2025 review of Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones: class-leading ANC, longer battery life, USB-C lossless audio, Cinema Mode, and smarter power saving.
© Bose
In 2025, Bose chose refinement over reinvention, polishing the much-loved QuietComfort Ultra. The company rolled out second-generation over-ears and earbuds in the line. At first glance there are no drastic shifts, yet the small touches add up, making the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones more persuasive and arguably the strongest contender among premium active noise-cancelling models.
The headline upgrade is the active noise cancellation. The ActiveSense technology now responds more delicately to sudden changes in ambient loudness. Most of the time that nuance stays in the background, but when a burst of noise could get in the way, the improvement is noticeable. Overall, the noise-cancelling remains reference-grade: Bose still keeps a lead on rivals.
Another notable addition is Cinema Mode. This sound profile optimizes dialog, keeping speech crystal clear while preserving a wide, spacious soundtrack. It fits movies and TV best, though it also works with podcasts and audiobooks.
Battery life is significantly improved. The headphones now run up to 30 hours with ANC on, up to 45 hours with ANC off, and around 23 hours when ANC and Immersive Audio are used together. Compared to the first version, those figures are up by at least five hours.
Bose also reworked power management. Beyond the standard auto-off after 10 minutes, there are low-consumption modes: the headphones fall asleep after 30 minutes of inactivity or slip into a deep state when the cups are folded. In practice, there is rarely a need to micromanage them; putting them on or taking them off is usually enough.
A long-awaited change arrives with lossless audio over USB-C. A wired connection to a phone, laptop, or tablet enables 16-bit and 44.1 to 48 kHz playback. It is a nod to listeners who prize audio resolution and prefer compression-free streams.
Bose stays true to form: the new QuietComfort Ultra are exceptionally comfortable. Soft cushions make it easy to wear them through a full workday or a transatlantic flight without fatigue.
Sound quality also steps up thanks to Immersive Audio. Unlike some competitors, it does not require special tracks: regular stereo is upscaled into a spacious presentation. Music gains air, vocals come through cleaner, and drums and synths feel less compressed. With acoustic albums there is a convincing sense of stage, with depth and detail that draws you in.
The noise-cancelling, as before, remains the benchmark. Unwanted sounds from fan hum to office chatter fade almost completely, and even sharp bursts like a dog’s bark are damped very effectively. On this front, Bose confidently outpaces Sony and Sennheiser.
The main drawback of the new generation is the price. At 449 dollars, it is on par with other premium models, yet still a significant barrier. For anyone priced out, Bose offers an alternative in the QuietComfort Headphones at 359 dollars.
The design is largely unchanged: the metal yokes now have a glossy finish. Some will appreciate the refreshed accent, though in the Driftwood Sand color it can come off a bit flashy.
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are not a revolution. They did not need to be. The company strengthened the essentials, tidied up the weak spots, and made the headphones easier to live with. Longer battery life, lossless audio via USB-C, and smarter power-saving add up to compelling reasons to upgrade.
If you want the best active noise-cancelling headphones out there, this model is the safe bet. It does not chase a flashy redesign or gimmicks; instead, it quietly cements its status as the reference in its class.