The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) continue Bose’s legacy of industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) and high-fidelity audio in a compact, truly wireless form factor. Building on the acclaim of their predecessor, this generation introduces meaningful enhancements in ANC performance, call quality, and wireless charging support — all while keeping the comfort and usability that Bose users expect.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, commuter, or just someone who values immersive audio and peace in noisy environments, these earbuds are positioned as one of the top premium ANC earbuds for 2025.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver industry-leading ANC, immersive audio, CustomTune™ sound calibration, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint, wireless charging, and a secure in-ear fit—perfect for travel, work, and premium everyday listening.
Design and Build Quality
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) maintain a sleek, ergonomic shape engineered for comfort and stability during extended wear. The IPX4 sweat and splash resistance ratings make them suitable for everyday use, including light workouts and outdoor commuting.
The design includes multiple ear tip and stability band combinations, enabling users to achieve a secure fit that maximizes both comfort and ANC effectiveness.
Key Features and Technologies
1. Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
These earbuds leverage Bose’s proprietary adaptive ANC with refined AI-powered algorithms. Compared to the previous generation, the ANC adapts more smoothly to sudden noise changes — like passing traffic or elevator doors closing — delivering a more stable and immersive quiet listening experience.
2. Advanced Voice Pickup for Calls
Improved AI-driven noise suppression enhances clarity during calls. Eight microphones combined with adaptive filters and hearing aid-inspired audio augmentation technology help reduce wind and background chatter while keeping the speaker’s voice clear.
3. Wireless Charging Case
For the first time in this lineup, the QC Ultra Earbuds include built-in wireless charging support. Align the case with any compatible Qi wireless charger for hassle-free power top-ups.
4. Immersive Audio Modes and Controls
Through the Bose Music app, users can customize EQ, toggle ANC and Awareness modes, personalize shortcut gestures, and adjust additional settings. Capacitive touch controls are responsive and can be disabled entirely if desired to prevent accidental inputs.
5. Multipoint Connectivity & Bluetooth Codecs
The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint pairing, and codecs including SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive — the latter enabling higher-quality audio and lower latency on compatible devices. Android users also benefit from Google Fast Pair for quick and seamless setup.
Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive ANC with AI enhancements |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with multipoint support |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Battery Life | Up to ~6 hours per charge (4 hours with Immersive Audio) |
| Charging | USB-C + Wireless Qi support |
| Quick Charge | 20 mins for ~2 hrs playback |
| Weight (Earbuds) | ~7.7 g each |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (earbuds) |
| Microphones | 4 per earbud |
| App Support | Bose Music app |
| Ear Tip Sizes | S / M / L + Stability Bands |
| Listening Modes | Quiet (ANC), Aware, Off |
| Price (MSRP) | ~$299 (USD) |
Performance Analysis
Audio Quality
- The sound profile is balanced with strong clarity and controlled bass response. While not the most bass-heavy among true wireless offerings, the tuning favors clarity for vocals, podcasts, and cinematic content.
- The Immersive Audio mode delivers a wider soundstage that enhances movies and spatial audio content, though some users find it more effective for video than pure music listening.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Reviewers and owners consistently report class-leading ANC that competes with the best in the category — effectively minimizing consistent low-frequency noise like engines and HVAC hum.
- Adaptive ANC transitions smoothly between noise environments without abrupt shifts.
Battery Life
- Typical battery life is around 6 hours per charge with ANC engaged and up to ~4 hours with immersive modes activated. The wireless case provides multiple additional charges for a total of roughly 24 hours of playback.
- Quick charging nets around 2 hours of playback with a 20-minute charge.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional adaptive ANC performance for commuter and travel environments.
- True wireless multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and robust codec support.
- Wireless charging adds convenience previously absent.
- Clear voice calls thanks to improved AI-driven noise suppression.
- Comfortable fit with customizable ear tips and stability bands.
Cons
- Mid-range battery life versus competitors (e.g., some rival ANC earbuds exceed 8 hours).
- Bass might feel restrained for listeners who prefer deep, powerful low end.
- Some user feedback cites comfort inconsistency across ear shapes.
User Reviews & Real-World Feedback
Overall sentiment among early adopters and reviewers has been positive:
- Many users praise the improved ANC and call clarity, highlighting performance in busy urban environments.
- Real-world experiences vary, with some users suggesting these earbuds excel for travel and commuting but may not justify upgrading from the original if you already own it.
- A segment of long-term Bose users has expressed mixed comfort and durability opinions, particularly over extended wear or device longevity.
Comparison with Alternatives
In the premium ANC segment, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) typically compete with models such as:
| Model | ANC | Battery | Wireless Charging | Multipoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Excellent | ~6 h | Yes | Yes |
| Sony WF-1000XM6 | Excellent | ~7.5 h | Yes | Yes |
| Apple AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) | Very Good | ~6 h | Yes | Yes |
Bose stands out with industry-leading ANC and call clarity, whereas competitors may edge it in battery life or spatial audio depth in music content.
Pricing & Availability
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) launched at approximately $299 USD, typically available in Black, White Smoke, and limited-edition Deep Plum. Pricing will vary by region and often sees promotional discounts during major sales events.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) present a compelling choice for discerning listeners who prioritize best-in-class noise cancellation, call clarity, and wireless convenience in a true wireless form factor. While battery life and bass intensity may fall short of some rivals, the refined adaptive ANC and robust wireless ecosystem make these earbuds especially suited for frequent travelers, urban commuters, and professionals who depend on headset clarity in noisy environments.
If your priority is the quietest, most adaptive ANC experience in compact earbuds, Bose remains one of the strongest offerings in 2025’s wearable audio landscape.