WH
“Bose's best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones yet pack class-leading noise cancellation and a wealth of functionality into a smart, nicely fitting design.”
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) worth it?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is recommended with a 8.9/10 consensus score across 2 expert reviews. Experts highlight the best noise-cancelling performance bose has shipped to date and lower clamping force makes them comfortable for very long sessions. soundguys says: "They do a fantastic job of canceling noise — the best noise-cancelling performan..." Best for: Travelers who rank raw noise cancellation above sound nuance, Comfort-first listeners sensitive to clamping force.
Recommended2 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$449
$449 listAdaptive ANC tuned for the QuietComfort line's deepest cancellation2 expert sources
Check price →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Headphones
Expert consensus
How we score08.9/1010
2 expert sources
Expert Consensus across 2 sources
Updated:Editorial consensus score: SmartHomeExplorer's synthesis of the 2 published expert reviews listed on this page. Not a user rating.
“They do a fantastic job of canceling noise — the best noise-cancelling performance to date for the QuietComfort line — and are a solid set of headphones for those who don't want to tinker too much.”
Key Features
- ✓ Adaptive ANC tuned for the QuietComfort line's deepest cancellation
- ✓ Bose Immersive (spatial) Audio
- ✓ Up to 30 hours of battery life
- ✓ USB-C lossless audio
- ✓ Folding design with carry case
- ✓ Multipoint Bluetooth
- ✓ Aware and Quiet listening modes
Best For
Travelers who rank raw noise cancellation above sound nuanceComfort-first listeners sensitive to clamping force
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs. the alternatives
How the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stacks up against other Entertainment options on price, expert consensus, and ecosystem support.
| Product | Price | Consensus | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)This page | — | 8.9/10 | — | Recommended |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | $449.99 | 9.2/10 | — | Must Buy |
| Apple AirPods Max 2 (USB-C, H2) | $549 | 8.7/10 | — | Recommended |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | $449 | 8.8/10 | — | Recommended |
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) ($449 list) earns a 8.9/10 expert consensus across 2 sources, versus the Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) at $199 list (8.8/10 consensus).
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ The best noise-cancelling performance Bose has shipped to date
- ✓ Lower clamping force makes them comfortable for very long sessions
- ✓ Effective spatial audio mode for movies and immersive listening
- ✓ Smart folding design with a wealth of app functionality
- ✓ USB-C lossless audio support
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Sony, Sennheiser and B&W have pulled ahead on pure sound quality
- ✗ ANC gains over the first Ultra are marginal in raw attenuation
- ✗ Some rough edges in the app and control experience
- ✗ Wired listening still requires battery power
What The Experts Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) worth it?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) earns a 8.9/10 consensus score across 2 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". It is best for Travelers who rank raw noise cancellation above sound nuance. Soundguys is among the named sources behind that consensus.
How much does the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) cost?
We do not have a verified current price for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). It earns a 8.9/10 consensus score across 2 expert reviews with a "Recommended" rating, which is strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Entertainment products. Check the live figure at the retailer before buying.
Who is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) best for?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is best for Travelers who rank raw noise cancellation above sound nuance, Comfort-first listeners sensitive to clamping force. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.9/10 consensus across 2 sources.
How does the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) compare to other Entertainment options?
Among the Entertainment products we have aggregated, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) ranks above average with a 8.9/10 score. what-hi-fi adds: "Bose's best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones yet pack class-leading noise cancellation and a wealth of functionality into a sm..."
What are the best alternatives to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?
If the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) (8.9/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Entertainment are Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?
The main strengths of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the best noise-cancelling performance bose has shipped to date and lower clamping force makes them comfortable for very long sessions. The most-cited downside is sony, sennheiser and b&w have pulled ahead on pure sound quality. Overall, 2 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.9/10 consensus score.
Decided on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?
$449 listAdaptive ANC tuned for the QuietComfort line's deepest cancellation2 expert sources
Check price →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Featured in these buying guides
See how the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) ranks against the full field in our Entertainment buying guides.
Shop similar on Amazon
Comparable Entertainment picks you can buy today — each link goes straight to its current Amazon listing.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 2 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 2 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Bose and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Bose or any other manufacturer named in this article.