Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Get the QuietComfort 2nd Gen. Unless you want the longer battery, or the Ultra is on sale for only a little more — then the QC Ultra 2.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The comfiest headphones here, with noise cancelling as strong as any. Sound trails the Sony a little.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Nearly the Ultra's noise cancelling and comfort for less. Battery and calls are the weak spots.
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The QuietComfort cancels noise almost as well as the Ultra, is just as light and gentle on the head, and costs less. The Ultra lasts longer and feels more premium.
- —You want the longer battery.
- —You want a more premium build.
- —It's on sale for only a little more.
- —You want Bose quiet and comfort for less.
- —You like real buttons rather than touch controls.
- —You mostly listen on trips and commutes.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Superb noise cancelling
- +Light and very comfortable for hours
- +Lossless audio over USB-C
- −A 2026 update removed the button shortcuts for switching devices and checking battery.
- −Wired listening still needs battery, and the mic is off over the cable.
- −No water resistance.
- +Noise cancelling close to the Ultra's
- +Very light, gentle fit
- +Folds into a hard case
- −Callers can struggle to hear you in loud places.
- −No wear sensor, so music doesn't pause when you take them off.
- −No aptX or LDAC, only SBC and AAC.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Bose QC Ultra 2 worth it?
- Is the Bose QC 2nd Gen worth it?
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- Sony XM6 vs Momentum 5
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- Best headphones
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.