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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) · Photo source

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Photo 1 of 27

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) · Photo source

Bose · QuietComfort

QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Released September 2025

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are Bose's flagship noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, suited to travellers and commuters who want strong noise cancelling, spatial audio and lossless listening over USB-C.

Model history · 2 models, 2023–2025
  1. 2023QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesCompare
  2. 2025QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Battery
30 h
With case
–
Best codec
aptX Adaptive
Weight
264 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the noise cancelling is among the best available and comfort is exceptional, with full, immersive sound. All see only a mild improvement on the first generation, with RTINGS finding noise cancelling much the same; TechRadar thinks some rivals offer more for the money, and TechGearLab found the bass a little overemphasised.

From rtings.com, techradar.com and techgearlab.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, AAC and aptX Adaptive
Lossless over USB-C
Yes
Noise cancelling detail
Quiet Mode (full noise cancelling) and Aware Mode with ActiveSense, now smoother at damping sudden noise spikes; noise cancelling adjustable or fully off in the Bose app; CustomTune tailors sound and noise cancelling to your ears; wind block in custom modes
Audio features
Bose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the virtual speakers in place as you turn your head; Motion lets them follow) and Cinema Mode; up to seven custom modes; adjustable EQ in the Bose app; lossless USB-C audio at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, which Bose says adapts to lossless audio and low latency; Gaming Mode

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim)
Up to 30 hours
Battery life detail
Up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio on; up to 45 hours with noise cancelling and Immersive Audio off; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL; low-power standby when laid flat or put in the case; can be used while charging
Fast charging
15 minutes gives up to 3 hours with noise cancelling on and Immersive Audio off (Bose's test footnote gives 2.5 hours); full charge in up to 3 hours

Design

Weight
264 g
Bluetooth
5.4
Two devices at once
Yes
Headphone cable
Yes
Controls
On the right ear cup, a Bluetooth/power button, a multi-function button (play, pause, skip, calls and modes) and a capacitive volume strip (swipe for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to Immersive Audio settings, Spotify Tap or the voice assistant); on-head detection pauses and resumes audio, answers calls and wakes the headphones
Microphones
Four microphones for calls, two on each ear cup
Fit and ear tips
Around-ear (circumaural) with an adjustable headband; removable protein leather cushions; plastic and aluminium build with polished metal yokes; folds for the carry case
Works with
Bose app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; Google Fast Pair; Spotify Tap; SimpleSync with a Bose Smart Soundbar or Bose Smart Speaker
Colours
Black, White Smoke, Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet at launch; Bose UK now also sells Cherry Chocolate, Desert Gold and Olive Green
In the box
Headphones, carry case, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable, USB-C to USB-C cable (99 cm), safety sheet

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Up to 30 hours per charge with noise cancelling on (45 hours with it off)
  • Lossless audio over USB-C (16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz), plus a 2.5 mm analogue input
  • aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, plus multipoint

Cons

  • Battery life falls to 23 hours with Immersive Audio on
  • The analogue cable only works with the headphones switched on

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
Bowers & WilkinsPx7 S3
Over-earYes30 h–aptX Lossless300 gApr 2025
Bowers & WilkinsPx8 S2
Over-earYes30 h–aptX Lossless310 gSept 2025
FocalBathys MG
Over-earYes30 h–aptX Adaptive350 gApr 2025

Previous model: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

Sources

  1. bose.co.uk/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-2nd-gen/QCUH2-HEADPH…
  2. assets.bosecreative.com/m/25e14a61f0feef02/original/897194_OG_QCUH2-HEADPHONEAR…
  3. bose.co.uk/pressroom/bose-unveils-the-next-generation-of-the-quietcomfort-ultra…
  4. bose.com/pressroom/bose-unveils-the-next-generation-of-the-quietcomfort-ultra-h…
  5. bose.de/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-2nd-gen/QCUH2-HEADPHONE…
  6. whathifi.com/headphones/wireless-headphones/boses-new-flagship-wireless-headpho…
  7. whathifi.com/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-2nd-gen

Photo: assets.bosecreative.com

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