Bose has set the gold standard for active noise cancellation since it first introduced the QuietComfort line in the headphone space. When they transitioned that expertise to earbuds in 2020, it reimagined how we experience silence in a noisy world. Now, with the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen, Bose is doubling down on what made their predecessors so great while bringing some much-welcomed upgrades to the units.
Smarter Silence Through AI
The most compelling upgrade here is foundational. Bose has employed an AI-driven algorithm that changes how these earbuds adapt to the environment around you. Traditional ANC excels with steady, predictable sounds like airplane engines or office HVAC systems. But ask it to handle a siren, clattering subway doors, or someone dropping something nearby, and older systems would often overcompensate, drowning out your music in the process.
The 2nd Gen’s updated ActiveSense technology takes a more nuanced approach. Instead of aggressively ramping up noise cancellation when it detects a spike, the system makes smoother, more gradual adjustments. The result is that your playlist doesn’t get buried under an overzealous ANC response every time a garbage truck passes by.
Better Conversations, Finally
Call quality improvements don’t typically make headlines, but anyone who’s tried to take important calls on earbuds knows how crucial this is. Bose has borrowed technology from their hearing aid division — specifically their audio augmentation algorithms — to create what they’re calling an AI-powered noise suppression system.
Working with the earbuds’ eight-microphone array, this setup promises to isolate your voice while filtering out background distractions like wind or office chatter. Whether you’re using one earbud or both, the system adapts to keep your voice “front, center, and clear,” which sounds promising for anyone tired of repeating themselves during phone meetings.
The Little Things That Matter
Sometimes the most appreciated updates are the smallest ones. The new ear tips now include wax guards — unglamorous but practical for anyone who’s experienced degraded sound quality from buildup over time. More importantly, you can now disable the capacitive touch controls entirely through the Bose app. If you’ve ever accidentally paused your music while adjusting fit or brushing hair behind your ears, this feature alone might justify the upgrade.
Wireless charging support also finally arrives, which feels long overdue at this price point but welcome nonetheless. The case maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor, so don’t expect any portability improvements there.
Proven Foundation
The core experience remains unchanged, which is probably for the best. The original QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds established themselves as serious contenders in the premium space, with Bose’s CustomTune technology personalizing both audio and ANC to your specific ear shape. That foundation, combined with 6 hours of battery life (four with Immersive Audio), Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, and support for aptX Adaptive, created a compelling package that didn’t need major overhauls.
The three color options — Black, White Smoke, and limited-edition Deep Plum — stick to Bose’s understated aesthetic philosophy.
Spec Sheet
Model: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen
Battery Life: 6 hours (4 hours with Immersive Audio)
Quick Charge: 20 minutes for 2 hours playback
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Water Resistance: IPX4
Colors: Black, White Smoke, Deep Plum (limited edition)
Special Features: CustomTune calibration, AI-enhanced ANC, wireless charging
Price: $299
Pricing & Availability
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are available now from Bose for $299.
Recap
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen refine the company’s already excellent noise-canceling formula with AI-powered algorithms that handle sudden environmental sounds more smoothly, plus improved call quality borrowed from their hearing aid technology.
