Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Matthew Lopes, Jasper Lastoria, and John Peroramas from RTINGS provide a detailed and measured assessment of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), highlighting their exceptional comfort, impressive 37-hour battery life, and superb noise isolation that excels in travel and office environments. The review praises the headphones’ adaptive ANC, versatile wired and wireless connectivity options, and customizable sound profile via the companion app. However, it also points out notable limitations, such as inconsistent sound tuning across different users due to anatomical differences, lack of an IP rating, and instability during vigorous exercise. The mic performs adequately but is disabled in wired mode, and latency issues make them less ideal for wireless gaming. Unique insights include the nuanced impact of the CustomTune feature on frequency response and the headphones’ warm treble tuning compared to previous models. Overall, the review balances enthusiasm for the headphones’ comfort and noise-canceling prowess with thoughtful critiques on fit, sound variability, and feature trade-offs.

Joe Svetlik from What Hi-Fi? highlights that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) build thoughtfully on the strengths of the highly regarded first-generation model, offering subtle but meaningful improvements. The review conveys a positive yet measured enthusiasm, praising the 2nd Gen’s longer battery life, new wired USB-C listening option, and enhanced Immersive Audio features, including a Cinema Mode that sharpens dialogue for movies. The noise-cancelling performance is described as exceptionally effective, slightly refined from an already excellent baseline. Sonically, the 2nd Gen delivers a clearer, more detailed, and musically tighter experience, though the improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary. Comfort and design remain strong points, with updated aesthetics and familiar folding convenience. The review balances these strengths against the significant price difference, noting the original model’s recent discounts make it a compelling budget alternative. Overall, the 2nd Gen is recommended as the superior flagship, especially for those valuing the latest features and sound refinements.

Simon Lucas from TechRadar highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as the reigning champion of active noise cancellation, delivering class-leading ANC that outperforms many pricier rivals without compromising sound quality or comfort. The review expresses clear enthusiasm for the headphones’ lightweight design, exceptional comfort, and improved battery life, praising features like the new cinema mode and wired hi-res audio support. While the sound is described as energetic and engaging, it falls just short of ultimate detail and refinement compared to some competitors. The control app is functional but lacks the advanced features found in rival offerings, and the build materials feel slightly less premium than expected at this price point. Overall, the review conveys a strong, positive sentiment with measured acknowledgment of minor shortcomings, positioning the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) as an excellent choice for long-haul travelers and noise-cancellation enthusiasts seeking a balanced, high-performance headphone experience.

Christian de Looper from PCMag highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a solid and enjoyable upgrade over the first generation, with richer audio, longer battery life, and refined design touches like polished metal frames and lossless USB-C listening. The review conveys a generally positive but measured tone, praising the headphones’ excellent noise cancellation—second only to Sony’s WH-1000XM6—and their wide, immersive soundstage with well-balanced bass and clear highs. However, the reviewer notes some shortcomings, including a somewhat limited app EQ, a less natural Aware Mode compared to competitors, and a microphone that sounds compressed. While the headphones offer meaningful improvements, they fall just short of reclaiming the top spot from Sony, making them a great choice but not a must-have upgrade for existing owners. The review balances enthusiasm for Bose’s refinements with thoughtful critiques, providing nuanced insights into real-world performance and usability.

Ryan Waniata from WIRED highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a thoughtful, if modest, update to an already excellent model. While the core audio and noise-canceling performance remain largely unchanged from the original, the new generation shines with practical convenience features like laying the headphones flat to sleep them, improved app controls, and USB-C lossless audio support. Comfort and build quality continue to impress, with plush materials and a snug fit that some may find perfect, though ear cup size could be limiting for larger ears. The review praises the refined noise cancellation, especially reduced white noise, and the natural transparency mode, which excels in real-world scenarios like outdoor walks. Minor drawbacks include a basic EQ, lack of Auracast, and a Cinema mode that adds unwanted echo. Overall, Waniata sees the Ultra 2 as a compelling choice for new buyers seeking top-tier noise canceling combined with enhanced usability, though existing owners may find little reason to upgrade.

Tom’s Guide’s Tammy Rogers delivers a measured and thoughtful assessment of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), praising their industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) and improved battery life as standout upgrades. She highlights the headphones’ exceptional comfort and solid call quality, while noting the design remains unchanged and feels less premium compared to rivals. The review offers a nuanced take on the new immersive audio modes, appreciating the cinema mode but finding the musical spatial modes less compelling and battery-draining. Sound quality is described as warm and bass-forward but somewhat lacking in detail and dynamism, especially compared to competitors like Sony and Bowers & Wilkins. The reviewer also criticizes the imprecise touch controls, calling them a frustrating weak point. Overall, Rogers recommends the headphones as a solid four-star choice primarily for their unbeatable ANC, but suggests current owners wait for a more substantial update before upgrading.

Billy Steele from Engadget highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a refined evolution rather than a radical redesign, delivering meaningful improvements that solidify their position as the best noise-canceling headphones available today. He praises the extended battery life across all modes, the intuitive power management system, and the addition of lossless audio over USB-C, which addresses a key limitation of the original model. The immersive Cinema Mode and Bose’s spatial Immersive Audio enhance listening experiences, particularly for movies and music, with notable clarity and soundstage depth. Comfort remains exceptional for long listening sessions. However, Steele notes the high $449 price point and the subtle but divisive design change—a glossy finish on the metal headband yokes—that may not appeal to all users. Overall, the review conveys a very positive, confident tone, emphasizing that these headphones offer impactful upgrades that justify their premium status without overhauling the familiar formula.

James Pero from Gizmodo highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a standout in active noise cancellation (ANC), describing the experience as nearly transformative in noisy environments like city streets and subways. He praises Bose’s CustomTune technology, which adapts ANC to the user’s ears with impressive precision, crediting aerospace engineering expertise behind the innovation. While the ANC performance is exceptional, the sound quality is characterized as good but not outstanding, with bass-heavy genres faring better than rock or midrange-focused music. The headphones offer useful features like lossless audio via USB-C and customizable EQ, though wireless listening remains the primary use case. Comfort is generally solid but somewhat tight, potentially uncomfortable for larger heads or neck wearers. Battery life improvements are noted but not groundbreaking. Additional features like immersive “Cinema Mode” add value, though the design and case have minor quirks. Overall, Pero positions these headphones as the top choice for those prioritizing noise cancellation, despite stiff competition in sound quality from rivals like Sony.

Tyler Hayes from Business Insider highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a refined evolution rather than a revolutionary upgrade over the first generation. Praising their nearly unmatched active noise cancellation and lush comfort, Hayes emphasizes subtle but meaningful improvements like USB-C lossless audio support, faster and smarter on-head detection with auto power-off/on, and a new Cinema mode that enhances movie-watching with immersive spatial audio. While the design tweaks add a sleeker, more premium look, the overall experience remains familiar, which may disappoint existing owners but makes the headphones an excellent choice for new buyers. Battery life improvements and the ability to use the headphones while charging are practical enhancements, though some features feel overdue. Hayes concludes that these headphones remain among the best for travelers seeking top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality, though the $449 price may be steep for casual listeners.

Samuel Gibbs from The Guardian highlights the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a premium, supremely comfortable option in the noise-cancelling headphone market. He praises their polished design, excellent touch controls, and versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth multipoint and USB-C audio with lossless support. The headphones deliver strong noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency sounds, and offer a well-balanced, bass-accentuated sound profile suitable for travel and long listening sessions. Unique features like cinema mode for immersive audio and a long 30-hour battery life with replaceable batteries add to their appeal. However, Gibbs notes the headphones come with a very high price tag, higher than many competitors like Sony’s WH-1000XM6, which slightly outperform Bose in noise cancelling and sound quality. Additionally, the microphones cannot be used when connected via analogue cable, and the product lacks recycled materials. Overall, the review conveys a measured but positive enthusiasm, emphasizing comfort and build quality as standout strengths.

Amazon users consistently praise the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for delivering exceptional sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation. Reviewers highlight how the headphones create an immersive audio experience, with Bose’s Spatialized Audio making music and movies feel remarkably lifelike. Many emphasize the customizable noise cancellation, adjustable via the companion app, which allows users to tailor their listening environment precisely. Comfort stands out as a key strength, with customers noting the lightweight design and plush materials that enable hours of wear without discomfort—even during long flights or extended gaming sessions. The headphones’ sleek, premium look in colors like White Smoke and Black and Gold also earns frequent compliments, appealing to users who value both style and substance. Users appreciate the seamless Bluetooth connectivity, especially the multipoint feature that lets them switch effortlessly between devices like phones and laptops. Battery life impresses as well, reliably lasting through busy days and travel without frequent recharging. Some reviewers share unique insights, such as pairing the headphones with external dongles or cooling gel earpads to enhance audio quality and comfort further, demonstrating the product’s versatility for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts. While a few consider the price steep, many affirm that the headphones justify their cost through superior performance and thoughtful features. Overall, Amazon customers regard the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a significant upgrade in sound, comfort, and noise cancellation, making them a top choice for anyone seeking premium wireless headphones.

Users on Target praise the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for their exceptional comfort, impressive noise cancellation, and rich, immersive sound quality. Many highlight the headphones’ soft cushioning and adjustable fit, which allow for extended wear without discomfort or ear fatigue. Reviewers enjoy the balanced audio profile with strong mids and deep bass, often noting how the sound remains clear and vibrant across various music genres and media. The active noise cancelling impresses users by effectively blocking out background noise while still allowing important sounds to come through, enhancing focus during travel, work, or leisure. Several customers appreciate the seamless Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and USB-C audio support, which enable quick pairing and smooth switching between devices. The companion Bose app receives positive mentions for offering customizable sound settings, including immersive audio modes and adjustable noise cancellation levels, giving users control over their listening experience. Users also find the headphones’ intuitive controls and smart features—like automatic sleep mode when folded—convenient and battery-saving. The headphones’ sleek design, especially the off-white color with metallic accents, earns compliments for its premium and stylish appearance. While most find the included carrying case protective and durable, some note it feels bulky for travel bags. A few users mention minor drawbacks such as a less powerful bass compared to some competitors, occasional sound cutouts during movement, or a mic quality that could improve. However, the overwhelming consensus on Target emphasizes that these headphones deliver top-tier sound, comfort, and noise cancellation, making them a worthwhile upgrade for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.