Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Review: Premium ANC Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are premium wireless earbuds designed for users who prioritize powerful Active Noise Cancellation, immersive sound, comfort, and clear calls.
The second generation adds wireless charging, improved adaptive ANC, AI-enhanced call quality, and better app controls while keeping Bose Immersive Audio and CustomTune technology.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless Earbuds |
| Noise Cancellation | Adjustable ANC |
| Spatial Audio | Bose Immersive Audio |
| Sound Calibration | CustomTune |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Battery | Up to 6 Hours |
| Battery With Immersive Audio | Up to 4 Hours |
| Case Battery | Up to 18 Additional Hours |
| Quick Charge | 20 min = up to 2 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C + Wireless |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Microphone | Built-In with SpeechClarity |
| App | Bose App |
Bose includes three sizes of ear tips, three stability bands, a wireless charging case, and a USB-C cable.
Sound Quality
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds use Bose CustomTune technology to automatically adjust the sound based on the shape of your ears.
The result is a rich, warm sound with strong bass and clear vocals.
They work especially well for:
- Music
- Movies
- Podcasts
- Travel
- Gym workouts
- Everyday listening
The Bose app also lets you adjust EQ settings and listening modes.
Active Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is the biggest reason to consider these earbuds.
Bose calls this its best in-ear noise cancellation, combining passive isolation with microphones inside and outside each earbud to continuously detect and reduce surrounding sound.
Independent RTINGS testing also ranks the 2nd Gen model among Bose’s strongest earbuds for noise isolation.
They are particularly useful for:
- Airplanes
- Public transit
- Offices
- Coffee shops
- Studying
- Commuting
Improved ActiveSense
The second generation includes an improved version of ActiveSense.
In Aware Mode, the earbuds can automatically apply noise cancellation when sudden loud sounds appear while still allowing you to hear your surroundings.
Bose says the updated system makes changes in ANC levels smoother and less noticeable.
Bose Immersive Audio
The earbuds support Bose Immersive Audio, which creates a wider spatial soundstage.
Instead of feeling like sound is coming directly from inside your ears, Immersive Audio tries to position it more like speakers in front of you.
It works with regular stereo content and does not require specially mixed spatial-audio tracks.
Cinema Mode
Cinema Mode uses Bose TrueSpatial technology to create a more theater-like listening experience from stereo content.
It is particularly useful for:
- Movies
- TV shows
- Podcasts
- Dialogue-heavy content
Call Quality
The 2nd Gen introduces SpeechClarity, Bose’s AI-based technology designed to reduce surrounding noise and wind during phone and video calls.
This is one of the biggest upgrades compared with the original QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
The earbuds work well for:
- Phone calls
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- FaceTime
- Remote work
Battery Life
Bose rates battery life at:
Up to 6 hours with Immersive Audio off
Up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on
Up to 18 additional hours from the charging case
A 20-minute quick charge provides up to 2 hours of playback.
Battery life is adequate, although several competing premium earbuds last longer per charge.
Wireless Charging Case
A major second-generation upgrade is wireless charging built into the case.
You can place the case on a compatible wireless charging pad or use USB-C.
The previous generation required an optional accessory for equivalent wireless-charging functionality.
Comfort & Fit
Bose includes:
- 3 sizes of ear tips
- 3 sizes of stability bands
This lets users adjust both the ear seal and how securely the earbuds stay in place.
The stability bands are especially useful during walking and workouts.
IPX4 Water Resistance
The earbuds carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating.
That means they are suitable for:
- Sweat
- Gym workouts
- Light rain
- Everyday outdoor use
They are not designed for swimming or full water immersion.
Touch Controls
Touch controls support:
- Play / pause
- Skip forward
- Skip backward
- Volume adjustment
- Calls
- Switching listening modes
A new 2nd Gen feature allows you to disable capacitive touch controls entirely through the Bose app, useful if you frequently trigger them accidentally.
Pros
✓ Excellent Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Bose Immersive Audio
✓ CustomTune personalized sound
✓ Improved AI call quality
✓ Wireless charging case
✓ Improved ActiveSense
✓ Comfortable adjustable fit
✓ IPX4 water resistance
✓ Useful touch controls
✓ Strong bass and sound quality
Cons
✗ Premium price
✗ Only 6 hours of battery life
✗ Battery drops to 4 hours with Immersive Audio
✗ IPX4 is good but not class-leading
✗ Bluetooth 5.3 rather than newer 5.4
✗ Improvements over the first generation are moderate
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Rating
Sound Quality: 9.4/10
Noise Cancellation: 9.8/10
Comfort: 9.3/10
Battery: 8.2/10
Call Quality: 9.1/10
Features: 9.5/10
Value: 8.7/10
Overall: 9.2/10
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are excellent premium wireless earbuds for users who prioritize noise cancellation and sound quality.
Their biggest strengths are exceptional ANC, CustomTune sound, Bose Immersive Audio, improved call quality, and the new wireless charging case.
The main weakness is battery life. Six hours is acceptable, but several premium competitors last longer.
For commuting, flights, work, music, and everyday listening, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are a strong premium option.
