Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| BoseQuietComfort 25 | BoseQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | September 2014 | August 2026 |
| Sound | ||
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | – | Yes |
| Spatial audio with head tracking | – | Yes |
| Back | Closed | – |
| Bluetooth codecs | None (wired) | SBC and AAC |
| Lossless over USB-C | – | Yes |
| Noise cancelling detail | Microphones inside and outside each earcup feed Bose's noise-cancelling processor; the right earcup has a power switch | QuietControl noise cancellation with a six-microphone system; adaptive feedforward control compensates for gaps in the ear cup seal (glasses, hair, hats); Quiet, Aware, Immersion and Cinema modes plus custom modes; Aware mode with ActiveSense softens sudden noise spikes; noise cancelling adjustable or fully off in the Bose app; wind block in custom modes |
| Audio features | Bose Active EQ and TriPort acoustic system; passive wired playback works with noise cancellation off or the battery removed | Bose TrueSpatial Technology with Immersive Audio (Still keeps the virtual speakers in place as you turn your head; Motion lets them follow) and Cinema Mode; SoundDesign signal processing; three-band EQ in the Bose app; two-way USB-C audio with lossless input up to 24-bit/48 kHz and voice output up to 24-bit/16 kHz |
| Battery | ||
| Listening time (maker's claim) | Up to 35 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Battery life detail | Up to 35 hours of powered listening from one replaceable AAA cell | Up to 24 hours with noise cancelling on, 18 hours with Immersive Audio on; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL; can be used over Bluetooth or USB audio while charging; the USB-C to 3.5 mm cable works only with the headphones powered on, so with a flat battery Bose says to listen over USB-C while charging |
| Fast charging | – | 15 minutes gives up to 2.5 hours of playback; full charge in up to 3 hours (slower while in use) |
| Design | ||
| Weight | – | 230 g |
| Bluetooth | – | 5.4 |
| Two devices at once | – | Yes |
| Headphone cable | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | Power switch on the right earcup; inline microphone and remote on the device-specific cable | Physical buttons; on the right ear cup, a Bluetooth/power slider, a multi-function button (play, pause, skip, calls) and volume buttons; on the left ear cup, an Action button for modes and a shortcut to the voice assistant, Spotify or Immersive Audio settings |
| Microphones | – | Six microphones, used for noise cancelling and calls, with updated background noise filtering for calls |
| Fit and ear tips | Around-ear protein-leather cushions, fabric-padded headband and folding earcups | Around-ear (circumaural) with a redesigned adjustable headband with smooth sliders; oval ear cups with removable protein leather cushions; plastic headband and yokes; folds for the carry case |
| Water resistance detail | – | No water resistance rating published |
| Works with | Separate cable versions were sold for Apple devices and for selected Samsung Galaxy and Android devices | Bose app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; Google Fast Pair; USB-C audio for calls and video conferencing on computers |
| Colours | Black or White, both with blue accents at launch | Black, White Smoke; limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve; Bose UK also lists Sky Pink |
| In the box | Headphones, carrying case, audio cable, airline adapter and AAA battery | Headphones, carry case, USB-C to USB-C cable (1 m), USB-C to 3.5 mm cable, safety sheet |
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