Updated 18 Oct 2026
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) worth it?
Yes — for the quietest earbuds you can buy.
Nothing blocks low rumble on planes and trains quite like these, and the stability bands keep them comfy and secure for hours. Calls are much clearer than on the first generation, and they now charge wirelessly. Battery is the catch: about 6 hours with noise cancelling, less with Bose's Immersive Audio on.
66%of 53 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- The strongest noise cancelling in earbuds
- Comfy, secure fit with stability bands
- Clear calls, wireless charging
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What owners say
Owners love the rich sound, the comfortable fit and the strong noise cancelling. The main complaint is a Bluetooth connection that drops out.
Good to know
- Battery is about 6 hours with noise cancelling, and around 4 with Immersive Audio on.
- The case is large for a pocket.
- Only splash resistant (IPX4).
From 53 buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US) and Otto (Germany), every complaint read by us, October 2026. How we do this
What they love
- Rich, detailed soundMentioned a lot
- Comfortable, secure fitMentioned a lot
- Excellent noise cancellingAlso mentioned
- Easy to tailor sound and modes in the appAlso mentioned
What they complain about
- Bluetooth drops out or won't connectCommon
- Disappointing soundCommon
- Hiss or static from the left bud with noise cancelling onOccasional
Get it if…
- Quiet matters most: long flights, trains, open-plan offices.
- Other earbuds hurt or fall out: the bands and tips fit most ears.
- You switch between a phone and a laptop.
Skip it if…
- You need a long battery: the Sony last a couple of hours longer.
- Sound matters more than quiet: the Sony are more detailed.
How we reached this verdict
What Hi-Fi gives them five stars and calls their noise cancelling a class of one; TechRadar gives them an Editor's Choice for the best ANC in earbuds and much clearer mics. RTINGS rates the noise cancelling exceptional and the fit comfortable and stable, listing them as a notable mention behind the Sony. Expert Reviews makes them a Best Buy. The trade-offs are a short battery and a big case.
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, What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, Expert Reviews, RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide