Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review

The second-generation QuietComfort Ultra is the closest rival to Sony for pure noise reduction. Bose calls it its best noise cancelling, and the headphones combine that with CustomTune, which calibrates sound to your ears, and spatialized Immersive Audio for music and video. The new Cinema Mode is aimed at films on a laptop or tablet. Battery life is up to 30 hours, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio running, and Bose now lets you keep listening while the headphones charge over the included USB-C cable. That same cable carries lossless digital audio. A 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable is in the box for airplane and analog sources. Bluetooth 5.4 with a 30 ft range covers a desk-to-kitchen walk. At 0.583 lb the headphones are heavier than Sony's, though Bose leans on plush cushions. The catch is price: $449 list, though Bose was selling it for $369 when we checked.

Who it is for

Office workers and travelers who want Bose's strongest noise cancelling and plush comfort for long days.

Price

$369 on sale at Bose when checked, list price $449.

Current Price is: $369.00 Original Price is: $449.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• Described by Bose as its best noise cancelling
• CustomTune sound calibration
• Up to 30 hours of battery, 23 hours with Immersive Audio
• Lossless audio over USB-C, and listening while charging
• Cinema Mode and customizable EQ in the Bose app

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Bose's flagship noise cancelling with Quiet and Aware modes
• Strength: USB-C audio for lossless wired listening
• Strength: Bluetooth 5.4 with a 30 ft range
• Weakness: List price of $449 is high outside sales
• Weakness: Battery drops to 23 hours with Immersive Audio on
• Weakness: Heavier than Sony at 0.583 lb

Key facts

• Battery: Up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio)
• Charge time: 3 hours
• Weight: 0.583 lb
• Bluetooth: 5.4
• Wired audio: USB-C and 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable

Where it ranks

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is No. 2 in our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones verdict and No. 2 in Best Wireless Headphones.