Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Name: Bose — QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), wireless noise cancelling earbuds (black)
Brand: Bose
SKU: B0F7M3HPBD

Wireless noise cancelling earbuds (black)

Ideal for: Focus and music, at work or on the move.

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Live price and availability on amazon.com.be

Bose's most refined noise cancelling earbuds: sound tuned to your ears by CustomTune, an Aware Mode with ActiveSense and, at last, a wirelessly charging case, all in a clean, compact black design.

Battery life (per Bose)Up to 6 h (4 h with Immersive Audio) + 18 h from the case
ChargingUSB-C or wireless (compatible pad not included); 20 min = up to 2 h
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, range up to 9 m
Protection and micsIPX4 earbuds, 4 mics per earbud
WeightApprox. 10 g per earbud, case approx. 60 g

Avoid ifSkip them if you need LE Audio, a water-resistant case or long battery life with Immersive Audio switched on (around 4 hours according to Bose).

Black Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen with their charging case

Why this model

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are wireless active noise cancelling earbuds for anyone who wants to shut out the open-plan office, the train or a busy home without giving up a good-looking object. If you're after Bose noise cancelling earbuds for work and commuting, this is the brand's current flagship.

Bose keeps what made the first generation stand out (CustomTune, Immersive Audio) and adds what was missing: a case that charges wirelessly, ActiveSense, and aptX Adaptive support with Snapdragon Sound. You'll find them on Amazon in black, the most understated colour in the range.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 design: understated and well made

The earbuds keep the QC Ultra Earbuds shape: a compact body that sits in the ear, silicone tips and gold-plated charging contacts. According to Bose, each earbud weighs about 10 g and measures 2.99 × 1.25 × 2.49 cm, while the hard plastic case measures 6.63 × 5.97 × 2.69 cm and weighs about 60 g.

In black, the set stays low-key: the case looks at home next to your keyboard on a tidy desk, and the earbuds go unnoticed on video calls. It's something you'll want to keep within reach rather than bury at the bottom of a bag.

Day to day: noise cancelling, CustomTune and ActiveSense

Bose calls these its best in-ear noise cancelling. Quiet Mode blocks as much ambient noise as possible, Aware Mode lets your surroundings in, and ActiveSense, an adaptive version of Aware Mode, tames sudden very loud sounds (roadworks, a siren) without cutting you off completely.

Every time you put them in, CustomTune plays a short tone to measure the shape of your ear canal and adjust the sound. Immersive Audio adds spatial sound if you want a more room-like feel. Everything is set up in the Bose app, which needs iOS 16 or Android 11 or later.

Key specs: battery life, wireless charging, connectivity

According to Bose, the earbuds last up to 6 hours with Immersive Audio off and about 4 hours with it on, and the case adds up to 18 hours, or three full charges. A 20-minute quick charge gives up to 2 hours of listening. A full charge takes 2 hours for the earbuds and 3 hours for the case.

The case charges over USB-C or on a compatible wireless pad, sold separately. For connectivity, you get Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of up to 9 m and SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs (including low latency), with Snapdragon Sound on compatible smartphones. The earbuds are IPX4 rated and each has 4 microphones for calls.

Who they're for, and who should skip them

They're a good fit if you work in an open-plan office or coworking space, travel often by train or plane, or want a premium tech gift that fits in a pocket. Android users with a Snapdragon Sound phone also get the benefit of aptX Adaptive.

Look elsewhere if LE Audio matters to you (not supported, according to Bose), if you want a waterproof case (only the earbuds are IPX4), or if you plan to use Immersive Audio all day, since battery life then drops to around 4 hours per charge according to Bose.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen worth it for the office?

Yes, if you work somewhere noisy: Bose calls them its best in-ear noise cancelling, with an Aware Mode so you can stay reachable. The 4 microphones per earbud handle calls, and battery life reaches up to 6 hours according to Bose.

What is the battery life of the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2?

According to Bose, up to 6 hours of listening without Immersive Audio and about 4 hours with it. The case adds up to 18 hours, and a 20-minute quick charge gives up to 2 hours of playback.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 support wireless charging?

Yes, the 2nd Gen case charges on a compatible wireless pad, which isn't included. You can also charge it over USB-C.

What's the difference between the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 1st and 2nd Gen?

The 2nd Gen adds wireless charging for the case and ActiveSense, which softens sudden very loud sounds in Aware Mode. It keeps CustomTune, Immersive Audio and aptX Adaptive support.

Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 waterproof?

The earbuds are IPX4 rated, which protects them against splashes and sweat. According to Bose, the charging case is not water resistant.