Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer advanced noise cancellation, immersive audio features, and extended battery life, making them a top choice for audio enthusiasts.
Jumoka Cobbs 
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review Review Score
10 out of 10 reviewers highly recommend this product
10
Reviews
100.0
Highest
70.0
Lowest
🏆 How it ranks
⚙️ Product Specifications
Battery
30 hours
Noise Cancelling
Yes
Bluetooth
5.4
Water Resistant
N/A
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gizmodo | Oct 24, 2024 | Read Review → | |
"The New King of ANC?" | |||
| TechRadar | Oct 22, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The King of Active Noise-Cancellation is back with a product that’s just a mild improvement on the model it replaces – which is, frankly, all it really needed to be. Want the best premium noise-nixing" | |||
| Digital Trends | Sep 19, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"I only wish the second-gen Ultras had made bigger strides in sound quality to compete with the Sony WH-1000XM6, while next-gen support for Bluetooth technologies like aptX Lossless, LE Audio and Aurac" | |||
| PCMag | Oct 6, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones produce enjoyable audio, effectively cancel noise, and last longer than the previous model, but fall just short of beating the competition." | |||
| T3 | Sep 25, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Bose is the master when it comes to active noise-cancelling (ANC). So it's peculiar that, despite the same design as the original QC Ultra Headphones – which is great for comfort, big sound and longev" | |||
| Pocket Tactics | Oct 10, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Despite a few design missteps, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are some of the most impressive headphones on the market, allowing you to listen to your music with a full, rich soundstag" | |||
| Recording Now | Oct 10, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is currently the category leader in noise cancelling performance, all-day comfort, and shockingly – audiophile sound quality (after EQ)." | |||
| Android Central | Nov 9, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Since my first experience with Bose's noise-cancelling headphones, they’ve come a long way, and I’m happy to say I can wholeheartedly recommend them to more than just the jet-set crowd. Their ANC is exceptional, and this year’s sound quality is satis" | |||
| Tom's Guide | Dec 9, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 make the Ultra Headphones what they should always have been. They're very comfortable and feature the very best ANC around, plus they even come with improvements to spatial audio and battery. Their new pri" | |||
| Trusted Reviews | Apr 1, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen gain some useful updates over the previous pair with increased battery life, improved sound and ANC but they are better-sounding and slightly better ANC efforts than Bose available for less money" | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
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🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: April 1, 2026
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are highly recommended for those prioritizing exceptional noise cancellation and comfort, despite their premium price. However, they face stiff competition from other top-tier headphones.
✅ Strengths
- These headphones offer the best ANC available, as noted by multiple publications like Tom's Guide and Trusted Reviews. The improved battery life and spatial audio modes are also significant upgrades over the previous generation, as highlighted by publications such as Tom's Guide and CNET.
- The headphones are extremely comfortable, as praised by The Verge and Trusted Reviews. The new Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand, and Desert Gold colors add a touch of variety, appealing to a broader audience.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- The touch controls are woefully inadequate, as consistently pointed out by reviewers. The touch-sensitive surfaces often fail to register commands accurately, leading to frequent misoperations.
- The price hike to $449 is a significant factor, as noted by several publications. While the headphones are excellent, the price puts them in "luxury" territory, making them less appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
💡 Bottom Line
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are ideal for audiophiles and professionals who require top-notch noise cancellation and comfort. However, if you're on a budget or prefer a more competitively priced option with comparable performance, you might want to explore other high-end headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins PX7.