The Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd generation) cost 349.95 euros, will be available for pre-order by MyBose members on bose.de starting August 6, 2026, and will begin shipping on August 13. The most significant new feature is Bose TrueSpatial: This brings three immersive audio modes to the mid-range segment that were previously reserved for the significantly more expensive QuietComfort Ultra. Added to this is a revamped noise-canceling system, which Bose now calls QuietControl.
Key Points at a Glance
- Price: 349.95 euros MSRP, 50 euros less than the launch price of the 2023 predecessor
- Bose TrueSpatial with Still Mode, Motion Mode, and Cinema Mode—previously exclusive to the Ultra series
- Noise cancellation is now called QuietControl: six microphones, new adaptive feedforward control
- Lossless USB-C audio up to 24-bit/48 kHz, plus two-way USB-C for Zoom and Teams
- Bluetooth Core 5.4 with multipoint and Google Fast Pair
- Up to 24 hours of battery life, 18 hours with 360-degree sound; can be charged while wearing
- Five colors, including three limited editions: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, Mulberry Pink
- Pre-orders begin August 6, 2026; shipping begins August 13, 2026
TrueSpatial: Ultra Mode Drops a Tier
Bose TrueSpatial is the real reason why this generation is more than just a design refresh. The technology unlocks three Bose Immersive Audio modes that were previously exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra. The principle: Stereo sound is virtualized and positioned in front of you as if you were sitting in the sweet spot in front of a 2.0 speaker system.
The three modes differ in how they handle head movements. Still Mode anchors the sound in the room, even when you turn your head from left to right. Motion Mode lets the sound follow your head movements, which, according to Bose, is especially useful when you’re on the go. Cinema Mode spatially positions background noise and effects, expands the soundstage, and is designed to keep dialogue clearly centered. For TV shows, movies, and podcasts, this is the most interesting of the three.
Incidentally, this technology is also known outside of Bose: Skullcandy has licensed it and incorporated it into the Crusher 1080 ANC alongside QuietControl. It was therefore predictable that Bose would now follow suit with its own mid-range models.
QuietControl: Glasses wearers benefit the most
The noise-canceling technology has a new name and, according to the manufacturer, performs better in several respects than the first generation. This is thanks to new adaptive feedforward controls. The most exciting result benefits a group that has been dealing with the same problem for years when using over-ear headphones: Eyeglass arms, thick hair, or a hat can compromise the seal around the ear cup, and when the seal is compromised, ANC performance drops.
That’s exactly where QuietControl comes in. According to Bose, the six-microphone system compensates for gaps in the seal, ensuring that noise cancellation remains effective even when the fit isn’t ideal. Whether this works as seamlessly in everyday use remains to be seen in a test. As an approach, however, it makes more sense than simply offering even more noise cancellation with a perfect fit.
In Aware mode, ActiveSense now responds more gently to sudden noise spikes, such as passing trains. If you don’t like this, you can manually adjust the noise cancellation in the Bose app or turn it off completely. You can create your own custom modes and switch between them using the action button on the left earcup.
Lossless via Cable: USB-C up to 24-bit/48 kHz
The second major improvement lies in the connection. Via USB-C, the headphones deliver lossless audio up to 24-bit and 48 kHz. This isn’t just an audiophile feature for show—it’s simply the answer to Apple Music Lossless, Tidal, and Qobuz, which until now have always had to rely on a lossy codec when streaming via Bluetooth.
More practical for everyday office use is likely the bidirectional USB-C audio: Output and microphone input run through the same cable, so it works with Zoom and Microsoft Teams as well. A USB-C-to-3.5-mm cable is included so that analog sources and in-flight entertainment systems continue to work. Bose retains the familiar SoundDesign signal processor.
New Design with Subtle Color Accents
Visually, this is the most noticeable change in years. The headband features smooth, adjustable sliders, and the ear cushions are made of softer synthetic leather that conform to the head in a contoured silhouette. Bose has revised the clamping force to balance a secure fit with a comfortable feel. Also new are oval-shaped ear cups for a more uniform profile.
The real eye-catcher is on the inside: hidden color accents in the ear cups that create a two-tone design. In addition to black and smoky white, there are three limited-edition variants.
- Eucalyptus green with a yellow interior, which Bose says is inspired by current fashion colors
- Dewdrop Mint as a tribute to the ’90s, with turquoise ear cups
- Mulberry Pink, named after the English rose “Munstead Wood,” combined with vibrant fuchsia pink
Earlier leaks from retailers had mentioned six colors, including Hazelnut Taupe and Rosewood Mauve. These variants do not appear in the official announcement. It’s possible that they will be released later or depending on the market.
Controls and Connectivity
Bose sticks with physical buttons instead of touch panels, which has become rare in this price range. On the right are playback, volume, and call controls. On the left is a dedicated button for listening mode, which also triggers voice assistant shortcuts on the source device or Spotify Tap.
For wireless connectivity, the earbuds feature Bluetooth Core 5.4 with Multipoint for two simultaneously connected devices. Android users get Google Fast Pair. The Bose app offers a three-band equalizer, custom listening modes, shortcut configuration, device management, and firmware updates.
Battery Life: 24 Hours, But Not With Spatial Audio
Battery life is up to 24 hours, which is on par with its predecessor. With 360-degree sound enabled, it drops to 18 hours—the usual trade-off for head tracking and virtualization. You can recharge while wearing the headphones, and playback continues during charging. If that’s still not enough, a 15-minute cable charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playback.
This isn’t a step forward in terms of battery life. Compared to models like the JBL Tour One M3 or affordable over-ear headphones with 60 hours or more, this remains the weakest point on the spec sheet.
Positioning: Between the Ultra and Value-for-Money Competitors
At 349.95 euros, Bose is positioning the new QuietComfort 100 euros below the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra, which currently costs 449.95 euros at Bose. The Ultra retains CustomTune, the longer battery life, and—according to Bose—more powerful noise cancellation. TrueSpatial and lossless USB-C audio, on the other hand, are no longer exclusive to the Ultra, and that noticeably shifts the balance.
It’s interesting to compare it to its own predecessor. That model launched in 2023 at 399.95 euros and is now listed on the Bose website for 249.95 euros; according to price comparison sites, it’s even available in stores starting at around 180 euros.
On the other hand, there’s the premium competition. The Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless features a replaceable battery and repairability, while Sony scores points with the WH-1000XM6 for its range of features. Bose’s selling point remains what it has been for years: comfort during long wear times and ANC that works unobtrusively well in everyday use.
Technical Specifications: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Generation)
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Wireless over-ear, closed-back |
| Noise Canceling | Bose QuietControl, adaptive feedforward control, 6 microphones |
| Transparency Mode | Aware mode with enhanced ActiveSense response |
| Spatial Audio | Bose TrueSpatial: Quiet, Motion, and Cinema modes |
| Signal processing | Bose SoundDesign |
| Wired Audio | Lossless USB-C up to 24-bit/48 kHz, two-way USB-C for calls |
| Bluetooth | Core 5.4 with multipoint, Google Fast Pair |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours, 18 hours with 360-degree sound |
| Fast charging | 15 min. = up to 2.5 hours of playback, charges while worn |
| Controls | Physical buttons, action button on the left, Spotify Tap |
| EQ | Three-band equalizer in the Bose app |
| Ear cups | Oval-shaped, synthetic leather padding |
| Colors | Black, Smoky White, Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, Mulberry Pink |
| What’s Included | USB-C cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm cable |
| Price (MSRP) | 349.95 euros |
| Availability | Pre-orders starting August 6, 2026 (MyBose), shipping starting August 13, 2026 |
Comparison: QuietComfort 2nd Gen, predecessor, and QuietComfort Ultra
| Feature | QuietComfort (2nd Gen) | QuietComfort (1st Gen) | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP at launch) | €349.95 | €399.95 | €449.95 (current price at Bose) |
| Spatial Audio | Bose TrueSpatial, 3 modes | No | 360-degree sound, Cinema Mode |
| CustomTune | No | No | Yes |
| USB-C Audio | lossless, 24-bit/48 kHz | no | lossless |
| Bluetooth | Core 5.4 | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Battery | 24 hrs / 18 hrs | 24 hours | 30 hours / 23 hours |
Price and Availability
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones cost 349.95 euros. MyBose members can pre-order directly from Bose starting August 6, 2026; shipping begins on August 13, 2026. For direct purchases, Bose’s 90-day return policy and two-year warranty apply.
FAQs about the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Generation)
How much do the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones cost?
The MSRP is 349.95 euros. That’s 50 euros less than the launch price of the 2023 predecessor.
When will the new Bose QuietComfort headphones be available?
Pre-orders begin on August 6, 2026, for MyBose members on bose.de. Shipping begins on August 13, 2026.
What is Bose TrueSpatial?
TrueSpatial is Bose’s spatial audio technology. It virtualizes stereo content and offers three listening modes: Still Mode with sound anchored in the room, Motion Mode with head tracking, and Cinema Mode for movies and podcasts. Until now, this feature was exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra.
Do the headphones support lossless audio?
Yes, when connected via cable: They deliver lossless audio at up to 24-bit and 48 kHz via USB-C. Bluetooth transmission remains compressed.
How long does the battery last?
Bose claims up to 24 hours. With 360-degree sound enabled, it’s 18 hours. A 15-minute quick charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playback, and you can charge them even while wearing them.
What colors are available?
Black and Smoky Whitearepermanent options, plus three limited-edition variants: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Mulberry Pink.
What’s new with noise cancellation?
ANC is now called QuietControl. New adaptive feedforward controls and a six-microphone system are designed to compensate for gaps in the seal, such as when wearing glasses or a hat.
Conclusion
Bose is doing something here that you don’t always get from the brand: The 2nd-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones cost less than their predecessor at launch while also delivering two features that previously belonged to the Ultra class. TrueSpatial and lossless USB-C audio for 349.95 euros make the QuietComfort the most reasonable Bose over-ear headphones in the lineup to date.
Two issues remain. The battery life is stagnating at 24 hours, and by 2026, that won’t be a figure worth advertising anymore. And only everyday use will show whether QuietControl delivers on its core promise of remaining stable even with a poor seal. Anyone who wears glasses and has been hesitant about ANC headphones in the past should still keep an eye on this generation. As soon as we have a review unit, we’ll provide measurement data and listening impressions.
