Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) review: These headphones give Sony a run for its money

Bose QuietComfort Extremely (Gen 2)

execs and cons

Professionals

• Glorious consolation and noise cancellation
• Improved battery capability and energy administration
• USB-C audio compatibility

Cons

• Restricted audio customization
• Not value an improve from the earlier mannequin
• Sony presents cleaner audio

extra shopping for decisions

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How do you persuade your self to pay $400+ for a pair of headphones that look and function virtually identically to the earlier technology? That is a query I hope to reply, and a query Bose hopes its newest flagship headphones will reply based mostly on their efficiency alone.

Additionally: I examined Sony and Bose’s greatest headphones for months – how my shopping for recommendation has modified in 2026

I spent months now working, touring, and lounging within the QuietComfort Extremely Headphones (Gen 2), which I will seek advice from because the QC Extremely 2, trying to find how Bose spent two years making them extra “extremely” than their predecessor. With out main upgrades to design, speaker drivers, or noise cancellation efficiency, I will need to dig deep.

It is simple to place the Sony WH-1000XM6 as QC Extremely 2’s direct competitor, however I’m wondering: are the QC Extremely 2 competing with their predecessors as a lot as they’re with different manufacturers? Let’s discover out.

Identical look, smarter particulars

The QC Extremely 2’s defining theme is that they do not try to rewrite Bose’s legacy; moderately, they refine it. They give the impression of being similar to the primary technology, apart from the yokes, which swap a matte aluminum end for a shiny, polished metallic end. 

The QC Extremely 2’s earcups are barely shallower than these of their predecessor, which may trigger match points for individuals with bigger heads and ears. In any other case, the look, really feel, and match of the QC Extremely 2 do not convey notable adjustments, which is not essentially a foul factor — if it ain’t broke, do not repair it.

Extra important upgrades lie within the smaller particulars, together with USB-C audio assist, accessible at as much as 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz. Thus, the QC Extremely 2 are higher fitted to gaming or extra devoted listening than the primary technology. In contrast to the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max, the QC Extremely 2 retain their 3.5mm headphone jack, which is nice information for frequent flyers. And in contrast to the Sony XM6, which don’t assist USB-C audio, you’ll be able to pay attention by the QC Extremely 2’s USB-C port, even whereas charging them.

Additionally: Bluetooth is engaged on wi-fi audio tech I as soon as thought was unimaginable – what to know

Though USB-C audio assist in 2025 feels extra like an expectation than a brand new function to have a good time, it rounds out the QC Extremely 2’s audio capabilities.

Magnificence is within the ears of the beholder

The QC Extremely 2 have a terrific sound profile when you like an exaggerated bass response, barely decreased mids, and louder treble. It lends itself effectively to reproducing basslines and front-and-center vocals in pop tracks, corresponding to One Path’s “Stockholm Syndrome,“ and ’90s rap, like Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear.” 

Additionally: I listened to Sony and Bose’s flagship earbuds in 2026 – and the winner got here all the way down to this

Conversely, the QC Extremely 2 aren’t as sturdy with layered, ambient post-rock like Ben Howard’s “Time Is Dancing.” Songs with extra delicate musical textures aren’t as simple to listen to, however lowering the bass helps. General, the QC Extremely 2’s tuning is hotter and extra spacious-sounding, delivering an prolonged, tighter bass response than the primary technology. Their sound must be enjoyable for most individuals.

Bose continues on with its model of spatial audio, Immersive Audio, and introduces a brand new spatial tuning for podcasts, TV reveals, motion pictures, and different dialogue-heavy media. The function works — you’ll be able to hear your media increase round your head. Personally, I would moderately that Bose embrace Dolby Atmos assist as an alternative.

Nonetheless the ANC gold commonplace

Bose’s advertising conveys to me that noise cancellation is now not thought to be a function of a pair of headphones — it is a way of life selection. Noise cancellation would not solely mute the world round you, however helps you create a non-public listening area if you’re in public. 

Bose leans into this philosophy, as noise-canceling upgrades aren’t on the forefront of the headphones’ launch. Regardless of little fanfare round noise cancellation enhancements, the QC Extremely 2 are barely higher at canceling noise than their predecessor. Moreover, the QC Extremely 2’s ANC higher encompasses higher-pitched noises, corresponding to keyboard clicks, and lower-pitched noises, just like the rumble of an airplane engine, than the primary technology.

When the headphones’ energetic noise cancellation (ANC) is engaged, even when no audio is enjoying, there’s just about no noise flooring. That feat is extremely spectacular and on par with Sony’s WH-1000XM6. The distinction between Sony’s and Bose’s latest-gen ANC is negligible; you will have to seek out one other class that can assist you choose one model over the opposite.

Additionally: I attempted Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds’ AI noise cancelling, and might’t return to common ANC

Bose additionally refined its AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation function, ActiveSense. This function maintains transparency mode and prompts noise cancellation when the surroundings turns into too loud. ActiveSense is my favourite function on the QC Extremely Earbuds 2, and it really works simply as effectively on the headphones. 

One of the best function is essentially the most sudden

To me, the standout function of the QC Extremely 2 is their improved energy administration. Together with growing the battery life from 24 hours on the primary technology to 30 hours on the second, Bose additionally rendered its product’s energy button out of date.

You should use the headphones’ energy button to show them on and off, nevertheless it’s not crucial. As an alternative, you’ll be able to take the headphones off your head and lay them flat — earcups up or down — and so they’ll instantly disconnect out of your gadgets, disable Bluetooth, and start conserving energy. Merely put them again on and so they’re able to go.

Additionally: Bose simply did what Apple could not with the QuietComfort Extremely headphones – and I am offered

I like this function as a result of energy buttons on headphones are the bane of my existence. For those who do not press the button lengthy sufficient, the headphones will not flip off, however when you press it for too lengthy, they will enter pairing mode. It’s a must to time your lengthy press completely to get your headphones to cooperate.

Bose’s power-up was notably complicated and malfunctioning, inflicting the corporate to ship the first-gen QC Extremely’s solely firmware replace to deal with the problem particularly. To me, not needing to make use of the facility button in any respect is a lifesaver.

A companion app executed proper

Many headphone manufacturers are notoriously recognized for his or her lackluster companion apps. Glitchy options and boring consumer interfaces maintain me away from them. Bose’s app is the most effective, providing a dependable, fulfilling, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-use expertise. 

The app highlights the QC Extremely 2’s improved customization options, providing customers the flexibility to show off the headphones’ contact management strip, certainly one of my least favourite options from the first-gen QC Extremely. I’ve all the time believed that the contact strip’s bottom-right earcup placement is awkward, and its minimal actual property is ripe for unintentional management triggers. Now you can additionally utterly disable ANC, which was beforehand unimaginable with Bose’s headphones.

The one problem I’ve with Bose’s app is its restricted equalizer. As an alternative of permitting customers to regulate the headphones’ EQ by frequency bands, Bose solely presents will increase and reduces to normal bass, mids, and treble with out particular, granular, quantifiable measures.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Bose QC Extremely 2 ship delicate upgrades to the headphones’ noise cancellation, design, sound profile, energy administration, and consumer customization. They don’t seem to be a very thrilling second-generation launch that pulls headlines. As an alternative, Bose doubles down on what it does greatest, providing minor but significant refinements to deal with its few blind spots.

If you have already got the first-gen QC Extremely, maintain them till the wheels fall off, or look ahead to what Bose does subsequent, which may very well be a bigger product overhaul. If in case you have the Bose NC700, QuietComfort 35, or 45, and so they’re on the finish of their highway, the QC Extremely 2 can be a major improve for you.

Additionally: Are the Sonos Ace nonetheless value it in 2026? I’ve examined dozens of headphones, and it is a resounding sure

Briefly, between Sony and Bose, Bose delivers a extra trendy design, much less cheap-feeling plastic construct supplies, a extra relaxed match, and USB-C audio. Nevertheless, Bose’s sound profile closely leans towards heat and softened treble to account for sturdy ANC processing and long-term listening classes, notably when touring or working.

Sony’s sound profile can be heat, however its equalizer permits extra personalization. The WH-1000XM6 have a tighter bass response, clearer mids, sharper treble, and a extra spacious soundstage. Its sound is extra analytical, however it may well develop into fatiguing after just a few hours of listening.