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1 / 13Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)
noise cancelling
8.7/ 10
ANCNoise cancelling8.7
0.010.0
At 8.7, its noise cancelling beats 90% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 58 of the 239 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Noise cancelling
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
30 hBelow average30 h
11 h100 h
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 156 of 239 we've cataloged.
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 239).
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 239).
Connection Type
Most commonWired-3.5mm48%Bluetooth44%Wired-usb-c7%Others2%
Bluetooth is the most common — on 44% of the 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 30 h
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Full Charge Minutes
- 180 min
- Battery Life Anc On
- 27.2 h
- Battery
- Yes
- Fast Charging
- Yes
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.4
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth wireless, wired USB-C, wired 3.5mm
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- Multipoint Devices
- Yes - 2 devices
- Headphone Jack
- Yes
- USB Charging
- Yes
Design
- Weight
- 250 g
- Color Options
- Black, white, blue, midnight violet, driftwood sand, desert gold
- Ear Pad Type
- Synthetic
- Foldable
- Yes
Features
- Spatial Audio
- Yes
- Companion App
- Yes
- Control Type
- Physical buttons, touch controls, mobile app
- Eq Customization
- Yes
- Auto Pause
- Yes
Build
- IP Rating
- None
- Material Chassis Primary
- Plastic with thin metal casing
- Water Resistance
- No
- Material Ear Cups
- Protein leather
Microphone
- Count
- 10
- Microphone
- Yes
- Noise Reduction Type
- Active noise cancellation
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Closed-back
- Ambient Mode
- Yes - adjustable level
- Driver Size
- 35 mm
- Frequency Response
- 10-22000 Hz
- Frequency Response High Hz
- 22000 Hz
- Frequency Response Low Hz
- 10 Hz
- Frequency Response Signature
- Balanced with slight forward midrange
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- Noise Cancellation Type
- Active
Identity
- Model Number
- QCUH2-HEADPHONEARN
Release
- Date
- September 12, 2025
- Msrp Usd
- 449 USD
- Year
- 2025
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (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 | 8.2 |
| 25 | 10.1 |
| 32 | 10.7 |
| 40 | 9.7 |
| 50 | 8.1 |
| 63 | 6.3 |
| 80 | 5.8 |
| 100 | 4.8 |
| 125 | 3.5 |
| 160 | 1.7 |
| 200 | 0.5 |
| 250 | -0.5 |
| 315 | -1.3 |
| 400 | -1.6 |
| 500 | -1.4 |
| 630 | -0.8 |
| 800 | -0.5 |
| 1000 | -0.2 |
| 1250 | 1.0 |
| 1600 | 2.8 |
| 2000 | 7.3 |
| 2500 | 9.8 |
| 3150 | 8.6 |
| 4000 | 7.5 |
| 5000 | 5.0 |
| 6300 | 5.3 |
| 8000 | 6.3 |
| 10000 | 4.8 |
| 12500 | -1.9 |
| 16000 | -8.7 |
| 20000 | -17.6 |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (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 | -2.8 |
| 26 | 2.2 |
| 33 | 0.3 |
| 41 | 0.5 |
| 52 | 0.3 |
| 65 | -1.1 |
| 82 | -2.9 |
| 103 | -4.4 |
| 130 | -4.0 |
| 163 | 1.3 |
| 205 | 4.0 |
| 259 | 8.7 |
| 325 | 11.7 |
| 410 | 11.1 |
| 516 | 11.9 |
| 613 | 14.1 |
| 772 | 19.7 |
| 972 | 18.8 |
| 1220 | 21.3 |
| 1540 | 19.7 |
| 1940 | 24.6 |
| 2440 | 26.4 |
| 3070 | 24.7 |
| 3870 | 29.4 |
| 4870 | 40.2 |
| 6130 | 41.1 |
| 7720 | 51.0 |
| 9720 | 47.8 |
| 12200 | 46.7 |
| 15400 | 49.6 |
| 19400 | 36.2 |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (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 | 9.1 |
| 26 | 13.1 |
| 33 | 21.3 |
| 41 | 26.8 |
| 52 | 24.4 |
| 65 | 19.8 |
| 82 | 22.2 |
| 103 | 24.9 |
| 130 | 27.3 |
| 163 | 27.9 |
| 205 | 27.2 |
| 259 | 26.7 |
| 325 | 29.8 |
| 410 | 33.8 |
| 516 | 38.4 |
| 613 | 34.4 |
| 772 | 34.4 |
| 972 | 28.3 |
| 1220 | 21.9 |
| 1540 | 24.3 |
| 1940 | 29.6 |
| 2440 | 26.7 |
| 3070 | 23.8 |
| 3870 | 28.2 |
| 4870 | 40.1 |
| 6130 | 42.3 |
| 7720 | 49.2 |
| 9720 | 44.5 |
| 12200 | 47.0 |
| 15400 | 50.0 |
| 19400 | 36.2 |
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Noise cancelling8.7
Isolation7.1
Battery life9.4
Comfort & fit9.0
Connectivity9.7
Design8.0
The verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen.) are a solid set ofheadphones that compete well with the current ANC leaders. Though there are some rough edges, these are good headphones for those who don't want to tinker too much.
✓What we like
✓Decent sound
✓Good ANC
✓USB-C lossless
✓Price
✕What could be better
✕In-app EQ
✕Some connection issues
✕No IP rating
Related comparisons
Browse all versus ›See how the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) stacks up against the competition.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 WirelessVSVersusBose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 WirelessHere's what sets these two heavyweights apart.Read comparison ›Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)
Apple AirPods Max 2VSVersusBose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) vs Apple AirPods Max 2One flagship for Apple loyalists, one for bass heads.Read comparison ›Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
1 year later, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 still have one annoying issueSome problems just won't blow over.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorBose 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 ManagerI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
Christian 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
Adam BirneyManaging EditorBose 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 ManagerI'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
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