Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Name: Bose — QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), wireless noise-cancelling headphones (black)
Brand: Bose
SKU: B0FDKR293G

Wireless noise-cancelling headphones (black)

Ideal for: Focus at the office and quiet travel.

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Bose's flagship headphones. They pair strong noise cancelling with Immersive Audio spatial sound and up to 30 h of battery life according to Bose. They also work wired over USB-C, in a sober black design that still looks great on a desk.

Battery lifeUp to 30 h (23 h with Immersive Audio), according to Bose
Charging3 h for a full charge; 15 min for 3 h of playback, according to Bose
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4 (9 m range), USB-C audio 16-bit 44.1/48 kHz, 2.5 mm jack with 3.5 mm cable included
WeightAbout 264 g (headphones only)

Avoid ifSkip them if you want light, compact headphones for sports, or if a simpler model covers your needs: these are premium over-ear headphones, bulkier than a pair of earbuds.

Black Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen headphones, three-quarter view on a neutral background

Why this model

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is a pair of wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. They're for anyone who wants to shut out the world at the office, in an open-plan space, on the train or on a plane, while still owning something elegant. This second version keeps the clean lines of the original and adds wired listening over USB-C, with battery life of up to 30 h according to Bose.

In black, they blend in on a tidy desk as easily as on a living-room table. Below you'll find what they bring day to day, the key specs with units, and the cases where other headphones, or earbuds, will suit you better.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen design: understated and premium

The QuietComfort Ultra goes for taut lines and smooth earcups, with no loud branding. The black finish gives it the look of high-end studio headphones, easy to leave out on a stand or next to your keyboard.

The cushions wrap around your ears, as you'd expect from headphones built for long sessions. They weigh about 264 g based on Bose's figures: not featherweight, but reasonable for noise-cancelling headphones in this class.

Day to day: office, open plan and travel

At the office, noise cancelling is what makes the difference. Three modes (Quiet to block noise, Aware to hear your surroundings, Immersion for spatial sound) can be switched on the headphones or in the Bose app. According to Bose, CustomTune tailors the sound and noise cancelling to the shape of your ear.

On the move, quick charging helps: 15 minutes give 3 h of playback, according to Bose. And if the battery runs out, you can still listen wired, using the included 3.5 mm cable or over USB-C from a compatible computer or phone.

Key specs of the Bose QC Ultra 2 headphones

According to Bose, battery life reaches up to 30 h, or 23 h with Immersive Audio on. A full charge takes 3 h. Wirelessly, the headphones use Bluetooth 5.4 with a stated range of about 9 m, and support aptX Adaptive through Snapdragon Sound with compatible sources.

The big new feature of this generation is wired USB-C audio, at 16-bit and 44.1 or 48 kHz from a compatible source. A 2.5 mm jack also takes the included cable to 3.5 mm, handy for in-flight entertainment.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

They're for you if you work somewhere noisy, travel often, or want premium headphones that look good on display and fit easily on a list of design tech gifts. They'll also suit anyone who wants to switch from wireless to wired USB-C without changing headphones.

Look elsewhere if you need headphones for sports, an ultra-compact model that fits in a pocket, or if you mostly listen in short sessions: earbuds like the Nothing Ear (3) will be more practical. If you're in the Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Ace remains a logical alternative.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen headphones worth it?

They're Bose's flagship headphones, built around noise cancelling, Immersive Audio spatial sound and long-session comfort. This 2nd generation adds wired USB-C audio and up to 30 h of battery life according to Bose.

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

According to Bose, they last up to 30 h, or 23 h with Immersive Audio on. A full charge takes 3 h, and 15 minutes of charging give about 3 h of playback.

Can you use the Bose QuietComfort Ultra wired?

Yes. They support USB-C audio at 16-bit and 44.1 or 48 kHz from a compatible source, plus an included 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable. Handy on a plane or when the battery is flat.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sonos Ace: which should you choose?

The Bose QC Ultra 2 focuses on noise cancelling, CustomTune and Immersive Audio spatial sound. The Sonos Ace mostly makes sense if you already own a compatible Sonos soundbar. Choose based on your ecosystem and the style you prefer.

Where can I buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)?

The 2nd Gen in black is sold on Amazon: the button on this page takes you there. Check that the listing says "2nd Gen", since the first model is sometimes still on offer.