones with microphone filter out background noise for the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Soft ear cushions hug your ears, the band spreads pressure evenly and elevated materials let you make a statement with these noise cancelling over-the-ear headphones
- WIRELESS HEADPHONES BLUETOOTH: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers connection within 30 feet of your device; SimpleSync allows you to sync with a Bose smart soundbar so you can listen to TV at your own volume
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.
