Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

S SoundGuys Christian Thomas · reviewer · Oct 2025

With a score of 4.7 overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen.) will appeal to most people. There’s a little bit of an issue with distortion, but even that’s well within the “fine” territory. The headphones also excel at granting users a somewhat reasonable illusion of 3D space, which is unusual for headphones. These are very solid, and will be crowd-pleasers.

So overall for features, battery life, build quality, noise cancelling performance, I give the Bose QC Ultra second gen a perfect five out of five

F Forbes Rebecca Isaacs · reviewer

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the best pair of wireless headphones on the market. The latest model features a lovely gold chrome finish on the hinge that show fingerprint marks, but they easily wipe off. The ear cups are plush, and I can wear them for hours at a time without any aches. One of the newest features is a shortcut button.

So, with the new scoring system, the QC Ultra 2 is still a strong performer. It's not the best in any single category except for comfort, but the noise canceling is still up there in the top three, although overshadowed by the AirPods Max 2, the best in class now. There's also better sound quality, but to find the rare combination of comfort, noise canceling performance, decent sound quality, and for a price under $400, not to mention the build quality actually using stainless steel headband and aluminum hinges

M Mashable Bethany Allard · reviewer · Nov 2025

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones will cost you $449, putting them at the same price as the first-gen QC Ultras prior to the release of the second-gen headphones. The first-gen headphones did initially cost $429, but earlier this year, Bose raised prices across its lineup, bringing them to the $449 we've seen for much of this year.

But as a complete package for tech, comfort, and everything else, I feel like these QC Ultra 2s are the way to go

G Gizmodo James Pero · reviewer

Here I am in the middle of the sidewalk near Union Square in Manhattan, surrounded by all sorts of ruckus (people, cars, loud construction), and I can’t hear shit—I can’t hear shit, and it’s awesome. And with a pair of wireless headphones that literally puts “quiet” in the name on your head, you should expect nothing less.

P PCMag UK Article · Oct 2025

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones produce enjoyable audio, effectively cancel noise, and last longer than the previous model, but fall just short of beating the competition.

T TechGearLab Rachael Lamore · reviewer · Dec 2025

Unfortunately, all this greatness comes at a higher price, but if your budget can afford it, we think the Ultra 2nd Gen is practically perfect in every way, much like Mary Poppins.

E Expert Reviews Andy White · reviewer · Oct 2025

I can think of a few examples to the contrary, but none that I consider as eye-catching as the Midnight Violet version of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

S StudyFinds StudyFinds Analysis · reviewer · Apr 2026

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) wins on pure ANC depth and unbeatable comfort, making it the first choice for serious travelers and long-session wearers.

W What Hi-Fi? Article · Nov 2025

Reasonable across-the-board refinements were expected and have indeed been delivered, making for a complete pair of headphones that justify ‘2nd Gen’ status.

P Pack Hacker Lauren Maternowski · reviewer · Dec 2025

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Bose headphones are quite renowned among travelers.

W WIRED Ryan Waniata · reviewer

I wouldn’t trade up if you own the original, but if you’re torn between which to get, the newer version have some good reasons for the minor splurge.