Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review

Noise Cancellation

Quiet mode is the main attraction when you want to hear more of your music and less of a journey. SoundGuys found very strong isolation, but little overall attenuation change from the original Ultra. ¹ These remain excellent noise-canceling headphones; the second generation is not a dramatic ANC upgrade for an existing owner.

Aware mode lets surrounding sound back in. Its ActiveSense feature adjusts cancellation when the environment suddenly gets loud, making it useful when you want to remain aware without giving every passing noise equal prominence. You can save preferred listening modes rather than rebuild the settings each time.

Sound Quality

RTINGS describes a bass-rich balance with clear mids and a softer upper end. ² That can suit relaxed listening, but someone who wants more treble energy should try the app’s adjustments. The bass, midrange and treble sliders are simple to understand; they offer less precision than the more extensive equalizers on Sony’s WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM 5.

CustomTune adapts playback to the fit when you put the headphones on. It does not make the physical seal irrelevant: glasses, hair and earcup placement can still affect the result. Immersive Audio adds a spacious presentation, with the new Cinema mode aimed at video. These are optional effects, so ordinary stereo remains an uncomplicated choice for music.

Connectivity

USB-C audio is the most useful addition over the first Ultra. Plug into a compatible laptop or phone and the cable can carry sound while charging the headphones. Playback supports 16-bit audio at 44.1 or 48kHz; there is no need to mistake that for a promise of higher-resolution playback.

The included analog cable connects a conventional 3.5mm source to the headphones’ smaller 2.5mm socket. That is handy for a seatback screen, but the headphones still need power. Neither wired connection carries the built-in microphone, so a laptop’s microphone or a separate one is needed for wired calls. ²

Bluetooth multipoint keeps two devices connected, which saves pairing again when moving between a phone and computer. SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive are supported, but the source must support the matching codec. Buying these headphones does not add aptX to an iPhone.

Battery Life

Bose rates the new model for up to 30 hours, compared with 24 hours for the original Ultra. That extra margin is welcome for travel and everyday use, although volume, calls and features affect endurance. Turning on Immersive Audio reduces the stated maximum to 23 hours.

Automatic wear detection pauses listening when you take the headphones off, while the revised power management helps avoid leaving them unnecessarily awake. USB listening also makes a low battery less disruptive at a desk.

Design & Comfort

The folding design is useful when headphones have to share a bag with other things. RTINGS found them very comfortable, though fit is personal and the cushions should form a proper seal around your ears. ² The physical buttons handle the main controls, with a touch strip for volume.

The verified US finishes are Black, White, Midnight Violet, Desert Gold, Driftwood Sand, Cherry Chocolate and Olive Green. They are cosmetic choices, with no established performance differences. None has a water-resistance rating, so these are better suited to travel and ordinary listening than rain or a sweaty workout.

Alternatives

The Sony WH-1000XM6 offers more detailed sound adjustment and also folds for travel. Bose adds wired USB-C audio, which the Sony does not support. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 is more appealing if its longer rated battery life and replaceable battery matter more to you than a compact folding design.

For a satisfied first-generation Ultra owner, USB-C listening and the longer battery rating are the clearest reasons to consider changing. If you mostly listen over Bluetooth and already charge without difficulty, keeping the original is a sensible choice.

Verdict

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is a strong choice when comfort, portability and quiet listening come first. USB-C audio makes it easier to use at a computer, while the folding case remains useful away from home. It is an appealing refinement for a new buyer, with modest enough changes that existing owners can take their time.