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Bose’s current premium choices serve different needs: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are around-ear headphones with longer stated playback, while QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are compact in-ear earbuds with a water-resistance rating and a wireless charging case. Choose by fit, listening time, and where you plan to use them—not by treating them as interchangeable models.
Which Bose model fits your needs?
| Model | Format and useful features | Bose-stated battery life | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Around-ear; Quiet, Aware, Immersion, and Cinema modes; wired audio support; removable cushions | Up to 30 hours, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio | Listeners who prefer an around-ear fit, want longer stated playback between charges, or value wired listening |
| QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | In-ear; adjustable noise cancellation, multipoint, IPX4 rating, wireless charging case | Up to 6 hours per charge, or 4 hours with Immersive Audio; case provides up to three full charges | Listeners who want a compact in-ear option for commuting, calls, or exercise where an IPX4 rating is useful |
These are manufacturer specifications, not independent comparative test results. Battery figures are Bose’s “up to” claims; actual runtime varies with settings and use. The earbuds’ per-charge runtime is distinct from the additional charges supplied by the case.
What do the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer?
Bose describes this model as an around-ear noise-cancelling headphone with Quiet, Aware, Immersion, and Cinema listening modes. Its product page also lists ActiveSense, Immersive Audio, and CustomTune. ActiveSense adjusts noise cancellation in Aware Mode in response to environmental sound levels.
Bose specifies up to 30 hours of playback, reduced to up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio. The headphones support USB-C audio and come with a USB-C cable and an analog audio cable. Bose says USB audio over USB-C supports 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz signals from compatible source files. The published specifications also identify Bluetooth 5.4 and removable cushions. These are useful details if you want wired connectivity or expect to replace cushions, but confirm accessory compatibility before buying replacement parts.
#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.
What do the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer?
The earbuds combine adjustable noise cancellation and CustomTune with Immersive Audio, SpeechClarity, and multipoint connectivity, according to Bose’s product page. Bose lists Bluetooth 5.3 and an IPX4 water-resistance rating. IPX4 indicates resistance to splashes; it should not be read as waterproofing.
Bose’s battery specification is up to six hours per charge with Immersive Audio off, or up to four hours with it on. Bose says the charging case provides up to three full charges and supports wireless charging. The box includes three eartip sizes and three stability-band sizes, which give you options to work toward a secure fit and seal.
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.
How the second generation differs
Bose lists several changes from the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: AI-based background-noise suppression for calls, wireless charging, improved ActiveSense, case battery-level reporting in the app, and a setting to disable touch controls. These are manufacturer-described changes, not independently verified improvements in this comparison.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBose announced the second-generation earbuds on June 12, 2025, at an initial US price of $299. That is historical launch context, not a current price quote; check Bose or a retailer for current pricing and availability.
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
Should you choose headphones or earbuds?
Choose around-ear headphones if comfort and longer playback are priorities
The headphones’ stated maximum runtime is substantially longer per charge than the earbuds’. Their around-ear design, wired audio options, and removable cushions may also suit listeners who prefer a full-size fit or want to connect by cable. Bose does not list a water-resistance rating for this model in the cited product information, so do not assume it is suitable for wet conditions.
Choose earbuds if you want a compact fit and splash resistance
The earbuds take up less space and have an IPX4 rating, multipoint, and three sizes each of eartips and stability bands. Their shorter per-charge runtime is a trade-off; the charging case adds up to three full charges according to Bose. For active use, check that the selected tip and band combination stays secure for your ears.
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.
How to make the choice
- Pick your preferred fit. Decide whether you want around-ear headphones or in-ear earbuds; the two models solve different comfort and portability needs.
- Match runtime to your routine. Use Bose’s stated per-charge figures as a guide, and account for the shorter runtimes when Immersive Audio is enabled.
- Check the features you will use. Consider wired audio and removable cushions on the headphones, or multipoint, wireless case charging, and IPX4 on the earbuds.
- Verify generation and current price. Bose’s catalog and retailer listings can change. Confirm that a listing is for the second-generation model you intend to buy; the earbuds’ $299 figure was their US launch price in 2025, not necessarily today’s price.
What this comparison can—and cannot—establish
Bose’s US catalog currently lists QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Headphones among its noise-cancelling headphones, and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds among its earbuds. This article focuses on the two second-generation Ultra models because their published specifications support a direct comparison of premium over-ear and in-ear options. Catalog listings, prices, and availability may change.
The product information establishes Bose’s stated features and specifications; it does not establish which model sounds better, cancels more noise in real-world use, or performs best for calls. No independent test results are available here, so a performance ranking would go beyond the evidence.
Quick Recap
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.
