Headphones Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 Review: Spatial Audio
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 combine Bose's best noise cancellation with spatial audio, a Cinema Mode, CustomTune personalization, and up to 30 hours of battery life. The listing highlights plush comfort, USB-C audio, and Bluetooth 5.4, though some specifications such as driver details and weight are not published.
Our Verdict
Research Score 88/100The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 bring flagship noise cancellation, spatial audio, and long battery life into a lower mid-range package. The listing describes Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Immersion Mode, and a new Cinema Mode that spatializes video, plus CustomTune ear analysis through the Bose app. Up to 30 hours of play time, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio, is strong for this class. USB-C supports charging and high quality voice calls. However, the listing does not publish driver size, weight, water resistance, or full codec support, which leaves some technical questions open. Buyers who value immersive sound, effective ANC, and app driven personalization will find this model compelling. Those who need exhaustive specifications or an analog 3.5 mm input should verify those details elsewhere.
Editorial research score based on published specifications and documented features, not a customer rating or lab test.
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2
Best for: Listeners who want Bose's top noise cancellation, spatial audio, and long battery life in a premium over-ear design.
Skip it if: You need a published water resistance rating, analog 3.5 mm input, or exhaustive driver and codec specifications before buying.
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Listing verified: October 2026
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if
- Commuters and frequent flyers who prioritize effective noise cancellation
- Viewers who want Cinema Mode for movies and video
- Bose app users who like CustomTune personalization and future updates
- Buyers seeking up to 30 hours of wireless play time
Skip it if
- You require a measured weight and water resistance rating before purchase
- You want an analog 3.5 mm wired connection and the listing does not state one
- You prefer detailed published driver and codec specifications
Key Specifications
| Type | Over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones |
| Driver | Not published in listing |
| Noise cancelling | Yes, Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Immersion Mode; Bose best noise cancellation |
| Bluetooth and codecs | Bluetooth Core 5.4, range up to 30 feet; codecs not published |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours, 23 hours with Immersive Audio |
| Wired option | USB-C for charging and audio; no 3.5 mm input mentioned |
| Controls and app | Bose app for updates, CustomTune, access to features; specific onboard controls not published in listing |
| Water resistance | Not published in listing |
| Weight | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | USB-C cord; other accessories not published |
Overview
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 is an over-ear wireless Bluetooth model positioned around Bose's best noise cancellation and spatial audio. The listing highlights Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Immersion Mode, and a new Cinema Mode that spatializes video content. On paper, this set combines flagship level features with up to 30 hours of battery life.
The product listing does not publish the driver type or size, weight, water resistance rating, or detailed codec support. Buyers get a USB-C cord for charging and audio, plus access to the Bose app for CustomTune personalization and software updates. This review evaluates the published specifications and notes where the listing leaves gaps.
Sound Quality
Spatial audio is the headline sound feature. The listing says Bose Immersive Audio spatializes everything and can take music out of your head and place it in front of you. CustomTune technology analyzes your ears and adapts audio performance to their unique shape, which suggests a more tailored frequency response and soundstage than a fixed tuning.
The noise cancellation and sound modes should influence perceived clarity. Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode let listeners choose between full isolation, environmental awareness, or a blend of ANC and spatial audio. Cinema Mode is designed to balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion, which may also enhance dialogue and effects in video.
Because the listing does not state driver type, driver size, or supported Bluetooth codecs, the absolute audio ceiling is hard to assess from specifications alone. Still, Bose markets the model as having the brand's best noise cancellation and immersive sound, and the CustomTune ear analysis is a meaningful differentiator on paper.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort appears to be a priority. The listing describes plush cushions that wrap your ears in a soft embrace and a refined metal headband that evenly distributes pressure for a snug fit all day. This suggests an over-ear design intended for long listening sessions.
Weight is not published in the listing, so prospective buyers cannot compare grams directly to reference models such as the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45, or Apple AirPods Max. Without a published clamp force or weight, comfort remains a claim rather than a measured result. The materials described, plush cushions and metal headband, point toward a premium fit.
Noise Control and Features
The model offers three noise control modes plus Cinema Mode. Quiet Mode is described as Bose's best noise cancellation for headphones, while Aware Mode lets more surroundings in for safety and conversation. Immersion Mode combines noise cancellation with Bose Immersive Audio for a more isolated, spatialized experience.
The Bose app plays a central role in features. It provides software updates, ensures optimal functionality, and unlocks CustomTune and other cutting edge tech. The listing also mentions USB Voice, which uses the built in mic for two way communication during calls and video conferencing over USB-C.
- Quiet Mode for full noise cancellation
- Aware Mode to hear surroundings
- Immersion Mode combines ANC and Bose Immersive Audio
- Cinema Mode spatializes video content
- CustomTune ear analysis via Bose app
- USB Voice for calls over USB-C
Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity
Battery life is a strong point in the listing. The headphones offer up to 30 hours of play time, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The included USB-C cord supports charging, and the listing says you can listen to music at the same time while charging.
Bluetooth Core 5.4 provides connection within up to 30 feet of the device. The listing does not publish multipoint pairing, codec support such as aptX or LDAC, or latency figures. For wireless reliability, Bluetooth 5.4 is current and should offer solid connection stability within the stated range.
Wired connectivity is limited to USB-C according to the listing. There is no mention of a 3.5 mm analog input, so users with older devices or airplane entertainment systems may need an adapter or rely on Bluetooth. The USB-C port doubles as an audio path for calls and music, which adds flexibility for desktop setups.
Build, Design and Portability
The design language is premium. The listing mentions a refined metal headband and plush ear cushions. This suggests a durable, high quality feel, but no exact weight, clamping force, or foldability is published. Portability cannot be fully assessed without knowing whether the ear cups fold flat or rotate.
The color in this listing is black, and the overall shape is over-ear. The headphones likely ship with a USB-C cord, but the listing does not publish a carrying case, soft pouch, or airline adapter. Buyers who travel frequently may want to confirm what is included in the box before purchase.
Call Quality and Daily Use
Call quality is supported by built in microphones with noise rejecting technology. The listing says AI based background noise suppression filters out surroundings and wind for clear phone calls. This should help in noisy environments, though the exact number of microphones is not published.
Daily use is shaped by the 30 hour battery, Bluetooth 5.4 range, and app based updates. The ability to charge and listen via USB-C at the same time is practical for desk use. The lack of a published water resistance rating means users should be cautious around rain or sweat.
The Bose app can keep the headphones updated with new features, which adds longevity. CustomTune requires the app to analyze your ears, so initial setup may be more involved than a simple plug and play model. Buyers who prefer minimal apps may need to weigh that against the personalization benefits.
Who Should Buy It
This model suits listeners who want Bose's best noise cancellation and spatial audio in an over-ear design. Commuters and frequent flyers who need effective Quiet Mode and long battery life will find the 30 hour rating attractive. People who watch movies or videos on a phone or laptop may appreciate Cinema Mode and USB-C audio.
Bose app users who like firmware updates and CustomTune personalization are also a good match. The lower mid-range price tier makes the feature set more accessible than some flagship models, assuming the unpublished specifications meet expectations. Buyers who value immersive sound over exhaustive technical data are likely the target audience.
Alternatives Worth Considering
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are common alternatives in the over-ear noise cancelling category. The Sony model is known for strong ANC and a lighter design, while the QC45 offers a familiar Bose fit and solid noise cancellation. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 differentiates itself with spatial audio and Cinema Mode.
The Apple AirPods Pro and Sennheiser HD 560S serve different needs. The AirPods Pro are true wireless earbuds with spatial audio and strong ecosystem integration, while the Sennheiser HD 560S is an open back wired headphone for critical listening. Buyers looking for a wired studio option or compact earbuds should consider those instead.
The Anker Soundcore Space One is a budget over-ear alternative with ANC and app support, though it likely lacks the spatial audio and CustomTune depth of the Bose. Each alternative trades some feature for price or form factor. The choice depends on whether spatial audio, USB-C audio, and Bose's top ANC matter most.
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 earns a score of 88 out of 100 based on the listing. Strong points include immersive spatial audio, three noise control modes, up to 30 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C voice support. The lower mid-range price tier adds value.
The main gaps are unpublished driver details, weight, water resistance, and codec support. These omissions prevent a higher technical score and leave some durability and audio ceiling questions open. Still, the feature set on paper is compelling for over-ear wireless ANC headphones.
For buyers who prioritize Bose's best noise cancellation, spatial audio, and long battery life, this model stands out. Those who need an analog 3.5 mm jack or more complete specifications should verify before buying. Overall, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 looks like a strong flagship style package at a lower mid-range price.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Immersive spatial audio with Cinema Mode
- Strong active noise cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes
- Up to 30 hours battery life
- USB-C wired audio and call support
- CustomTune personalized sound via Bose app
- Bluetooth 5.4 with 30 foot range
Limitations
- Driver type and size not published
- No water resistance or weight rating in listing
- No 3.5 mm analog wired option mentioned
- Codec support beyond Bluetooth Core 5.4 not detailed
- Onboard controls not fully described
How We Scored It
Scores reflect published specifications, documented features and value against the alternatives below. They are editorial research scores, not laboratory measurements.
Alternatives to Consider
Apple AirPods Max 2
iPhone users who want flagship over-ear noise cancelling with spatial audio and live translation.
Read the Apple AirPods Max 2 review →
Focal AZURYS High-Fidelity Headphones
Audiophiles seeking a handcrafted, closed-back Focal headphone at a lower mid-range price.
Read the Focal AZURYS High-Fidelity Headphones review →
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Listeners who want comfortable over-ear active noise cancelling with a long battery and a wired fallback in a lower midrange package.
Read the Bose QuietComfort Headphones review →Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 Compare →
Questions Buyers Ask
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2
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About This Review
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.