Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. Both launched at roughly the same price ($449 vs $429), so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is praised for best-in-class noise cancellation. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if…
- →Best-in-class noise cancellation
- →Exceptionally comfortable for long wear
- →Immersive Audio spatial feature works well
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable for long wear
- Immersive Audio spatial feature works well
- Supports aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth
Cons
- Battery life shorter than Sony XM5
- Immersive Audio significantly drains battery
- No LDAC for Android hi-res streaming
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Pricey
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 24 hours ANC on (18 hours with Immersive Audio) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, 15 min = 2.5 hours quick charge |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Bose Immersive Audio, CustomTune sound calibration, Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive, Multipoint pairing, Aware Mode with ActiveSense |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 35mm dynamic |
| Water Resistance | — | None |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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