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Bose may have just released the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, but there’s already a new product in the QC Ultra line on the way. Today, Bose announced that the second-gen QuietComfort Ultra headphones, the successor to the original 2023 model, will hit shelves on Oct. 2. They’re available to preorder today and cost $449. That’s the same as the first model at its current full price, as well as Sony’s latest XM6 headphones.
While the latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are impressive, the improvements were incremental. That doesn’t appear to be the case with the latest QC Ultra headphones; the next gen will feature significant improvements to battery life and a slate of new features that indicate a substantial overhaul of the 2023 model.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Headphones
$449.00
preorder at bose
▶ Lossless audio via USB-C
▶ Automatically turns on
▶ 30-hour battery life (ANC on)
Upgraded Audio and Noise-Canceling
Bose says they have updated the audio quality and noise-canceling on the QC Ultra 2s. Notably, you can now turn off noise-canceling entirely, and they’ve updated the transparent Aware mode to quickly filter out sudden spikes in noise, such as sirens or car horns. Bose also claims that the bass is deeper at lower volumes, with more natural-sounding highs.
A major new feature for Bose, available on headphones from brands such as Beats, is lossless audio over USB-C. You can plug the USB-C cable into a phone, laptop, or desktop to listen to high-resolution audio. The headphones still have an Aux cable for wired listening, and yes, it’s still Bose’s quirky 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable.
Better Battery Life and Seamless Startup
Bose made a significant improvement to battery life; the next-gen QC Ultra headphones feature up to 30 hours with ANC on, 45 with ANC off, or 23 in Immersive Mode, compared to the original’s 24 hours. Plus, you can now listen to the headphones while they’re charging.
The headphones also have improved wear detection. When you put the headphones on, they’ll automatically connect to paired devices, without needing to use the power button. Laying them flat or folding them in the case will put them in a low-power, standby mode. The original model required a sometimes frustratingly long press to turn on, making this a welcome upgrade.
Minor Design Changes
Aesthetically, Bose doesn’t seem to have deviated much from the original QuietComfort Ultra headphones. The most obvious visual marker is that Bose swapped the matte metal yokes for a shiny, polished look. As for colors, they’re available in Black, White Smoke, Driftwood Sand, and a new colorway called Midnight Violet, with more colors presumably to come. You can see the color option below.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Headphones
$449.00
preorder at bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Headphones
$449.00
preorder at bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Headphones
$449.00
preorder at bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Headphones
$449.00
preorder at bose
