Bose’s flagship over‑ear headphones are back with a refined look, smarter features, and a big bump in stamina. The second‑generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 take everything people loved about the originals and polish the experience for daily listening, travel, work calls, and movie nights.
Design sees subtle but meaningful tweaks. The Bose logo is now inlaid on the earcups for a cleaner aesthetic, and the aluminum yokes have a polished finish that elevates the premium feel. The cups remain plastic for lightness, while the adjustable headband and removable cushions use soft protein leather for long‑wear comfort. At just 250 grams, they’re as lightweight as before and arrive in four finishes: Black, Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand, and White.
Noise control and convenience get smarter. An upgraded take on Bose’s ActiveSense technology enhances noise cancellation, while improved on‑head detection means the headphones power on and pair as soon as you put them on. Take them off or fold them, and they slip into a low‑power standby to preserve battery life. You still get the familiar Quiet Mode for full isolation and Aware Mode when you want to hear what’s around you.
Audio features have leveled up. Spatial audio now supports both music and video, and a new cinema mode delivers spacious, balanced surround effects and clearer dialogue for movies, audiobooks, and podcasts. Bose also says bass response has been tuned for better control at higher volumes. Connectivity moves to Bluetooth 5.4 for robust wireless performance.
For wired listening, the QuietComfort Ultra 2 support lossless audio over USB‑C and retain a 3.5 mm input. In the box, you’ll find a USB‑C to USB‑C cable, a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable, and a hard case.
Battery life is where the second gen makes a standout leap. Playback rises to up to 30 hours on a single charge, or up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. A full charge takes about 3 hours, and a quick 15‑minute top‑up yields around 2.5 hours of listening—handy when you’re heading out the door.
Pre‑orders are open now ahead of an October release. Pricing lands at $449/£449.95, putting them shoulder‑to‑shoulder with other top‑tier noise‑canceling headphones.
QuietComfort Ultra 2 highlights
– Refined design with inlaid logo and polished aluminum yokes
– Lightweight at 250 g; protein leather headband and cushions
– Colors: Black, Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand, White
– Enhanced noise cancellation with improved on‑head detection
– Quiet Mode and Aware Mode for flexible listening
– Spatial audio for music and video, plus new cinema mode
– Tuned bass performance at higher volumes
– Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
– Lossless audio over USB‑C; 3.5 mm analog support
– Included cables and hard case
– Up to 30 hours battery life (up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio)
– 15‑minute quick charge for about 2.5 hours of playback
– Price: $449/£449.95; pre‑orders open, release in October
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your travel cans or want immersive, cinema‑style sound without sacrificing comfort and battery life, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 look ready to set the pace in the premium ANC headphone category.
