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Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) · Photo source

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Photo 1 of 38

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) · Photo source

Bose · QuietComfort

QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Released August 2026

The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are Bose's mid-range noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, suited to commuters and travellers who want Bose noise cancelling and Immersive Audio for less than the QuietComfort Ultra.

Model history · 7 models, 2009–2026
  1. 2009QuietComfort 15Compare
  2. 2014QuietComfort 25Compare
  3. 2016QuietComfort 35Compare
  4. 2017QuietComfort 35 IICompare
  5. 2021QuietComfort 45Compare
  6. 2023QuietComfort HeadphonesCompare
  7. 2026QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Battery
24 h
With case
–
Best codec
AAC
Weight
230 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree these are exceptionally comfortable, with noise cancelling improved over the first generation and balanced, detailed sound. Engadget regrets that battery life is unchanged and RTINGS found them less solidly built than their predecessor. Call quality splits opinion: Gizmodo found it poor, while RTINGS measured better voice clarity in noise than before.

From rtings.com, engadget.com and gizmodo.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking
Yes
Bluetooth codecs
SBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-C
Yes
Noise cancelling detail
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 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 24 hours
Battery life detail
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
Controls
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 (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
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, White Smoke; limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve; Bose UK also lists Sky Pink
In the box
Headphones, carry case, USB-C to USB-C cable (1 m), USB-C to 3.5 mm cable, safety sheet

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Immersive Audio with head tracking (Still, Motion and Cinema), previously only on the Ultra models
  • Lossless audio over USB-C up to 24-bit/48 kHz, plus a USB-C to 3.5 mm cable for analogue sources
  • Can be used while charging, and 15 minutes of charging gives up to 2.5 hours

Cons

  • Up to 24 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, 18 hours with Immersive Audio, shorter than the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
  • SBC and AAC only, with no aptX Adaptive
  • No water resistance rating

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
Sony1000X THE COLLEXION (WH-1000XX)
Over-earYes24 h–LC3320 gMay 2026
SonyWH-1000XM4C
Over-earYes27 h–LDAC253 gSept 2026
AppleAirPods Max 2
Over-earYes20 h–AAC386.2 gApr 2026

Previous model: QuietComfort Headphones.

Sources

  1. bose.co.uk/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.…
  2. assets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonear…
  3. bose.co.uk/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphones
  4. bose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphones
  5. bose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.ht…
  6. whathifi.com/headphones/wireless-headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-ge…

Photo: assets.bosecreative.com

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