I thought the Bose QuietComfort headphones already hit their peak – then I tried the newest model

oct / 2025

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How do you persuade your self to pay $400+ for a pair of headphones after they look and function virtually identically to the earlier technology? That is a query I hope to reply, and a query Bose hopes its second-generation flagship headphones will reply based mostly on their efficiency alone.

Additionally: Best headphones of 2025

I spent two weeks working, touring, and lounging within the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2), which I will discuss with because the QC Extremely 2, trying to find how Bose spent two years making them extra “extremely” than their predecessor. With out main upgrades to design, speaker drivers, or noise cancellation efficiency, I will must dig deep.

It is simple to place the Sony WH-1000XM6 as QC Extremely 2’s direct competitor, however I ponder: are the QC Extremely 2 competing with their predecessors as a lot as they’re with different manufacturers? Let’s discover out.

Similar look, smarter particulars

The QC Extremely 2’s defining theme is that it would not try and rewrite Bose’s legacy however moderately tidies it up. They give the impression of being equivalent to the primary technology, apart from the yokes, which swap a matte aluminum end for shiny polished steel. 

The QC Extremely 2’s earcups are barely shallower than these of their predecessor, which might trigger match points for individuals with bigger heads and ears. In any other case, the look, really feel, and match of the QC Extremely 2 do not convey notable modifications, which is not essentially a nasty factor — if it ain’t broke, do not repair it.

Extra important upgrades lie within the smaller particulars, together with USB-C audio help, obtainable at as much as 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz. Thus, the QC Extremely 2 is extra fitted to gaming or extra trustworthy listening than the primary technology. In contrast to the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max, the QC Extremely 2 retains its 3.5mm headphone jack. And in contrast to the Sony XM6, you possibly can pay attention by the QC Extremely 2’s USB-C port whereas charging it.

Additionally: 7 clever iPhone USB-C port tricks every user should know

Though USB-C audio help in 2025 feels extra like an expectation than a brand new characteristic to have a good time, it rounds out the QC Extremely 2’s audio capabilities.

Magnificence is within the ears of the beholder

The QC Extremely 2 have a fantastic sound profile if you happen to like an exaggerated bass response, barely decreased mids, and louder treble. It makes for a fantastic replica of basslines and front-and-center vocals in pop tracks, corresponding to One Course’s “Stockholm Syndrome,“ and ’90s rap, like Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear.” 

Additionally: Why I keep 4 pairs of headphones with me at all times (and the unique role each one plays)

Conversely, the QC Extremely 2 aren’t as robust with layered, ambient post-rock like Ben Howard’s “Time Is Dancing.” Songs with extra refined musical textures aren’t as straightforward to listen to, however reducing the bass helps. General, the QC Extremely 2’s tuning is hotter and extra spacious-sounding, delivering an prolonged, tighter bass response than the primary technology. Their sound needs to be enjoyable for most individuals.

Bose continues on with its model of spatial audio, Immersive Audio, and introduces a brand new spatial tuning for podcasts, TV reveals, films, and different dialogue-heavy media. The characteristic works – you possibly can hear your media develop round your head. Personally, I would moderately that Bose embrace Dolby Atmos help as a substitute.

Nonetheless the ANC gold normal

Bose’s advertising conveys to me that noise cancellation is now not thought to be a characteristic of a pair of headphones — it is a life-style alternative. Noise cancellation would not solely mute the world round you, however helps you create a personal listening area once you’re in public. 

Bose leans into this philosophy, as noise-canceling upgrades aren’t on the forefront of the headphones’ launch. Regardless of little fanfare round noise cancellation enhancements, the QC Extremely 2 are barely higher at canceling noise than their predecessor. Moreover, the QC Extremely 2’s ANC higher encompasses higher-pitched noises, corresponding to keyboard clicks, and lower-pitched noises, just like the rumble of an airplane engine, than the primary technology.

When the headphones’ lively noise cancellation (ANC) is engaged, even when no audio is enjoying, there’s nearly no noise ground. That feat is extremely spectacular and on par with Sony’s WH-1000XM6. The distinction between Sony’s and Bose’s latest-gen ANC is negligible; you will have to seek out one other class that will help you choose one model over the opposite.

Additionally: I tried Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ AI noise cancelling, and can’t go back to regular ANC

Bose additionally refined its AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation characteristic, ActiveSense. This characteristic maintains transparency mode and prompts noise cancellation when the setting turns into too loud. ActiveSense is my favourite characteristic on the QC Extremely Earbuds 2, and it really works simply as properly on the headphones. 

The most effective characteristic is essentially the most sudden

To me, the standout characteristic of the QC Extremely 2 pertains to its improved energy administration. Together with growing the battery life from 24 hours on the primary technology to 30 hours on the second, Bose additionally rendered its product’s energy button out of date.

You should utilize the headphones’ energy button to show them on and off, nevertheless it’s not mandatory. As an alternative, you possibly can take the headphones off your head and lay them flat — earcups up or down — they usually’ll instantly disconnect out of your gadgets, disable Bluetooth, and start conserving energy. Merely put them again on they usually’re able to go.

Additionally: Bose took my favorite AirPods Max power feature – and did it better

I like this characteristic as a result of energy buttons on headphones are the bane of my existence. Should you do not press the button lengthy sufficient, the headphones will not flip off, however if you happen to press it for too lengthy, they’re going to enter pairing mode. It’s important to time your lengthy press completely to get your headphones to cooperate.

Bose’s power-up was significantly complicated and malfunctioning, inflicting the corporate to ship the first-gen QC Extremely’s solely firmware replace to handle the problem particularly. To me, not needing to make use of the facility button in any respect is a lifesaver.

A companion app completed proper

Many headphone manufacturers are notoriously identified for his or her lackluster companion apps. Glitchy options and boring consumer interfaces maintain me away from them. Bose’s app is the perfect, providing a dependable, fulfilling, and easy-to-use expertise. 

The app highlights the QC Extremely 2’s improved customization options, providing customers the power to completely disable noise cancellation and the headphones’ contact management strip, one among my least favourite options from the first-gen QC Extremely. Now you can utterly disable ANC, which was beforehand unattainable with Bose’s headphones.

The one difficulty I’ve with Bose’s app is its restricted equalizer. As an alternative of permitting customers to regulate the headphones’ EQ by frequency bands, Bose solely provides will increase and reduces to basic bass, mids, and treble with out particular, granular, quantifiable measures.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Bose QC Ultra 2 ship refined upgrades to the headphones’ noise cancellation, design, sound profile, energy administration, and consumer customization. They are not a very thrilling second-generation launch that pulls headlines. As an alternative, Bose doubles down on what it does greatest, providing minor but significant refinements to handle its few blind spots.

If you have already got the first-gen QC Extremely, maintain them till the wheels fall off, or watch for what Bose does subsequent, which might be a bigger product overhaul. When you have the Bose NC700, QuietComfort 35, or 45, they usually’re on the finish of their street, the QC Extremely 2 can be a big improve for you.

Additionally: Your Sony headphones have new tricks in a free update – but there’s a catch

Briefly, between Sony and Bose, Bose delivers a extra fashionable design, much less cheap-feeling plastic construct supplies, a extra relaxed match, and USB-C audio. Nevertheless, Bose’s sound profile closely leans towards heat and softened treble to account for robust ANC processing and long-term listening classes, significantly when touring or working.

Sony’s sound profile can be heat, however its equalizer permits extra personalization. The WH-1000XM6 have a tighter bass response, clearer mids, sharper treble, and a extra spacious soundstage. Its sound is extra analytical, however it might grow to be fatiguing after a couple of hours of listening.