Updated 18 Oct 2026
Is the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) worth it?
Yes — the best value Bose.
The 2026 QuietComfort cancels noise almost as well as the Ultra and is one of the lightest, gentlest fits around. It folds into a hard case, has physical buttons and plays lossless audio over USB-C. Battery is about 24 hours, shorter than its rivals, and callers can struggle to hear you in loud places.
Good to know
- 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.
- Noise cancelling close to the Ultra's
- Very light, gentle fit
- Folds into a hard case
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Get it if…
- You want Bose quiet and comfort for less.
- You like real buttons rather than touch controls.
- You mostly listen on trips and commutes.
Skip it if…
- You make a lot of calls in noisy places.
- The Ultra is on sale: it's often only a little more.
How we reached this verdict
RTINGS measured exceptional noise isolation, outstanding accuracy in the mids, an amazingly comfortable fit and about 27 hours of battery, and says the Ultra is only slightly better. Expert Reviews couldn't tell its noise cancelling from the Ultra's and calls it the most comfortable it has worn; T3 gave it a Platinum Award. Battery, call quality in noise and the lack of a wear sensor are the common complaints.
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, Expert Reviews, T3, RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide