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10 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Matthew Lopes, Nicholas Lim, and John Peroramas from Rtings highlight the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a strong contender in the truly wireless earbuds market, especially excelling in active noise cancellation (ANC) and comfort. They praise the earbuds’ customizable fit with multiple stabilizers and ear tips, making them ideal for sports, travel, and office use. The review emphasizes Bose’s proprietary CustomTune technology, which personalizes sound based on ear canal shape, delivering a warm sound signature with good accuracy and minimal distortion. However, the reviewers note some drawbacks, including a relatively short 6.5-hour battery life and occasional microphone struggles in very loud environments. While the earbuds perform well in most scenarios, they are less suited for wireless gaming due to latency issues. The review also points out that software improvements are gradually reaching the original generation, potentially narrowing the value gap. Overall, the earbuds are recommended for users prioritizing comfort and noise cancellation, with some trade-offs in battery and gaming performance.
Christian Thomas from SoundGuys highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a cautious but solid update to Bose’s flagship ANC earbuds. While the design and core features remain largely unchanged from the original, the earbuds deliver strong noise cancellation—among the best tested—and reliable usability, especially for larger ears. The inclusion of wireless charging and support for aptX Adaptive codecs on compatible Android devices are notable enhancements. However, the review expresses frustration with the limited and unintuitive EQ controls, which fail to adequately address the earbuds’ bass- and treble-heavy sound signature that may not suit all listeners. Battery life is slightly below average but acceptable, and the charging case remains bulky. The mic performance is mixed, with some noise artifacts during calls. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive but measured tone, suggesting these earbuds are a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing ANC and Android compatibility, though the sound tuning and minor annoyances may deter some audiophiles.
Matthew Lopes, Nicholas Lim, and John Peroramas from Rtings highlight the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a strong contender in the truly wireless earbuds market, especially excelling in active noise cancellation (ANC) and comfort. They praise the earbuds’ customizable fit with multiple stabilizers and ear tips, making them ideal for sports, travel, and office use. The review emphasizes Bose’s proprietary CustomTune technology, which personalizes sound based on ear canal shape, delivering a warm sound signature with good accuracy and minimal distortion. However, the reviewers note some drawbacks, including a relatively short 6.5-hour battery life and occasional microphone struggles in very loud environments. While the earbuds perform well in most scenarios, they are less suited for wireless gaming due to latency issues. The review also points out that software improvements are gradually reaching the original generation, potentially narrowing the value gap. Overall, the earbuds are recommended for users prioritizing comfort and noise cancellation, with some trade-offs in battery and gaming performance.
Christian Thomas from SoundGuys highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a cautious but solid update to Bose’s flagship ANC earbuds. While the design and core features remain largely unchanged from the original, the earbuds deliver strong noise cancellation—among the best tested—and reliable usability, especially for larger ears. The inclusion of wireless charging and support for aptX Adaptive codecs on compatible Android devices are notable enhancements. However, the review expresses frustration with the limited and unintuitive EQ controls, which fail to adequately address the earbuds’ bass- and treble-heavy sound signature that may not suit all listeners. Battery life is slightly below average but acceptable, and the charging case remains bulky. The mic performance is mixed, with some noise artifacts during calls. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive but measured tone, suggesting these earbuds are a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing ANC and Android compatibility, though the sound tuning and minor annoyances may deter some audiophiles.
Matthew Lopes, Nicholas Lim, and John Peroramas from Rtings highlight the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a strong contender in the truly wireless earbuds market, especially excelling in active noise cancellation (ANC) and comfort. They praise the earbuds’ customizable fit with multiple stabilizers and ear tips, making them ideal for sports, travel, and office use. The review emphasizes Bose’s proprietary CustomTune technology, which personalizes sound based on ear canal shape, delivering a warm sound signature with good accuracy and minimal distortion. However, the reviewers note some drawbacks, including a relatively short 6.5-hour battery life and occasional microphone struggles in very loud environments. While the earbuds perform well in most scenarios, they are less suited for wireless gaming due to latency issues. The review also points out that software improvements are gradually reaching the original generation, potentially narrowing the value gap. Overall, the earbuds are recommended for users prioritizing comfort and noise cancellation, with some trade-offs in battery and gaming performance.
Christian Thomas from SoundGuys highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a cautious but solid update to Bose’s flagship ANC earbuds. While the design and core features remain largely unchanged from the original, the earbuds deliver strong noise cancellation—among the best tested—and reliable usability, especially for larger ears. The inclusion of wireless charging and support for aptX Adaptive codecs on compatible Android devices are notable enhancements. However, the review expresses frustration with the limited and unintuitive EQ controls, which fail to adequately address the earbuds’ bass- and treble-heavy sound signature that may not suit all listeners. Battery life is slightly below average but acceptable, and the charging case remains bulky. The mic performance is mixed, with some noise artifacts during calls. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive but measured tone, suggesting these earbuds are a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing ANC and Android compatibility, though the sound tuning and minor annoyances may deter some audiophiles.
Matthew Lopes, Nicholas Lim, and John Peroramas from Rtings highlight the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a strong contender in the truly wireless earbuds market, especially excelling in active noise cancellation (ANC) and comfort. They praise the earbuds’ customizable fit with multiple stabilizers and ear tips, making them ideal for sports, travel, and office use. The review emphasizes Bose’s proprietary CustomTune technology, which personalizes sound based on ear canal shape, delivering a warm sound signature with good accuracy and minimal distortion. However, the reviewers note some drawbacks, including a relatively short 6.5-hour battery life and occasional microphone struggles in very loud environments. While the earbuds perform well in most scenarios, they are less suited for wireless gaming due to latency issues. The review also points out that software improvements are gradually reaching the original generation, potentially narrowing the value gap. Overall, the earbuds are recommended for users prioritizing comfort and noise cancellation, with some trade-offs in battery and gaming performance.
Christian Thomas from SoundGuys highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a cautious but solid update to Bose’s flagship ANC earbuds. While the design and core features remain largely unchanged from the original, the earbuds deliver strong noise cancellation—among the best tested—and reliable usability, especially for larger ears. The inclusion of wireless charging and support for aptX Adaptive codecs on compatible Android devices are notable enhancements. However, the review expresses frustration with the limited and unintuitive EQ controls, which fail to adequately address the earbuds’ bass- and treble-heavy sound signature that may not suit all listeners. Battery life is slightly below average but acceptable, and the charging case remains bulky. The mic performance is mixed, with some noise artifacts during calls. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive but measured tone, suggesting these earbuds are a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing ANC and Android compatibility, though the sound tuning and minor annoyances may deter some audiophiles.
Matthew Lopes, Nicholas Lim, and John Peroramas from Rtings highlight the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a strong contender in the truly wireless earbuds market, especially excelling in active noise cancellation (ANC) and comfort. They praise the earbuds’ customizable fit with multiple stabilizers and ear tips, making them ideal for sports, travel, and office use. The review emphasizes Bose’s proprietary CustomTune technology, which personalizes sound based on ear canal shape, delivering a warm sound signature with good accuracy and minimal distortion. However, the reviewers note some drawbacks, including a relatively short 6.5-hour battery life and occasional microphone struggles in very loud environments. While the earbuds perform well in most scenarios, they are less suited for wireless gaming due to latency issues. The review also points out that software improvements are gradually reaching the original generation, potentially narrowing the value gap. Overall, the earbuds are recommended for users prioritizing comfort and noise cancellation, with some trade-offs in battery and gaming performance.
Christian Thomas from SoundGuys highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a cautious but solid update to Bose’s flagship ANC earbuds. While the design and core features remain largely unchanged from the original, the earbuds deliver strong noise cancellation—among the best tested—and reliable usability, especially for larger ears. The inclusion of wireless charging and support for aptX Adaptive codecs on compatible Android devices are notable enhancements. However, the review expresses frustration with the limited and unintuitive EQ controls, which fail to adequately address the earbuds’ bass- and treble-heavy sound signature that may not suit all listeners. Battery life is slightly below average but acceptable, and the charging case remains bulky. The mic performance is mixed, with some noise artifacts during calls. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive but measured tone, suggesting these earbuds are a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing ANC and Android compatibility, though the sound tuning and minor annoyances may deter some audiophiles.
YouTube
11 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Picky Audio praises the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for resolving Gen 1’s call quality and connectivity issues, delivering top-tier noise cancellation, secure fit, and wireless charging. While sound tuning remains largely unchanged with minor EQ limitations, the reviewer highlights strong real-world performance and recommends them as the best non-Apple option.
Editor Kevin from DHRME offers a measured yet positive take on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), highlighting subtle but meaningful improvements in ActiveSense noise cancellation and noise floor reduction. While call quality advances with the SpeechClarity update impress, some softness in voice pickup remains. Wireless charging and Spotify Tap add convenience, but overall, the Gen 2 is an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign.
Picky Audio praises the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for resolving Gen 1’s call quality and connectivity issues, delivering top-tier noise cancellation, secure fit, and wireless charging. While sound tuning remains largely unchanged with minor EQ limitations, the reviewer highlights strong real-world performance and recommends them as the best non-Apple option.
Editor Kevin from DHRME offers a measured yet positive take on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), highlighting subtle but meaningful improvements in ActiveSense noise cancellation and noise floor reduction. While call quality advances with the SpeechClarity update impress, some softness in voice pickup remains. Wireless charging and Spotify Tap add convenience, but overall, the Gen 2 is an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign.
Picky Audio praises the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for resolving Gen 1’s call quality and connectivity issues, delivering top-tier noise cancellation, secure fit, and wireless charging. While sound tuning remains largely unchanged with minor EQ limitations, the reviewer highlights strong real-world performance and recommends them as the best non-Apple option.
Editor Kevin from DHRME offers a measured yet positive take on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), highlighting subtle but meaningful improvements in ActiveSense noise cancellation and noise floor reduction. While call quality advances with the SpeechClarity update impress, some softness in voice pickup remains. Wireless charging and Spotify Tap add convenience, but overall, the Gen 2 is an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign.
Picky Audio praises the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for resolving Gen 1’s call quality and connectivity issues, delivering top-tier noise cancellation, secure fit, and wireless charging. While sound tuning remains largely unchanged with minor EQ limitations, the reviewer highlights strong real-world performance and recommends them as the best non-Apple option.
Editor Kevin from DHRME offers a measured yet positive take on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), highlighting subtle but meaningful improvements in ActiveSense noise cancellation and noise floor reduction. While call quality advances with the SpeechClarity update impress, some softness in voice pickup remains. Wireless charging and Spotify Tap add convenience, but overall, the Gen 2 is an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign.
Picky Audio praises the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for resolving Gen 1’s call quality and connectivity issues, delivering top-tier noise cancellation, secure fit, and wireless charging. While sound tuning remains largely unchanged with minor EQ limitations, the reviewer highlights strong real-world performance and recommends them as the best non-Apple option.
Editor Kevin from DHRME offers a measured yet positive take on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), highlighting subtle but meaningful improvements in ActiveSense noise cancellation and noise floor reduction. While call quality advances with the SpeechClarity update impress, some softness in voice pickup remains. Wireless charging and Spotify Tap add convenience, but overall, the Gen 2 is an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign.
Picky Audio praises the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for resolving Gen 1’s call quality and connectivity issues, delivering top-tier noise cancellation, secure fit, and wireless charging. While sound tuning remains largely unchanged with minor EQ limitations, the reviewer highlights strong real-world performance and recommends them as the best non-Apple option.
Editor Kevin from DHRME offers a measured yet positive take on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), highlighting subtle but meaningful improvements in ActiveSense noise cancellation and noise floor reduction. While call quality advances with the SpeechClarity update impress, some softness in voice pickup remains. Wireless charging and Spotify Tap add convenience, but overall, the Gen 2 is an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
ochaxt highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as a highly comfortable, well-fitting flagship true wireless ANC model with up to 85% noise reduction. They appreciate the customizable EQ, improved immersive audio, wireless charging, and a natural-feeling aware mode, emphasizing practical daily use over five days. Overall, ochaxt’s sentiment is positive and measured, praising key features while focusing on real-world comfort and sound tuning. They recommend checking out their full YouTube review for deeper insights, suggesting these earbuds are a strong choice for those valuing premium noise cancelling and customization.
Store Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 2 STORES
Amazon users consistently praise the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for delivering exceptional sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation. Reviewers highlight how the earbuds reveal previously unnoticed musical details, offering an immersive listening experience that satisfies even audiophiles. Many applaud the advanced ANC technology for effectively silencing persistent low-frequency noises, such as traffic and construction sounds, while still allowing important ambient sounds like conversations and alarms to come through clearly. Users appreciate the earbuds’ snug and secure fit, which enhances both comfort and noise isolation during extended wear, including workouts and sleep. The intuitive touch controls and the Bose app’s multipoint connectivity—enabling seamless switching between two devices—receive frequent commendations for convenience and ease of use. Several reviewers note the charging case’s compact design, wireless charging capability, and informative battery status alerts as thoughtful, user-friendly features. Battery life opinions vary: some users report solid all-day performance with multiple charges from the case, while others find the runtime shorter than expected. Connectivity experiences also differ, with many enjoying stable Bluetooth pairing and others encountering occasional dropouts or compatibility quirks. A few customers mention functionality issues emerging after prolonged use, such as one earbud ceasing to work, but these appear less common. Overall, Amazon reviewers emphasize that Bose has refined the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds into a premium product that excels in sound fidelity, noise cancellation, and comfort, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking top-tier wireless earbuds.
4.1 Stars / Many verified reviews
Users on Target praise the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for delivering exceptional sound quality, with many highlighting the immersive surround sound and powerful noise cancellation that effectively blocks out ambient noise. Reviewers emphasize the earbuds’ customizable fit, noting the multiple sizes of ear tips and stability bands that provide a secure and comfortable experience even during workouts or extended wear. The Bose app earns frequent mention for enhancing usability by allowing personalized sound settings, programmable controls, and easy device management. Several users appreciate the innovative features like ActiveSense, which adapts sound based on movement, and the intuitive touch controls, including volume adjustment via swipes. Call clarity impresses many, with background noise suppression making conversations crisp and clear. Battery life consistently meets or exceeds expectations, supported by a charging case that offers multiple recharges. Some users find the earbuds slightly bulky compared to competitors and mention a learning curve with the touch controls, but most agree these minor issues do not detract from the overall premium experience. A few reviewers report occasional connectivity quirks or durability concerns, yet the majority recommend these earbuds as a top-tier choice for anyone seeking comfort, advanced noise cancellation, and rich, customizable audio on Target.
4.5 Stars / Few verified reviews
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Reddit users express mixed feelings about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), praising their strong ANC, comfortable fit, and improved call quality, especially compared to previous models. Many appreciate the sound quality and noise cancellation, highlighting them as a solid choice for music and workouts. However, recurring issues such as connection dropouts, persistent white noise, and lag in adaptive ANC dampen the overall experience. Some longtime Bose users upgrading from earlier versions feel the improvements are minor and accompanied by new problems, while new shoppers are cautiously optimistic but wary of reported reliability concerns.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Noise cancellationExceptional ANC in noisy environments
- •Fit and comfortSecure, customizable fit for long wear
- •Battery and chargingUp to 6h earbuds; three case charges
- •CustomTune personalized soundDesigned to personalize sound
- •Multipoint BluetoothBluetooth 5.3 multipoint for device switching
- •Immersive audio modesPromoted as having spatial Cinema Mode
Considerations
- •Wireless connectivity reliabilityIntermittent dropouts and pairing quirks reported
- •Call quality variabilityInconsistent voice clarity in some situations
- •Low-level noise/hissPersistent white-noise or left-ear buzz reported
- •Touch control sensitivityAccidental pauses from overly sensitive taps
- •Adaptive ANC lagANC can lag on sudden noise spikes
- •Charging case issuesBulky, can feel flimsy and may warm
Bose, a brand synonymous with sound innovation, positions these QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds as a premium choice for those seeking industry-leading noise cancellation paired with customizable fit and comfort. Engineered to excel in bustling environments like commutes or busy offices, they promise an immersive audio experience through features such as ActiveSense ANC technology and CustomTune personalized sound calibration. With Bluetooth 5.3 enabling smooth device switching and up to six hours of playback plus wireless charging convenience, they cater well to multitaskers on the go. Call quality improvements make them appealing for professionals needing clear communication amid background noise. While refined over their predecessors, some quirks remain in connectivity reliability and touch controls—factors worth considering depending on your priorities. If you value quiet immersion wrapped in ergonomic design with solid battery life, this model aims to deliver; explore how each feature stacks up before making your move into Bose’s latest sonic offering.

Fit and Comfort
Comfort reigns supreme here thanks to nine customizable combos of eartips and stability bands from the Bose Fit Kit—ensuring a snug yet gentle seal. This secure fit keeps earbuds firmly planted through workouts or long sessions without pressure points popping up unexpectedly. Users praise this adaptability as a game-changer compared to competitors’ one-size-fits-all approach. The soft umbrella-shaped tips deliver all-day wearability that feels less intrusive while maintaining excellent acoustic isolation for immersive listening experiences.

Noise Cancellation Effectiveness
If drowning out the world is your jam, these earbuds flex with ActiveSense ANC that adapts smoothly to steady noise but can lag during sudden spikes. Experts and users alike applaud the top-tier noise suppression, especially in noisy commutes or offices. The tech cleverly balances Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes for tailored silence or awareness. However, some report a slight delay catching abrupt sounds—a minor quirk against an otherwise stellar performance where you’ll enjoy blissful quiet like never before.
Wireless Connectivity Reliability
Bluetooth 5.3 brings modern wireless magic with multipoint connectivity allowing seamless device switching—a boon for multitaskers juggling phones and laptops. Despite this solid foundation, some users flag occasional dropouts or pairing quirks which dampen flawless streaming dreams momentarily. Still, aptX Adaptive codec support boosts audio fidelity on compatible devices when it works perfectly; just be ready for rare hiccups in real-world environments where interference may play spoilsport now and then.
Battery and Charging Performance
With about six hours per charge plus three extra charges from its wireless-enabled case, battery life comfortably suits daily commuters though it’s no marathon runner among true wireless peers; expect around 24 total hours of playback time under typical use scenarios including ANC activation which trims endurance slightly versus passive listening modes. Fast charging delivers two hours after just twenty minutes plugged in—a convenient boost perfect for quick top-ups before heading out into the wild urban jungle.
Sound Quality
Bose’s CustomTune technology personalizes sound based on ear shape delivering balanced bass punch with crisp highs that satisfy audiophiles craving clarity across genres. While not revolutionary given shared drivers with Gen 1 models, subtle tuning tweaks keep audio fresh and immersive whether you're chasing cinematic depth via Cinema Mode or everyday jams via Immersion Mode’s spatialization effects—all wrapped in signature Bose warmth ensuring consistent sonic enjoyment even during lengthy listens.
Conclusion
When it comes to noise cancellation effectiveness, these earbuds set a high bar with ActiveSense ANC that masters steady hums but stumbles slightly on sudden spikes. The fit and comfort shine thanks to customizable tips, making long listening sessions feel effortless. Connectivity is mostly smooth via Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint, though occasional dropouts remind us technology isn’t flawless. Sound quality delivers a warm, immersive experience powered by CustomTune personalization, while battery life supports day-long adventures with handy wireless charging boosts. Call clarity improves professional use but can vary in quieter spaces due to mic sensitivity quirks. These earbuds reward those who prioritize tailored silence and ergonomic design over perfect connectivity or ultra-long battery marathons—a solid pick for focused listeners seeking rich soundscapes wrapped in thoughtful engineering without unnecessary frills cluttering the mix.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Sound Quality
4/5
Battery Life
4/5
Wireless Connectivity Reliability
3/5
Noise Cancellation Effectiveness
4/5
Microphone Call Quality
4/5
Durability and Build Quality
3/5
Latency for Gaming and Video
4/5
Value
Price-to-Quality Ratio
4/5
Warranty and Support
4/5
Features per Price
4/5
Design
Fit and Comfort
5/5
Aesthetic Appeal
4/5
Portability and Case Design
3/5
Controls and Usability
4/5
Health
Eartip Materials and Hygiene
4/5
Hearing Exposure Controls
3/5
Allergen and Toxicity Risk
3/5
Safety
Water and Sweat Resistance
4/5
Battery Safety and Thermal Management
3/5
Regulatory Compliance
4/5
Sustainability
Recyclability of Components
4/5
Repairability and Battery Replaceability
2/5
Sustainable Packaging
3/5
Responsible Material Sourcing
4/5
Experience Style
Ease of Setup and Pairing
4/5
Customization and App Features
4/5
Ecosystem and Codec Integration
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
6 Questions
Also Consider
4 Options


















