Pros & Cons
- Exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear
- Top-tier noise cancelling with a very natural Aware mode
- Lossless audio and charging over USB-C
- Longer battery life than the first generation
- aptX Adaptive support on compatible Android phones
- Expensive at full price
- Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life
- No LDAC support
- Default tuning is slightly warm — use the EQ if you prefer neutral
Design and Comfort
Bose's reputation was built on comfort, and the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) may be its most comfortable headphone yet. Clamping force is gentle, the protein-leather pads are deep and plush, and at around 250 g the weight disappears on your head. In owner reviews, comfort is the most frequently praised attribute by a wide margin — many describe wearing them for an entire working day without fatigue.
The design is largely unchanged from the first generation, which is no bad thing. The ear cups fold inward for travel, the metal yokes feel sturdy, and the touch strip for volume is easy to use without looking.
Sound Quality
Out of the box, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen leans slightly warm: a full, satisfying bass, clear mids, and a treble that's smooth rather than sparkling. Published measurements show a small dip in the upper treble that keeps long listening sessions fatigue-free, at the cost of a little airiness. The adjustable EQ in the Bose app makes it easy to nudge things toward neutral.
Immersive Audio, Bose's spatial audio mode, widens the soundstage convincingly for movies and live recordings. The new lossless USB-C mode is a genuine upgrade for anyone who listens at a desk.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancelling is right at the top of the category. Low-frequency engine and road noise is reduced dramatically, and published measurements show Bose handling mid-frequency sounds like voices especially well. Aware mode remains the most natural-sounding transparency mode of any over-ear headphone, making it easy to talk to people without removing them.
Battery and Connectivity
Battery life improves to up to 30 hours with ANC on — a welcome jump over the original. Turning on Immersive Audio drops that to roughly 23 hours. Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive (on supported Android phones) and AAC (for iPhone) delivers stable connections, and multipoint works reliably.
Who Should Buy the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
- Long-haul travelers who wear headphones for many hours at a time.
- Office workers who want strong ANC and the most natural transparency mode.
- Glasses wearers — the gentle clamp is kinder than most rivals.
If you want the absolute strongest noise cancelling and LDAC, compare it with the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is the comfort king of premium noise-cancelling headphones, with ANC that sits among the very best. It's expensive and its default tuning is a touch warm, but if you plan to wear your headphones all day, nothing else feels this good.
AI Score Breakdown
Rating based on published attenuation measurements and owner reports, scored relative to every model we cover.
Tuning profile estimated from published measurements, shown against a Harman-style reference target.
Full Specifications
| Specification | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|
| Driver | 35mm dynamic |
| Battery life | Up to 30h with ANC; about 23h with Immersive Audio on |
| Noise cancelling | Class-leading (ANC score 97/100) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Weight | 250 g |
| Frequency response | Not published by Bose |
| Multipoint | ✓ Yes — 2 devices |
| Foldable | ✓ Yes |
| Water resistance | None |
| Release year | 2025 |
| MSRP | $449 |