Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) Review: Upgraded in all the right places

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When I think of Bose headphones, the iconic QuietComfort line immediately comes to mind. No, not the newest Ultra version with all of today’s features. I’m talking about the business-traveler-chic models that popularized active noise cancellation (ANC). They were never going to win any design competitions, but you could count on them to provide relief during a flight while still providing decent audio quality.

The company renamed them QuietComfort Headphones a few years ago, and now Bose is returning with the second-generation version. This time there are some modest design changes, although the understated look is still intact. Additionally, the second-generation QC earbuds borrow features from the more expensive QuietComfort Ultra earbuds that improve overall audio and ANC.

While this new version undoubtedly matches the aesthetic of the regular QuietComfort line, Bose has made two notable design changes. First, there’s an updated headband that easily slides to adjust. Next, the company refined the shape of the earcups while installing improved ear cushions for better cushioning. In a third, significantly less exciting change, Bose moved the power/Bluetooth pairing switch from outside the right earcup to the bottom edge of the left earcup. This doesn’t really impact the experience, but it does make the headset look cleaner on both sides.

In terms of features, Bose first introduced Immersive Audio on the regular QuietComfort headphones. This is the company’s vision for spatial audio that doesn’t rely on specially created content. Instead, the tool scales any movies, shows or music as needed for enhanced listening. Previously, Immersive Audio was exclusive to the Ultra line of QuietComfort headphones. Additionally, Bose’s Cinema Mode, which enhances dialogue without restricting the wide soundstage of immersive audio, is also present on the second-generation QC headphones.

Also a new addition is the company’s CustomTune feature, a tool that calibrates audio and noise cancellation based on the acoustic properties of your ears. It’s like room calibration for a soundbar, but for your headphones. And if you like lossless audio, you can listen with a cable via USB-C at up to 24-bit/48kHz. Additionally, the earbuds can be charged while you use them with a cable. If you recall, previous QuietComfort headphones always had a 3.5mm port for wired use. Bose has ditched that on this new version, as the only wired connectivity is via USB-C – both for charging and listening. For in-flight entertainment systems, there’s a USB-C to 3.5mm cable in the box, or you can opt for a $30 accessory like the AirFly for wireless use.

The company has also improved ANC performance on this new model with the addition of ActiveSense. This feature automatically applies noise cancellation when the headphones detect sudden spikes in noise if you are using Aware mode. Bose says ActiveSense now responds more naturally to these brief periods of disturbance before returning to ambient sound mode. The company also explains that the ANC system in the second-generation QC earbuds can better compensate for changes in earcup seal due to glasses. And finally, this time you can turn off ANC entirely in the Bose app.

I’ll get to the audio and ANC performance in a minute, but first I have to commend Bose for refining the QC earbuds without increasing the price. This second-generation version costs $359, like the previous version when it debuted. In an age where almost everything is more expensive, I would expect any headset manufacturer to raise prices on their new models by at least $50, but that didn’t happen here. Plus, this price gives Bose fans a nice alternative to the $449 second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones that cost much less.

ANC has long been the hallmark feature of the QuietComfort line, and that doesn’t change here. These headphones continue Bose’s strong track record of effective noise cancellation, with this model holding up well to constant noise sources (like fans) in addition to respectably reducing the volume of human voices (on TV and IRL). Second-generation QC headphones don’t completely silence a chatty neighbor, but they consistently reduce distraction.

While I agree that the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones are Bose’s best option in terms of pure sound quality, this standard model is no slouch. The tuning is balanced, providing adequate thump when a song demands it – like Nine Inch Noize’s “Vessel.” Even without Immersive Audio active, these QuietComfort headphones provide plenty of fine detail in the texture and grain of the synthesizers on this track. Go to the basement CABLE and you get the same level of clarity and nuance in the band’s alt-grunge songs, especially in the guitars. And it’s no surprise that softer genres sound good here. Billy Strings’ “Bluewater Breakdown” incorporates all the subtleties of stringed instruments that many headphones don’t offer.

When I first took the new QC headphones out of their case, I was immediately struck by how light they were. Compared to the current Ultra headphones, this model weighs around 34 grams less, which makes a huge difference in comfort. I could tell the difference as soon as I put them on, and the disparity only increased the more I wore both sets. Plus, the soft ear cushions are both plush and sturdy enough that you can’t feel the edges of the earcups. Finally, the clamping pressure of the headband is adequate for respectable ANC performance without becoming a burden on my large head.

If you didn’t like the design of the regular QuietComfort line of headphones before, I highly doubt Bose has done enough to change your mind. These are still the less refined option compared to the more expensive and flashier QC Ultra earbuds. I can understand why fans of this model prefer it that way, and the company offers a dark pink color variant and two green color variants if you need a touch of personality.

My only real complaint about the new QC headphones is that the battery life remains the same as the previous model. You get 24 hours of ANC use on a charge, which should be enough for several days, but the QC Ultra earbuds last 30 hours. I would have liked to see at least a modest increase in longevity here to accompany the feature additions and other improvements.

After all these years, the QuietComfort range still lives up to its name. The second-generation QuietComfort earbuds are a complete upgrade over the 2023 version, a nice option that costs less than the QuietComfort Ultra (second-generation) earbuds. I would have loved to see the upgrades extend to longer battery life, but if that’s my only complaint, the company has done well. And while a few more hours of use would have resulted in a higher price, I can be happy with what’s here.

The classic QuietComfort headphones remain a perfectly fitting and very comfortable option, adept at noise cancellation and offering above-average sound quality. All of this combines to reinforce Bose’s decades-long consistent performance, a source of reliability that’s unlikely to disappoint customers anytime soon.