I thought the Bose QuietComfort headphones already hit their peak – then I tried the newest model

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2)

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones (Gen 2) can be found for $449 in 5 colours.
• They solidify Bose’s warranted confidence in its design, consolation, noise cancellation, and sound efficiency.
• The one main, eye-catching upgrades relate to battery capability and energy administration.

oct / 2025

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How do you persuade your self to pay $400+ for a pair of headphones once they look and function virtually identically to the earlier era? That is a query I hope to reply, and a query Bose hopes its second-generation flagship headphones will reply based mostly on their efficiency alone.

Additionally: Best headphones of 2025

I spent two weeks working, touring, and lounging within the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2), which I am going to consult with because the QC Extremely 2, looking for how Bose spent two years making them extra “extremely” than their predecessor. With out main upgrades to design, speaker drivers, or noise cancellation efficiency, I am going to must dig deep.

It is easy to place the Sony WH-1000XM6 as QC Extremely 2’s direct competitor, however I ponder: are the QC Extremely 2 competing with their predecessors as a lot as they’re with different manufacturers? Let’s discover out.

Identical look, smarter particulars

The QC Extremely 2’s defining theme is that it does not try and rewrite Bose’s legacy however relatively tidies it up. They give the impression of being equivalent to the primary era, apart from the yokes, which swap a matte aluminum end for shiny polished steel. 

The QC Extremely 2’s earcups are barely shallower than these of their predecessor, which might trigger match points for individuals with bigger heads and ears. In any other case, the look, really feel, and match of the QC Extremely 2 do not convey notable adjustments, which is not essentially a nasty factor — if it ain’t broke, do not repair it.

Extra important upgrades lie within the smaller particulars, together with USB-C audio help, out there at as much as 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz. Thus, the QC Extremely 2 is extra fitted to gaming or extra devoted listening than the primary era. Not like the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max, the QC Extremely 2 retains its 3.5mm headphone jack. And in contrast to the Sony XM6, you’ll be able to pay attention via the QC Extremely 2’s USB-C port whereas charging it.

Additionally: 7 clever iPhone USB-C port tricks every user should know

Though USB-C audio help in 2025 feels extra like an expectation than a brand new characteristic to rejoice, it rounds out the QC Extremely 2’s audio capabilities.

Magnificence is within the ears of the beholder

The QC Extremely 2 have an ideal sound profile in the event you like an exaggerated bass response, barely decreased mids, and louder treble. It makes for an ideal replica of basslines and front-and-center vocals in pop tracks, corresponding to One Route’s “Stockholm Syndrome,“ and ’90s rap, like Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear.” 

Additionally: Why I keep 4 pairs of headphones with me at all times (and the unique role each one plays)

Conversely, the QC Extremely 2 aren’t as robust with layered, ambient post-rock like Ben Howard’s “Time Is Dancing.” Songs with extra refined musical textures aren’t as simple to listen to, however reducing the bass helps. Total, the QC Extremely 2’s tuning is hotter and extra spacious-sounding, delivering an prolonged, tighter bass response than the primary era. Their sound needs to be enjoyable for most individuals.

Bose continues on with its model of spatial audio, Immersive Audio, and introduces a brand new spatial tuning for podcasts, TV exhibits, motion pictures, and different dialogue-heavy media. The characteristic works – you’ll be able to hear your media increase round your head. Personally, I might relatively that Bose embrace Dolby Atmos help as an alternative.

Nonetheless the ANC gold normal

Bose’s advertising and marketing conveys to me that noise cancellation is not considered a characteristic of a pair of headphones — it is a way of life selection. Noise cancellation does not solely mute the world round you, however helps you create a personal listening area if you’re in public. 

Bose leans into this philosophy, as noise-canceling upgrades aren’t on the forefront of the headphones’ launch. Regardless of little fanfare round noise cancellation enhancements, the QC Extremely 2 are barely higher at canceling noise than their predecessor. Moreover, the QC Extremely 2’s ANC higher encompasses higher-pitched noises, corresponding to keyboard clicks, and lower-pitched noises, just like the rumble of an airplane engine, than the primary era.

When the headphones’ energetic noise cancellation (ANC) is engaged, even when no audio is enjoying, there’s nearly no noise flooring. That feat is extremely spectacular and on par with Sony’s WH-1000XM6. The distinction between Sony’s and Bose’s latest-gen ANC is negligible; you may have to seek out one other class that can assist you decide one model over the opposite.

Additionally: I tried Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ AI noise cancelling, and can’t go back to regular ANC

Bose additionally refined its AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation characteristic, ActiveSense. This characteristic maintains transparency mode and prompts noise cancellation when the surroundings turns into too loud. ActiveSense is my favourite characteristic on the QC Extremely Earbuds 2, and it really works simply as effectively on the headphones. 

The very best characteristic is probably the most surprising

To me, the standout characteristic of the QC Extremely 2 pertains to its improved energy administration. Together with growing the battery life from 24 hours on the primary era to 30 hours on the second, Bose additionally rendered its product’s energy button out of date.

You need to use the headphones’ energy button to show them on and off, however it’s not needed. As an alternative, you’ll be able to take the headphones off your head and lay them flat — earcups up or down — and so they’ll instantly disconnect out of your units, disable Bluetooth, and start conserving energy. Merely put them again on and so they’re able to go.

Additionally: Bose took my favorite AirPods Max power feature – and did it better

I like this characteristic as a result of energy buttons on headphones are the bane of my existence. If you happen to do not press the button lengthy sufficient, the headphones will not flip off, however in the event you press it for too lengthy, they will enter pairing mode. It’s a must to time your lengthy press completely to get your headphones to cooperate.

Bose’s power-up was notably complicated and malfunctioning, inflicting the corporate to ship the first-gen QC Extremely’s solely firmware replace to deal with the difficulty particularly. To me, not needing to make use of the ability button in any respect is a lifesaver.

A companion app achieved proper

Many headphone manufacturers are notoriously recognized for his or her lackluster companion apps. Glitchy options and boring person interfaces maintain me away from them. Bose’s app is the very best, providing a dependable, gratifying, and easy-to-use expertise. 

The app highlights the QC Extremely 2’s improved customization options, providing customers the power to completely disable noise cancellation and the headphones’ contact management strip, one in every of my least favourite options from the first-gen QC Extremely. Now you can utterly disable ANC, which was beforehand not possible with Bose’s headphones.

The one problem I’ve with Bose’s app is its restricted equalizer. As an alternative of permitting customers to regulate the headphones’ EQ by frequency bands, Bose solely presents will increase and reduces to basic bass, mids, and treble with out particular, granular, quantifiable measures.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Bose QC Ultra 2 ship refined upgrades to the headphones’ noise cancellation, design, sound profile, energy administration, and person customization. They are not a very thrilling second-generation launch that pulls headlines. As an alternative, Bose doubles down on what it does finest, providing minor but significant refinements to deal with its few blind spots.

If you have already got the first-gen QC Extremely, maintain them till the wheels fall off, or anticipate what Bose does subsequent, which may very well be a bigger product overhaul. You probably have the Bose NC700, QuietComfort 35, or 45, and so they’re on the finish of their highway, the QC Extremely 2 can be a big improve for you.

Additionally: Your Sony headphones have new tricks in a free update – but there’s a catch

Briefly, between Sony and Bose, Bose delivers a extra trendy design, much less cheap-feeling plastic construct supplies, a extra relaxed match, and USB-C audio. Nevertheless, Bose’s sound profile closely leans towards heat and softened treble to account for robust ANC processing and long-term listening periods, notably when touring or working.

Sony’s sound profile can also be heat, however its equalizer permits extra personalization. The WH-1000XM6 have a tighter bass response, clearer mids, sharper treble, and a extra spacious soundstage. Its sound is extra analytical, however it may possibly turn into fatiguing after a number of hours of listening.