Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

QuietComfort 25 compared with QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
BoseQuietComfort 25BoseQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2014August 2026
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency mode–Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
BackClosed–
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)SBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-C–Yes
Noise cancelling detailMicrophones inside and outside each earcup feed Bose's noise-cancelling processor; the right earcup has a power switchQuietControl 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 featuresBose Active EQ and TriPort acoustic system; passive wired playback works with noise cancellation off or the battery removedBose 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 hoursUp to 24 hours
Battery life detailUp to 35 hours of powered listening from one replaceable AAA cellUp 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 cableYesYes
ControlsPower switch on the right earcup; inline microphone and remote on the device-specific cablePhysical 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 tipsAround-ear protein-leather cushions, fabric-padded headband and folding earcupsAround-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 withSeparate cable versions were sold for Apple devices and for selected Samsung Galaxy and Android devicesBose app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; Google Fast Pair; USB-C audio for calls and video conferencing on computers
ColoursBlack or White, both with blue accents at launchBlack, White Smoke; limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve; Bose UK also lists Sky Pink
In the boxHeadphones, carrying case, audio cable, airline adapter and AAA batteryHeadphones, carry case, USB-C to USB-C cable (1 m), USB-C to 3.5 mm cable, safety sheet

More comparisons