A Sound Upgrade from Bose? After the second generation of the top-of-the-line over-ear model, the QuietComfort Ultra, nearly won us over in our review last year and just missed out on the Platinum Award, the manufacturer is now launching another new version. The Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen.) were unveiled in early August 2026 and are technically positioned just below the Ultra models. Technically, there are some exciting new features, such as TrueSpatial Immersive Audio with Still, Motion, and Cinema modes—a feature previously exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra headphones that is now making its debut in the more affordable standard series. Added to this are lossless USB-C audio, a revamped ANC system, and a subtly refreshed design with new color options. The conclusion of our Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen.) review is that these Bluetooth headphones do a lot right—but not everything.
Technical Specifications
| Design | Closed-back over-ear headphones |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 with multipoint connection |
| Wired Audio | USB-C, lossless up to 24-bit / 48 kHz |
| Analog connection | USB-C-to-3.5-mm-jack cable included |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, adaptive with improved seal compensation |
| Transparency mode | Aware Mode with ActiveSense safety feature |
| Immersive Audio | TrueSpatial with Quiet, Motion, and Cinema modes |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours (approx. 18 hours with Immersive Audio) |
| Fast-charging feature | 15 minutes of charging = approx. 2.5 hours of playtime |
| Charging time (full charge) | Approx. 3 hours via USB-C |
| Controls | Physical buttons on both ear cups |
| Weight | Approx. 230 grams |
| Dimensions | Approx. 23.1 x 18.5 x 4.65 cm |
| App | Bose Music app |
| App features | 4 EQ presets, manual 3-band equalizer, Spotify Tap, Google Fast Pair, firmware updates |
| Colors | Black, Smokewhite, Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, Rosewood Mauve (limited editions) |
| What’s Included | Headphones, carrying case, USB-C charging cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm jack cable |
| Price (MSRP) | € 349.00 * |
Design, Comfort, and Build Quality
Visually, Bose stays true to the tried-and-true QuietComfort design language: generously padded ear cups, a softly lined headband, and an overall rather understated, everyday-friendly design. Our review unit came in classic black, though other, more colorful options are also available. Overall, there’s significantly more choice than we’re used to seeing with many competing models, such as the more subdued Sony WH-1000XM6 (review), which only recently added a sixth color option: Olive Gray.
Weighing about 230 grams, the Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen.) are among the lighter models in their class, and that’s exactly how they felt in everyday use: even after wearing them for several hours in the office or on long train rides, the headphones remained comfortable. However, the ear cushions are significantly thinner than those on many competitors, so (depending on head shape) they can put some pressure on the cheekbones. In terms of comfort, I don’t think these headphones are quite at the top of the pack. There are more comfortable headphones out there.
The plastic housing feels a bit lighter and less premium in the hand than we would have expected given the price of 349.95 euros. Here you can really tell the difference from the more expensive Ultra version, which uses higher-quality materials. Generally speaking, the build quality isn’t all that bad, but I find the hinges on the freely rotating and foldable ear cups to be much too loose. They wobble quite a bit, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence when using the headphones on the go without the included carrying case.
Features: Bluetooth, USB-C Audio, and Connectors
For wireless connectivity, Bose uses Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support, allowing the headphones to pair with two devices simultaneously. In our testing, this worked reliably: Switching between a laptop and a smartphone while working from home worked without needing to manually reconnect, and the headphones switched over seamlessly even when an incoming call came in while music was playing on the computer.
A new and noteworthy feature is support for lossless audio via USB-C with up to 24-bit resolution and 48 kHz sampling rate. Those who prefer wired listening—for example, on a laptop or audio devices without Bluetooth—can potentially enjoy better sound quality this way than via the compressed wireless connection. For traditional analog sources, a USB-C-to-3.5-mm-jack cable is also included, which we tested on an airplane’s in-flight entertainment system—it worked right away.
TrueSpatial Immersive Audio: Still, Motion, and Cinema
The most striking new feature of the second generation isn’t listed in the spec sheet, but is hidden in the Bose Music app: TrueSpatial Immersive Audio. The technology creates a spatial sound experience and offers three different modes: Still for focused music listening while seated, Motion for everyday movement, and Cinema for movie and video content with a wider, theater-like soundstage. Until now, this feature was reserved for the more expensive QuietComfort Ultra headphones; with the second generation of the standard series, it’s making its debut in a lower price range.
In our test, we were actually able to experience the effect when watching movies in Cinema mode—the soundstage feels noticeably wider, and voices seem slightly detached from the head. During normal music playback in Still mode, however, the difference was much more subtle to us; at times, we had to switch the mode on and off several times just to hear it at all. For occasional movie nights, TrueSpatial is a nice extra, but we wouldn’t consider it a major selling point.
Battery Life and Charging in the Test
In terms of battery life, the Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen.) rank solidly in the middle of their price range. With ANC enabled at all times, we achieved just over 23 hours of playback time in our test, which is pretty much in line with the manufacturer’s claim of up to 24 hours. With Immersive Audio turned on, the battery drained noticeably faster. In this case, we achieved around 17 to 18 hours, which is also close to the manufacturer’s specification.
The fast-charging feature is handy for everyday use: In our test, 15 minutes of charging via the USB-C port actually provided a good two hours of music playback—enough to quickly top off the battery before a last-minute train ride or if you forgot to charge them. A full charge from empty to full took just under three hours.
App Integration: Bose Music App
We controlled and customized the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen.) using the Bose Music app. Unlike some competing products, Bose deliberately prioritizes simplicity over a flood of settings: There are four preconfigured EQ presets available, as well as a manual equalizer with three adjustable parameters (bass, mids, treble). In everyday use, we found this pleasantly straightforward. However, anyone expecting a full-featured, multiband equalizer for fine-tuning will find the selection here too limited.
The app is rounded out by Spotify Tap for quick access to recently played content with the touch of a button, as well as Google Fast Pair, which allowed us to complete the initial pairing with our Android test device in just a few seconds. During our testing period, firmware updates ran automatically in the background once without any issues.
Sound Quality, ANC, and Microphones
In terms of sound, the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) leaves an overall positive impression, though not one of unreserved enthusiasm. Guitar, keyboards, and vocals can be clearly distinguished from one another, but with electronic music, we noticed that the bass range sometimes comes through a bit too dominantly, causing finer details in the lower frequency range to get somewhat lost.
Fortunately, this can be adjusted somewhat using the equalizer. With more acoustic recordings, such as singer-songwriter tracks, the sound balance is pleasantly even, without sounding clinical or sterile. In my favorite genre, heavy metal, however, the headphones are right in their element and impress with a well-balanced level of detail and pleasantly high-resolution highs that don’t sound too shrill—even at high volumes. Nevertheless, in a direct comparison with higher-resolution recordings, we did miss very fine details such as faint breathing or the decay of notes. The Sennheiser Momentum 5 (review) or Bose’s own Ultra model do sound even more detailed and lively.
With wired, lossless USB-C audio, we noticed an audible but not dramatic difference compared to Bluetooth playback: slightly more detail and a slightly fuller soundstage, but not a fundamentally different listening experience. In our experience, wireless use is perfectly sufficient for most everyday scenarios.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Bose has long been considered the gold standard in noise cancellation, and our test confirmed that reputation. On the train ride, the ANC system virtually eliminated the monotonous noise of the train, and even in the office, keyboard clacking, PC fans, and conversations at the neighboring desk were clearly pushed into the background.
For the opposite scenario—when you want to consciously let ambient sounds through—there’s Aware Mode, which acts as a transparency mode. In our test, we were particularly impressed by the additional ActiveSense technology, which monitors ambient noise levels and protects against sudden, very loud noises. When a streetcar passed by, we could feel it right away without it becoming uncomfortably loud.
Microphone Quality
A clear weakness emerged during our hands-on test regarding microphone quality in noisy environments. During a test call on a busy street, our conversation partner rated speech intelligibility as only mediocre. Too much ambient and wind noise was picked up, and the microphone’s adaptive noise cancellation seemed unstable at times during the call.
Microphone test recording: Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen.):
Microphone test recording, Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless:
Microphone test recording: Sony WH1000-XM6:
In quieter environments, such as our office or at home, however, voice quality was significantly better. Anyone who regularly makes calls while on the go or outdoors should keep this in mind when deciding which model to buy.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen.) Review: Conclusion
With the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen.), Bose makes a clear promise: first-class noise cancellation and exceptional comfort, complemented by TrueSpatial Immersive Audio—previously reserved for the Ultra series—all at a price under 350 euros. In our real-world testing, the headphones largely live up to this promise: ANC and comfort remain at a level that many competitors still fail to match, and the Bose Music app remains pleasantly beginner-friendly.
However, anyone expecting the highest build quality, reference-grade sound tuning, or reliable voice quality during outdoor calls will be reminded in several areas of the price gap between this model and the more expensive Ultra version. The app’s customization options also fall short of those found on the top-of-the-line models. For anyone primarily looking for peace and quiet from their surroundings and a comfortable fit, the Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen.) remain, in our experience, a compelling option in this price range—even if they aren’t without competition.
PROS
- Impressive ANC
- Excellent sound quality
- TrueSpatial Immersive Audio
- Lightweight with excellent comfort
- Intuitive app
- Fast charging
CONS
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Average battery life
- Sound lacks ultimate detail
- Microphone quality outdoors
- Possible pressure from thin padding
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd Gen.) deliver excellent ANC, outstanding comfort, and solid sound quality. The TrueSpatial feature is a nice addition, but hardly justifies the premium over the previous generation.
