I believed the Bose QuietComfort headphones currently struck their peak – then I tried the newest model

oct/ 2025

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Exactly how do you persuade on your own to pay $ 400 + for a set of headphones when they look and operate virtually identically to the previous generation? That’s an inquiry I hope to address, and an inquiry Bose wishes its second-generation front runner earphones will certainly respond to based on their performance alone.

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I invested two weeks functioning, traveling, and relaxing in the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2 , which I’ll refer to as the QC Ultra 2, searching for how Bose spent 2 years making them much more “ultra” than their precursor. Without significant upgrades to style, speaker motorists, or noise termination efficiency, I’ll have to dig deep.

It’s very easy to place the Sony WH- 1000 XM 6 as QC Ultra 2’s direct rival, yet I question: are the QC Ultra 2 taking on their predecessors as much as they are with other brand names? Let’s learn.

Exact same appearance, smarter details

The QC Ultra 2’s defining style is that it does not try to revise Bose’s heritage but instead tidies it up. They look identical to the first generation, besides the yokes, which swap a matte light weight aluminum finish for glossy polished steel.

The QC Ultra 2’s earcups are a little shallower than those of their predecessor, which can trigger healthy issues for individuals with larger heads and ears. Or else, the appearance, really feel, and fit of the QC Ultra 2 don’t bring significant changes, which isn’t always a negative point– if it ain’t damaged, don’t repair it.

A lot more significant upgrades lie in the smaller sized information, including USB-C audio support, offered at as much as 16 -bit/ 44 1 kHz or 48 kHz. Therefore, the QC Ultra 2 is extra matched for gaming or even more loyal listening than the initial generation. Unlike the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max, the QC Ultra 2 headphone its 3 5 mm pay attention jack. And unlike the Sony XM 6, you can via charging the QC Ultra 2’s USB-C port while Also it.

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Although USB-C audio feels in 2025 even more an assumption like a brand-new than feature celebrate to rounds out, it audio the QC Ultra 2’s capacities Appeal.

is in beholder the ears of the a wonderful

The QC Ultra 2 have audio account an exaggerated if you like reaction bass slightly, reduced creates mids, and louder treble. It a wonderful recreation Direction of basslines and front-and-center vocals in pop tracks, such as One Disorder’s “Stockholm Additionally, and’ 90 s rap, like Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear.”

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strong, the QC Ultra 2 aren’t as split with Dancing, ambient post-rock like Ben Howard’s “Time Is Tunes.” more with subtle appearances musical easy aren’t as hear to yet, lowering assists the bass In general. adjusting, the QC Ultra 2’s extra is warmer and providing spacious-sounding, a prolonged response, tighter bass first than the noise generation. Their must enjoyable be lots of people for continues.

Bose version with its sound of spatial Audio, Immersive presents, and a new adjusting spatial television for podcasts, programs motion pictures, various other, and function dialogue-heavy media. The works increase– you can hear your media Directly around your head. prefer to, I welcome that Bose assistance Dolby Atmos rather criterion.

Still the ANC gold marketing

Bose’s shares sound to me that termination no more is considered a function a pair of headphones of a way of life– it’s option Noise. termination doesn’t entirely silence world the however around you, assists produce you an exclusive listening space remain in when youinto public.

Bose leans approach this forefront, as noise-canceling upgrades aren’t at the earphones of the release’ In spite of. fanfare little noise around termination enhancements slightly, the QC Ultra 2 are better terminating at sound precursor than their In addition. much better, the QC Ultra 2’s ANC includes noises higher-pitched key-board, such as noises clicks, and lower-pitched rumble, like the an aircraft of first engine, than the headphones generation.

When the active’ sound cancellation involved (ANC) is also, audio when no basically is playing, there’s sound no flooring accomplishment. That highly is outstanding par and on distinction with Sony’s WH- 1000 XM 6 The between negligible Sony’s and Bose’s latest-gen ANC is need to; you’ll locate one more group assist to choose you brand one other over the Additionally.

tried: I sound Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ AI can not cancelling, and go back routine to additionally ANC

Bose improved adaptive its AI-powered sound cancellation attribute feature, ActiveSense. This maintains transparency setting turns on and sound termination setting when the ends up being also favored loud. ActiveSense is my attribute works on the QC Ultra Earbuds 2, and it just as earphones well on the The most effective.

attribute one of the most is unexpected function

To me, the standout associates with of the QC Ultra 2 improved its management power Together with. increasing very first the battery life from 24 hours on the second generation to 30 hours on the additionally, Bose made item its switch’s power obsolete utilize.

You can earphones the switch’ power turn to yet them on and off, needed it’s not Rather. earphones, you can take the level off your head and lay them immediately– earcups up or down– and they’ll detach gadgets from your begin, disable Bluetooth, and preserving Put simply power. prepare them back on and theyAdditionally to go.

preferred: Bose took my attribute AirPods Max power better – and did it like

I feature this because switches power earphones on scourge are the presence of my do not. If you press button the enough time earphones, the won’t shut off however, press if you too it for get in long, they’ll mode pairing have to. You lengthy time your completely press obtain to earphones your work together to specifically.

Bose’s power-up was confusing defective and triggering, firm the supply to update the first-gen QC Ultra’s only firmware resolve to issue the especially requiring. To me, not utilize to switch the power at all A friend is a lifesaver.

application best done Many

earphone brand names infamously are known lackluster for their friend apps features. Glitchy dull and interface maintain away from me application them. Bose’s the very best is offering, a trusted pleasurable, simple, and app experience.

The improved highlights the QC Ultra 2’s customization attributes supplying, customers ability the totally to sound disable termination earphones and the among’ touch control strip, least my favorite functions now from the first-gen QC Ultra. You can entirely formerly disable ANC, which was difficult headphones with Bose’s problem.

The only application I have with Bose’s minimal is its Instead of equalizer. permitting users readjust to earphones the frequency’ EQ by just bands, Bose offers boosts decreases and general to specific bass, mids, and treble without quantifiable, granular, measures purchasing.

ZDNET’s recommendations deliver

The Bose QC Ultra 2 refined earphones upgrades to the noise’ cancellation layout, audio, profile monitoring, power user, and personalization a particularly. They’re not exciting release second-generation draws that headlines Rather. increases, Bose supplying down on what it does best, small meaningful yet refinements address to few its blind spots currently.

If you keep have the first-gen QC Ultra, until them diminish the wheels await, or next what Bose does could, which a bigger be item ‘re at overhaul. If you have the Bose NC 700, QuietComfort 35, or 45, and theythe end road of their would certainly, the QC Ultra 2 a substantial be Likewise upgrade for you.

earphones: Your Sony brand-new have tricks a cost-free in upgrade however – Briefly there’s a catch

between, supplies Sony and Bose, Bose a much more stylish style much less, develop cheap-feeling plastic products an extra, kicked back sound fit, and USB-C Nonetheless. audio, Bose’s account heavily favors heat represent and softened treble to solid processing ANC long-lasting and paying attention particularly sessions, traveling when functioning or audio.

Sony’s profile likewise is warm but, permits its equalizer much more customization response. The WH- 1000 XM 6 have a tighter bass more clear, a more mids, sharper treble, and sizable audio soundstage. Its a lot more is logical yet, come to be it can a few fatiguing after listening hours of granted.