Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 560S
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sennheiser HD 560S sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Sennheiser HD 560S is the cheaper of the two at $199 versus $449, a difference of about $250. 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 Sennheiser HD 560S is praised for audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price. 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 Sennheiser HD 560S if…
- →Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- →120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- →Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
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
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- 120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
- Lightweight and comfortable for marathon listening sessions
- Excellent value as an entry into open-back audiophile headphones
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound heavily — no isolation
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass can sound lean for casual listeners who prefer warmth
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sennheiser HD 560S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | USB-C | N/A |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Open-back reference design, 120-ohm impedance — can be driven by most sources, Detachable cable, Velour ear pads for comfort, Wide frequency response (6 Hz – 38,000 Hz) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance |
| 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sennheiser products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sennheiser HD 560S.