Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 wishlist: All the features I want to see

Bose’s QuietComfort line of headphones is renowned for its exceptional noise canceling. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stand tallest, reducing ambient noises by an average of 87%. The preceding Bose QuietComfort Headphones come a close second, dampening most environmental sounds by 50-85%. Unfortunately, they have a sound quality that is comedically bass-heavy. Combined with a slimline and outdated feature set, it is little wonder fans are excited about an updated Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2.

Bose has not officially announced the QuietComfort Headphones 2 yet. Nevertheless, here are all the features and upgrades I want Bose to bring to the QuietComfort Headphones 2 while we wait for more details.

Improved sound quality

It is no secret that Bose has struggled to deliver pleasing sound quality with its past releases. For example, the Bose QuietComfort 45 boost upper-midrange and treble frequencies around 2.5kHz and 10.5kHz by roughly 14dB and 12dB, respectively. While this may improve the intelligibility of podcasts, it quickly becomes grating when listening to tracks with a lot of high-frequency content.

The Bose QC Headphones suffer the opposite problem, accentuating sub-bass frequencies below 60dB by as much as 14dB. This causes the mids to sound comparatively “weak”, making it difficult to hear fundamentals like vocals and guitars. The headphones also have a huge swing in the highs at 6-8kHz that can trick your brain into expecting one thing, only to be presented with an absence or overemphasis on something else. The latest QuietComfort Ultra solve this issue with Bose’s CustomTune feature, tailoring the sound profile to your ear’s anatomy. The Bose QC Headphones 2 should also use this feature to improve sound quality, or at the very least, reduce the bass.

A comprehensive custom EQ

Custom EQs are vital for tuning headphone sound profiles when you don’t like their default frequency response. However, some manufacturers are better at implementing comprehensive and intuitive equalizers than others. For example, the Sony Sound Connect and JBL Headphones apps provide a 10-band custom EQ. Many companies offer EQ presets for those who want a quick and easy solution.

Unlike Sony and JBL, Bose’s in-app EQ is disappointingly barebones. Sure, listeners can select from just six EQ presets, including Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Bass Reducer, and Treble Reducer. However, the Bass Boost preset accentuates the headphones’ already skull-rattling sub-bass by over 18dB. Similarly, those wanting personal customization are limited to a three-band graphic EQ for adjusting Bass, Mid, and Treble. This pales compared to the competition and cannot “fix” the headphone’s poor sound quality. Bose needs a comprehensive custom EQ when the QuietComfort Headphones 2 launch.

Updated hardware

CES 2025 unveiled a string of impressive new audio technologies. For example, JLab is entering the adaptive ANC sphere with its new Epic Lux Lab Edition headphones. These sport 32mm drivers that promise premium sound and combine future-proof spatial audio with head tracking. Likewise, OneOdio announced its new Studio Max 1 DJ headphones. These promise 20ms latency Rapid WiLL+ tech and 120 hours of battery life.

Despite the Bose QuietComfort Headphones launching in 2023, their hardware has quickly become outdated. For example, the headphones do not support USB-C audio and do not include an airplane adapter. Similarly, the left ear cup’s trigger shortcut can only be used to access Spotify or tell you the battery level. While battery life lasts an industry average of 27 hours, it is shorter than rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM6. For context, these headphones lasted 37 hours and 14 minutes in our testing. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 will need updated hardware features to compete with their rivals.

Bluetooth 5.4 and high-res codecs

Recent advances in Bluetooth technology have brought extremely cool features. For example, devices running Bluetooth 5.2 can support LE Audio and the LC3 codec. Likewise, listeners can use Auracast to connect to supported public and private broadcasts directly from their headphones. Bluetooth 5.4 takes this a step further, improving battery efficiency, increasing signal stability, and enabling low-latency audio connections. The last is particularly handy for gamers and movie enthusiasts.

The Bose QC Headphones run Bluetooth 5.1 and connect via the SBC and AAC codecs. Subsequently, fans miss out on future-proof features, like the ones listed above. Similarly, while the SBC codec has improved over recent years, it delivers lower-quality connections compared to its closest alternatives. For example, the aptX Bluetooth codec yields 352kbps, 48kHz/16-bit LPCM audio streaming, while SBC provides 320kbps, 48kHz/16-bit audio data. While this may look similar on the surface, SBC is prone to significant data loss. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 should connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.4 and include high-res codecs.

A cheaper price tag

You no longer have to spend vast amounts to receive headphones with flagship features. For example, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC cost ($79.99 at Amazon), providing a consumer-friendly frequency response, decent noise canceling, and over 44 hours of battery life. They also support Bluetooth 5.3 and feature USB-C audio for Hi-Res wired audio. The JLab app unlocks many notable features, including a 10-band custom EQ, a volume limiter, and adjustable ANC modes.

Bose enjoys no such accolade. Priced at $349, its QuietComfort Headphones fall within the same price range as the industry-leading Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. However, unlike these two headphones, Bose’s QC Headphones have a comparatively limited feature set. Indeed, fans can receive better features and save $270 by purchasing the JLab JBuds Lux ANC. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 will need a cheaper price tag to compete with more affordable, feature-rich headphones.

Will there be a Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2?

Bose has been a major player in the consumer headphones arena for nearly three decades and just announced the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). These promise wireless charging support and enhanced AI noise canceling and in-call noise rejection algorithms. The ear tips also embed wax guards to keep your ears and the tips clean. Bose addressed their predecessor’s overly sensitive controls by allowing listeners to disable the capacitive touch panels entirely through the Bose app. The earbuds will be released outside the U.S. from June 26, while U.S. buyers will have to wait until later this summer.

Unfortunately, Bose has not officially announced the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2. Rumors are also sparse, so we may have to wait longer for concrete details.

• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 — May 29, 2019
• Bose QuietComfort 45 — September 23, 2021
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones — September 21, 2023

However, we can surmise an approximate launch date based on the company’s previous release schedule. For example, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 launched on May 29, 2019. The subsequent QuietComfort 45 materialized two years and four months later. The current QuietComfort Headphones were launched almost two years later on September 21, 2023. By that metric, we could see the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 hit shelves in the winter of this year.

Should you wait for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2?

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are not bad, but given their limited feature set and overemphasized bass response, we recommend their cheaper siblings instead. For example, the now-discontinued Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have similar functionality and can still be found for much less money on Amazon. However, those wanting future-proof features and best-in-class noise canceling may wish to hold out for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2.

Bass heads (and those partial to the color green) will enjoy the Bose QuietComfort Headphones ($349 at Amazon). The cans own a frequency response that boosts sub-bass frequencies below 60Hz by as much as 14dB. Build quality feels robust, and their lightweight 240g frame is extremely comfortable. For example, the ear cups are large, distribute their weight well, and have sufficiently soft padding. The controls are intuitive for adjusting playback and volume and include an action button. The last can toggle through different listening modes, mute calls, or trigger shortcuts. Listeners receive a travel case, a 3.5mm to 2.5mm TRS cable, and a USB-A to USB-C cable. ANC is excellent and attenuates ambient sound by up to 45dB. However, battery life is mediocre, lasting 27 hours. Likewise, the headphones’ sound quality will not be everyone’s taste.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless ($289.23 at Amazon)  provide superior battery life and excellent sound quality. These headphones have a default frequency response that follows our target preference curve. In particular, well-represented highs and comparatively tempered bass make speech more intelligible. Sennheiser also outpaces the competition by delivering over 56 hours of ANC-enabled playback time. The company’s Auto On/Off feature is handy and automatically turns the headphones on or off based on their position. Under the hood, the headphones use Bluetooth version 5.2 and connect via a list of codecs, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive. Those who prefer wired audio can use the 3.5mm jack or a USB cable to listen to music from a computer. Unlike the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless package an airplane adapter.

If you like the look and feel of Bose QuietComfort headphones, why not purchase the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429 at Amazon)? Sure, they are more expensive than the QC Headphones, but they are stuffed with advanced features. For example, the cans support Snapdragon Sound with the aptX Lossless codec and connect with a 2.5 to 3.5mm TRS cable. The headphones enjoy top-of-the-range noise canceling and large, dense ear pads. Together, they reduce the loudness of ambient noise by up to 87%. Battery life lasts an average of 27 hours, and a 15-minute top-up provides two and a half hours of listening time. Controlling the headphones is easy thanks to their multifunction button, power button, and touch-sensitive strip. Downloading the Bose Music app yields regular firmware updates, a basic EQ, and immersive audio. Unfortunately, USB-C audio is not supported.

Finally, the newest Sony WH-1000XM6 ($448 at Amazon) are one of the best headphones on the market. For example, the headphones quell low-frequency rumbles below 300Hz by over 30dB. The cans also improve the sound quality of their predecessor. Battery life lasts over 37 hours with ANC enabled, and listeners can fast charge three hours of listening time by topping up for three minutes. Fans can connect via a TRS cable or Bluetooth 5.3 over the SBC, AAC, or LDAC codecs. The capacitive touch panel on the right ear cup controls volume, track skipping, play/pause, voice assistant, and ambient sound passthrough. Downloading the Sony Sound Connect app unlocks a 10-band EQ, 360 Reality Audio, and many other high-end features.

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