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Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd gen).
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For the best possible blend of active noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, you don’t have to look any further than the newly released Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd gen). Though they’re pricey — and though we narrowly give Sony the edge on ANC quality — their solid construction and excellent performance are sure to carry you through years of use.
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The first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have been one of our favorite headphones since their release in 2023, so the second-generation headphones had big shoes to fill. While the upgrades aren’t earth-shattering, Bose does fix the most glaring issues with the first-generation earbuds.
For the most part, the noise-cancelling and sound profile remain unchanged. There are minor improvements in both: the sound profile comes across slightly richer, the adaptive noise cancelling is slightly more effective, and the 10 levels of adjustable noise cancellation are easier to access through the companion app. While we do find the ANC on the Sony XM6 headphones to be slightly more effective, the adjustability of Bose’s headphones can’t be beat.
The design also remains similar aesthetically, with the main changes coming in the form of a shiny metal accent piece in the headband. They are also, somehow, a bit more comfortable than the first-gen Ultras, especially in the ear cup area. Like the first-gen headphones, the ear cups are still removable, making them easier to clean and replace years down the line.
In combination with the above features, the folding ear cup design of Ultras has long made them one of the best headphones for travel, but Bose made them even better this time around. The battery life is now 30 hours, up from 24, and the headphones support passive playback with the auxiliary cable, meaning they don’t need to be powered on to play audio. The USB-C charging cable can also be used to play audio, though the headphones do need to be powered on for this feature to use.
Bose also improved the wear detection of these headphones and added a lay flat mode, which automatically disconnects the headphones from Bluetooth and puts them into a low power mode when laid down on a flat surface. Overall, these headphones feel even more premium than the previous generation, and at the same price point, the first gen was available for — $449.