Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review
The most comfortable headphone in this shortlist for long wear, with noise cancellation that consistently rivals the segment leaders.
At a Glance
This model is best suited to buyers prioritizing comfort for all-day wear. Its strongest buying points are best-in-class comfort and noise cancellation per multiple independent testers, and immersive Audio spatial mode.
Technical Assessment
Its noise cancellation and build quality are rated among the best available for extended daily wear in independent head-to-head testing against the Sony WH-1000XM6, with a 6-month long-term test finding its noise cancellation initially preferred and affirming its comfort advantage.
Performance
Its noise cancellation and build quality are rated among the best available for extended daily wear, with a customizable EQ and an Immersive Audio spatial mode for media. Battery life runs up to 30 hours, or roughly 23 hours with Immersive Audio active.
Features and Workflow
Over-ear drivers supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX HD codecs, with customizable EQ and an Immersive Audio spatial mode; USB audio for lossless sound. Together, these capabilities support complete day-to-day workflows rather than resting on a single headline specification.
Reliability and Ownership
Shorter battery life than the Sony XM6 (30hr vs 40hr); Premium price. Warranty: Not independently confirmed this pass.
Buyer Fit and Trade-Offs
Best For & Key Strengths
Best For
- Buyers prioritizing comfort for all-day wear.
Key Strengths
- Best-in-class comfort and noise cancellation per multiple independent testers
- Immersive Audio spatial mode
Not Ideal For & Key Trade-Offs
Not Ideal For
- Buyers prioritizing value and warranty above other factors.
Key Trade-Offs
- Shorter battery life than the Sony XM6 (30hr vs 40hr)
- Premium price
Technical Specifications
| Summary | Wireless over-ear ANC headphones; Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC/AAC/LDAC/aptX HD; up to 30 hours battery life (up to 23hr with Immersive Audio); customizable EQ; USB audio for lossless sound. |
| Evidence Id | bose-qc-ultra-2nd-gen-official |
| Source Url | https://www.bose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-2nd-gen/QCUH2-HEADPHONEARN.html |
| Observed Date | 2026-08-06 |
| Audio | Over-ear drivers supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX HD codecs, with customizable EQ and an Immersive Audio spatial mode; USB audio for lossless sound. |
| Microphones | Microphone array tuned for both ANC and call pickup; specific microphone count not independently confirmed this pass. |
| Range | Standard Bluetooth range typical of this class; exact rated range not independently confirmed this pass. |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive controls on the ear cup for playback, calls, and ANC toggling. |
| Construction | Over-ear design rated among the most comfortable in this shortlist for extended daily wear. |
| Compatibility | Broad Bluetooth device compatibility; no dedicated UC/Teams certification identified this pass. |