All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose just made its QC Ultras harder to justify.
noise cancelling
8.5/ 10
ANCNoise cancelling8.5
0.010.0
At 8.5, its noise cancelling beats 76% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 58 of the 240 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Noise cancelling
Key specs
Charging Method
USB-CMost commonUsb-c88%Micro usb9%Others3%
Usb-c is the most common — on 88% of the 138 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 240).
Bluetooth Version
5.45.029%5.326%5.216%5.411%
5.4 appears on 11% of the 147 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 240).
Connection Type
Most commonWired-3.5mm48%Bluetooth43%Wired-usb-c7%Others2%
Bluetooth is the most common — on 43% of the 240 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 240).
Weight
230 gBelow average230 g
120 g420 g
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 198 of 240 we've cataloged.
Battery
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Full Charge Minutes
- 15 min
- Battery Life Anc On
- 24 h
- Battery
- Yes
- Fast Charging
- Yes
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.4
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth, wired-usb-c, wired-3.5mm
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint Devices
- 2 devices
- USB Charging
- Yes
Design
- Weight
- 230 g
- Color Options
- Black, dewdrop mint, eucalyptus green, rosewood mauve, white smoke
- Foldable
- Yes
- Headband Type
- Adjustable over-head
Features
- Spatial Audio
- Head tracking
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
- Control Type
- Physical buttons
- Eq Customization
- Presets only
- Auto Pause
- No
Microphone
- Count
- 6
- Microphone
- Yes
- Wind Noise Reduction
- Yes
- Noise Reduction Type
- Active noise cancellation
- Type
- 6-mic beamforming array
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Closed-back
- Ambient Mode
- Adjustable level
- Anc Modes
- Off,anc,transparency,adaptive
- Noise Cancellation Type
- Active
- Passive Isolation
- 20 dB
Build
- Water Resistance
- No
- Material Ear Cups
- Memory foam, PU leather
- Material Headband
- Plastic with padding
Identity
- Model Number
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Release
- Date
- 2026-08-13
- Msrp Usd
- 359 USD
- Year
- 2026
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 6.3 |
| 25 | 6.8 |
| 32 | 7.1 |
| 40 | 7.0 |
| 50 | 6.5 |
| 63 | 5.7 |
| 80 | 5.0 |
| 100 | 4.1 |
| 125 | 3.0 |
| 160 | 1.7 |
| 200 | 0.5 |
| 250 | -0.8 |
| 315 | -1.9 |
| 400 | -2.1 |
| 500 | -1.2 |
| 630 | 0.1 |
| 800 | 1.4 |
| 1000 | 0.0 |
| 1250 | 1.1 |
| 1600 | 2.6 |
| 2000 | 8.1 |
| 2500 | 8.7 |
| 3150 | 8.8 |
| 4000 | 10.2 |
| 5000 | 3.9 |
| 6300 | 3.0 |
| 8000 | 8.3 |
| 10000 | 1.0 |
| 12500 | 4.3 |
| 16000 | -0.7 |
| 20000 | -11.8 |
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -0.8 |
| 26 | -0.4 |
| 33 | 0.3 |
| 41 | -0.1 |
| 52 | -1.2 |
| 65 | 0.8 |
| 82 | -3.1 |
| 103 | -5.7 |
| 130 | -4.2 |
| 163 | 0.6 |
| 205 | 4.4 |
| 259 | 8.9 |
| 325 | 12.7 |
| 410 | 10.5 |
| 516 | 12.2 |
| 613 | 14.0 |
| 772 | 16.5 |
| 972 | 19.5 |
| 1220 | 23.4 |
| 1540 | 28.7 |
| 1940 | 25.8 |
| 2440 | 32.1 |
| 3070 | 29.6 |
| 3870 | 37.9 |
| 4870 | 48.2 |
| 6130 | 44.3 |
| 7720 | 49.6 |
| 9720 | 42.8 |
| 12200 | 29.7 |
| 15400 | 37.7 |
| 19400 | 36.5 |
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 1.3 |
| 26 | 7.4 |
| 33 | 22.4 |
| 41 | 28.5 |
| 52 | 22.0 |
| 65 | 24.4 |
| 82 | 24.2 |
| 103 | 22.9 |
| 130 | 22.9 |
| 163 | 23.3 |
| 205 | 22.1 |
| 259 | 21.8 |
| 325 | 22.9 |
| 410 | 27.2 |
| 516 | 34.5 |
| 613 | 33.2 |
| 772 | 25.1 |
| 972 | 25.7 |
| 1220 | 26.1 |
| 1540 | 25.3 |
| 1940 | 19.6 |
| 2440 | 26.1 |
| 3070 | 28.2 |
| 3870 | 31.4 |
| 4870 | 45.7 |
| 6130 | 43.2 |
| 7720 | 42.9 |
| 9720 | 42.7 |
| 12200 | 32.1 |
| 15400 | 36.3 |
| 19400 | 36.3 |
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›SOUNDGUYS rating
Reviewed byDave CarrVideo Producer/WriterReviewed August 2026
Noise cancelling8.5
Isolation7.1
Comfort & fit9.0
Connectivity9.0
Design7.5
Portability7.5
The verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) continue to live up to their name with better ANC, good sound, and a comfortable, lightweight fit you can wear for hours. Add in USB-C audio and some welcome upgrades, and anyone considering the more expensive QC Ultras should seriously consider these before spending the extra cash.
✓What we like
✓ANC
✓Comfort
✓Sound Quality
✓USB-C audio
✓Physical controls
✕What could be better
✕Wind noise in Aware Mode
✕Shorter battery life than competitors
✕SBC and AAC only
✕Frequency response changes with ANC off
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Bose ditched the headphone jack without ditching the headphone jackThis is the one cable I want every pair of USB-C headphones to include.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSonos or Bose? Here's how I'd choose my home theaterBoth systems provide an immersive experience, but what you plan to add later could make one a much better fit.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSkip the $129 Bose SoundLink Micro: Here are 2 look-alikes I'd buy for lessYou don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker. Here's two I'd recommend instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBose SoundTouch is officially dead, but your speakers may still surviveBose didn’t completely brick SoundTouch speakers, but the shutdown still changed what owners originally paid for.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterApple just took down Bose at their own gameFor decades, Bose has prided itself on this one major advantage of their headphones and earbuds. Now, Apple has beat them at their own game.
Chase BernathBrand & Partnerships ManagerWe torture test hundreds of microphones a year; how does the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) fare?Earbuds aren't perfect, but we'll let you be the judge
Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributor
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSonos or Bose? Here's how I'd choose my home theaterBoth systems provide an immersive experience, but what you plan to add later could make one a much better fit.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSkip the $129 Bose SoundLink Micro: Here are 2 look-alikes I'd buy for lessYou don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker. Here's two I'd recommend instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBose SoundTouch is officially dead, but your speakers may still surviveBose didn’t completely brick SoundTouch speakers, but the shutdown still changed what owners originally paid for.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterApple just took down Bose at their own gameFor decades, Bose has prided itself on this one major advantage of their headphones and earbuds. Now, Apple has beat them at their own game.Chase BernathBrand & Partnerships ManagerWe torture test hundreds of microphones a year; how does the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) fare?Earbuds aren't perfect, but we'll let you be the judgeChristian ThomasEditor-at-largeI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorMore Over-Ear Headphones
See our top picks ›
Over-Ear Headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 5
8.6/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$399.95at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Over-Ear Headphones
1MORE Triple Driver
8.4/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$415at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Over-Ear Headphones
Plantronics BackBeat GO 810
8.3/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$99.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Over-Ear Headphones
Sennheiser HDB 630
8.2/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$449.95at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Over-Ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)
8.2/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$399at Amazon
Buy on Amazon