Bose introduced the next generation of its QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd gen.) on September 08, 2025, featuring numerous improvements. The new headphones retain the familiar features of the QuietComfort range, such as premium noise-canceling, high-quality sound reproduction, comfort and stability, but offer significant upgrades that take the listening experience to a new level.
Improved audio performance and noise-canceling
The second generation QC Ultra headphones feature lossless USB-C audio that delivers crystal clear sound with low latency. A new algorithm ensures more precise, adaptive noise canceling that automatically adjusts to the environment. The ActiveSense function in Aware mode has also been optimized and filters out sudden noise peaks such as passing trains or sirens more gently.
For a traditional listening experience, noise-canceling can be completely disabled or manually adjusted via the Bose app.
A new feature is Cinema Mode, which was specially developed for video content. It widens the sound stage, balances out background noise and sound effects and ensures particularly clear dialog. This mode not only improves movies, but also podcasts and audio books by giving you the feeling that someone is talking directly to you.
Other subtle changes contribute to the improved audio performance: Bass is more powerful at higher volumes, high notes sound more natural and clarity is maintained even at higher volumes. In quiet environments, the background noise generated by the noise-canceling system has been reduced so that the finest details of the music can be heard. CustomTune technology adapts the sound individually to the shape of the user’s ear to ensure a balanced and spatial listening experience.
Design and comfort
The design of the new QC Ultra headphones has been modernized and includes polished metal elements that create a luxurious aesthetic. The headphones are available in black, smoky white and the new limited edition colors driftwood sand and dark purple.
Soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband provide an easy fit and a secure seal, ensuring comfort and peace of mind wherever you go. The classic, foldable design is retained to make the headphones easy to transport.
Intuitive functions for everyday use
The next generation of QC Ultra headphones is optimized for everyday use. Intelligent wearer detection ensures that the headphones automatically connect to the paired device as soon as they are put on – manual switching on is no longer necessary. After use, the headphones switch to an energy-efficient standby mode that lasts for months. To reactivate the headphones, simply put them on again.
The battery life has also been improved and lasts up to 30 hours (23 hours with 360-degree sound activated and 45 hours with ANC deactivated). The headphones can be charged during use via the USB-C port so that they are always ready for use.
Connectivity and control
The QC Ultra headphones support Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity, allowing them to be connected to two source devices simultaneously. They are compatible with SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive audio codecs, the latter automatically adapting to lossless audio and low latency. Android users also benefit from Google Fast Pair, a technology for quick and easy pairing. Quick access to music is possible with Spotify Tap.
The Bose app offers extensive control options, including custom listening modes, EQ adjustments, ANC control and individual shortcuts. Firmware updates are automatically downloaded and installed to keep the headphones up to date.
Price and availability
The QC Ultra headphones (2nd gen.) are available now for €499 in various colors and offer an outstanding listening experience complemented by innovative technologies and a modern design. Bose remains true to its mission to innovate to create exceptional sound experiences that excite and inspire people.Launch color options include Black and White Smoke, as well as the introduction of two new color families from Bose: Driftwood Sand (also available on the Ultra Open Earbuds) and Midnight Violet (also available on the Ultra Open Earbuds and the new 2nd generation QC Ultra Earbuds).
