Overview

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) double down on what made the original legendary - noise cancellation that borders on supernatural. Released September 2025, the 2nd Gen adds 30-hour battery life, lossless USB-C audio, and improved adaptive ANC while maintaining Bose's trademark comfort.

For frequent flyers and open-office survivors, these headphones remain the gold standard for silencing the world around you.

Features Deep-Dive

Unmatched Noise Cancellation

Bose continues to lead on active noise cancellation. The 2nd Gen improves on an already-excellent system with better adaptive processing that responds faster to changing environments. Whether it's airplane cabin drone, office HVAC, or chatty coworkers, the QC Ultra 2 reduce it to near-silence.

Extended Battery Life

Battery life jumps from 24 to 30 hours with ANC enabled - a 25% improvement. With Immersive Audio on, expect around 23 hours. For most travelers, this means multi-day trips without charging.

Lossless USB-C Audio

New for the 2nd Gen: plug in via USB-C for lossless digital audio at 16-bit/48kHz. This bypasses Bluetooth entirely for purists who want the best possible sound from compatible sources.

Cinema Mode

The new Cinema Mode optimizes spatial audio processing for video content, enhancing dialogue clarity and spatial effects. It's particularly effective for movies and TV shows where ambient sounds add to immersion.

Pricing Analysis

At $449, the QC Ultra 2 match Sony's XM6 pricing. You're paying premium for Bose's ANC expertise and proven comfort. The improved battery and lossless audio add value over the original.

Who Is This For?

Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen work best for:

• Frequent flyers who need maximum noise isolation
• Open office workers fighting constant distractions
• Movie watchers who appreciate spatial audio
• Comfort-first users who wear headphones all day

Who Should NOT Use This

Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen might not be the right choice if:

• Pure sound quality priority: Sony XM6 edges ahead on audio fidelity
• Android high-res audio: No aptX codec support
• Travel light: Case and headphones are bulkier than Sony
• Budget conscious: Excellent ANC available for less

Bottom Line

Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen remain the noise cancellation champions. The battery improvement and lossless audio justify the 2nd Gen upgrade for existing Bose fans. For ANC-first buyers, nothing else comes close.

FAQ

Is the ANC noticeably better than the original QC Ultra?

The improvement is subtle but real, particularly in adaptive response speed. If you have the original, upgrade only if battery matters.

How does sound quality compare to Sony XM6?

Close, but Sony edges ahead on detail and soundstage. Bose emphasizes warmth and bass impact.

Are they comfortable for all-day wear?

Among the best. The plush earcups and balanced weight distribution make 8+ hour sessions manageable.

Does Immersive Audio drain battery faster?

Yes, reducing runtime to about 23 hours. Standard spatial audio has minimal impact.