2nd Generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: Top Dogs in Noise-Cancellation Stay Dominant
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen have arrived, marking the second generation of Bose's premium noise-canceling headphones. Pre-orders are now open with shipping set to begin on 2nd October, priced at $449.
These headphones boast a battery life of 30 hours, on par with the Sony WH-1000XM6 and other competitors. However, when the spatial Immersive Audio feature is activated, the battery life drops to 23 hours. The battery life extends to 45 hours when Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is turned off.
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen offer a clearer, less coloured delivery compared to previous Bose headphones. While they deliver an open, clear, and balanced sound with cutting highs, a breathiness around vocals and mids, and a pleasingly prominent yet well-judged bass, they could benefit from a little more warmth.
The headphones' spatial audio performance is consistent with over-ears being glossier advertisements for the technology, owing to their physically larger drivers and naturally more open soundstages. With well-spatial-mixed tracks, such as Imagine Dragons' Believer, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen effectively draw listeners into the production.
The headphones' design is classy, comfortable, and colourful, with two new colours: Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet. They feature a multi-function button on the right-hand earcup's outer panel for easy music control and noise-canceling mode cycling.
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen's noise-canceling is considered the most complete out there, making them a good choice for long-haul travel. They also have a proprietary noise-canceling algorithm for a smooth response to sudden loud spikes of noise.
The headphones have a volume touch control on the sloped edge of the same earcup, which can be difficult to use smoothly. They do not possess the drive or rhythmic maturity of the price-matching Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 or Sony WH-1000XM6.
Notably, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen have not implemented next-gen support for Bluetooth technologies like aptX Lossless, LE Audio, and Auracast. They can play audio up to 16-bit/48kHz losslessly when connected via USB-C-to-USB-C cable.
Finally, the headphones feature a new Cinema Mode designed for video content with spatial audio soundtracks. With the Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen, Bose continues to push the boundaries of noise-canceling technology and audio performance.
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