The second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones arrive with lossless audio support and extended battery life, proving that incremental improvements can still move the needle in a crowded market. Since launching the original QuietComfort line back in 2000 — born from founder Amar Bose’s frustration with a noisy flight in 1978 — the company has essentially owned the noise-canceling conversation. Now, 25 years later, they’re refining rather than revolutionizing, and that approach feels right for where these headphones sit in the ecosystem.
Wired Gets Its Due
The most significant addition here is USB-C lossless audio support, delivering 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz playback. This puts Bose back in conversation with Sony, Bowers & Wilkins, and Apple’s flagship models that have already embraced wired hi-fi listening. The inclusion also doubles as a low-latency gaming connection, which feels like a logical next step given how many people are using premium headphones across multiple devices these days. The 2.5mm analog jack carries over from the previous generation, so you’re covered regardless of your preferred wired setup.
Cinema Mode and Spatial Refinements
Bose has also added Cinema Mode to their Immersive Audio suite, widening the soundstage and placing it in front of the listener for what they call a “movie-like experience.” Much like with its soundbars, this implementation focuses on dialogue clarity and background balance, making it useful beyond just films — podcasts and audiobooks benefit from the enhanced vocal presence.
The company has also refined their general tuning with deeper bass at higher volumes and more natural treble reproduction. They’ve reduced the background noise generated by the ANC system itself, which should make quieter listening sessions feel less artificially processed.
Battery Life and Usability Improvements
Battery performance jumps to 30 hours with ANC enabled — a solid improvement over the original’s 24-hour rating. Turn off noise canceling entirely and you’ll see up to 45 hours of playback. Immersive Audio users get 24 hours of continuous use, which puts these headphones in comfortable all-day territory regardless of how you’re using them.
The standby functionality has been redesigned around actual human behavior. Lay them flat or fold them into their case and they automatically enter a months-long low-power mode. Put them on your head and they wake up immediately, connecting to your last paired device without any button presses.
Design Evolution
Bose has updated the aesthetic with polished metal yokes where the previous generation used a flat finish. The change is subtle but elevates the overall premium feel. Two new colorways join the lineup: Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet, both of which feel more contemporary than the standard black and white options.
The core design language remains unchanged. These are still unmistakably QuietComfort headphones with their signature foldable form factor and plush ear cushions.
Spec Sheet
Model: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Battery Life: 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (Immersive Audio)
Audio Support: Lossless USB-C (16-bit/44.1kHz, 48kHz), 2.5mm analog
ANC Modes: Quiet, Aware, off (manual adjustment available)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint, SBC/AAC/aptX Adaptive codecs
Special Features: Cinema Mode, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap
Colors: Black, White Smoke, Driftwood Sand, Midnight Violet
Price: $449
Pricing & Availability
Delivering October 2, the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are available for preorder now at $449 — the same price as the original model despite the upgrades.
Recap
Bose 2nd-Gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones add lossless USB-C audio and extend battery life to 30 hours while maintaining the same $449 price point.
