Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Notable upgrades to a familiar formula

Bose has released second‑generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, refining rather than reinventing its flagship over‑ear model. The update focuses on targetted improvements: better adaptive ANC, longer battery life across modes, lossless audio over USB‑C, and the Cinema Mode sound profile adapted from the earbuds.

These changes make the headphones more practical for everyday use without waiting for a full redesign. The core strengths — comfort, strong noise cancellation and a roomy spatial sound profile — remain intact.

• Price: $449
• Battery: up to 30h (ANC on, Immersive off); up to 45h (ANC off); up to 23h (ANC + Immersive)
• ANC: Improved ActiveSense that reacts faster to sudden noise spikes
• Audio: Lossless audio over USB‑C (16‑bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz depending on source)
• Features: Cinema Mode (better dialogue clarity), Immersive Audio (spatial upscaling), new low‑power standby modes and easy deep‑standby via rotating earcups

Bose also improved power management: automatic disconnect after 10 minutes of standby, a low‑power mode after 30 minutes, and a deep standby when the earcups are rotated flat — all designed to make the headphones feel effectively power‑on/off when you put them on or take them off.

Sound performance is largely evolutionary but meaningful: ANC remains among the best in class and Immersive Audio widens and uplifts stereo tracks without needing specialized spatial content. Comfort is a highlight too — soft ear pads make these a strong pick for long flights and workdays.

There are some tradeoffs. The $449 asking price is high, although in line with competitors, and the visual tweaks are minor (gloss finish on the headband yokes and new colorways), which some buyers may not prefer. If price is a concern, Bose still sells the capable QuietComfort Headphones (non‑Ultra) for around $359.

For the original Engadget review and full coverage, see the article: Engadget: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd‑Gen review. For product details, visit Bose. If you want to shop, heres an Amazon search: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones on Amazon (affiliate).

The update is not a radical redesign, but the combination of better ANC responsiveness, substantially longer battery life and lossless USB‑C support make the second‑gen QuietComfort Ultra a meaningful refresh — especially if you value noise cancellation above all else.

Discussion: Would you upgrade to the 2nd‑gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, or wait for a full redesign? Share your thoughts below.