Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Bluetooth Earbuds with Spatial Audio and World-Class Noise Cancellation, Black

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), released in September 2025, represent the pinnacle of Bose’s true wireless audio engineering. Building on the success of the original QuietComfort Ultra, this second-generation model refines nearly every aspect of its predecessor while preserving the brand’s signature strengths: world-class noise cancellation, immersive sound, and exceptional comfort. Priced at $299, these earbuds are positioned as a premium offering in a competitive market dominated by Apple, Sony, and Sennheiser, yet they manage to stand out with a blend of technical excellence and user-centric design.

Visually, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds retain the familiar bulbous form factor of the original, with a short stem that sits flush against the ear. Available in Black, White Smoke, and a new Deep Plum color, the design is functional rather than flashy. The earbuds are slightly larger than some competitors, but this size contributes to their acoustic performance and stability. Each bud weighs just 0.2 ounces, and the charging case adds another 2.2 ounces—compact enough for portability but substantial enough to feel premium in hand. The case now supports Qi wireless charging, addressing one of the few criticisms of the first generation.

Comfort remains a standout feature. Bose includes three sizes of ear tips and stabilizers, allowing users to customize the fit for maximum security and minimal fatigue. The earbuds are IPX4-rated, making them resistant to sweat and light splashes—ideal for workouts, commutes, and travel. The ergonomic design ensures a snug seal, which not only improves passive isolation but also enhances the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation.

Speaking of ANC, Bose continues to lead the industry in this department. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds use a refined multi-microphone system and proprietary algorithms to suppress ambient noise with remarkable precision. Whether you’re on a plane, in a noisy café, or walking through traffic, the earbuds create a cocoon of quiet that’s unmatched by most competitors. The ANC adapts dynamically to your environment, and users can toggle between full cancellation, aware mode, and immersive audio settings via the Bose Music app. Transparency mode is equally impressive, allowing outside sounds in without distortion—perfect for conversations or situational awareness.

Audio quality is where the QuietComfort Ultra truly shines. The earbuds feature dynamic drivers tuned for Bose’s signature sound profile: warm bass, balanced mids, and crisp highs. The bass is emphasized by about 5 dB, giving music a rich, full-bodied feel without overwhelming the mix. Treble remains clean and non-fatiguing, making these earbuds suitable for long listening sessions across genres. Whether you’re enjoying orchestral scores, hip-hop beats, or acoustic ballads, the soundstage feels expansive and immersive.

One of the standout features is Bose’s CustomTune technology, which calibrates audio output based on the shape and depth of your ear canals. This personalized tuning ensures optimal frequency response and clarity, tailored to each user. The earbuds also support spatial audio through Bose’s Immersive Audio mode, which simulates a surround sound experience for compatible content. While not quite on par with Dolby Atmos, it adds a layer of depth that enhances movies, games, and select music tracks.

Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.3, with support for AAC, SBC, and aptX Adaptive codecs. Multipoint pairing allows users to connect to two devices simultaneously, such as a phone and laptop, and switch between them seamlessly. Fast Pair integration with Android devices ensures quick setup, while iOS users benefit from stable connections and low latency. The earbuds do not support Auracast, but this omission is minor given the robust feature set.

Battery life is solid, though not class-leading. The earbuds offer up to 6.5 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled, and the case provides an additional three full charges, bringing the total to around 24 hours. While this won’t last through a transcontinental flight without a recharge, the inclusion of fast charging and wireless charging helps mitigate the limitation. A 15-minute charge yields up to 2 hours of playback, which is ideal for quick top-ups.

Touch controls are built into each earbud, allowing users to manage playback, volume, calls, and ANC modes. The controls are responsive but can be finicky, especially with wet fingers or gloves. Fortunately, the Bose Music app offers customization options, letting users assign functions and adjust sensitivity. The app also provides firmware updates, EQ adjustments, and battery monitoring, rounding out the user experience with intuitive control.

Call quality has seen notable improvements in this generation. The earbuds use beamforming microphones and noise suppression algorithms to isolate the speaker’s voice from background noise. Whether you’re taking a call in a busy street or joining a virtual meeting from a café, your voice comes through clearly. While not perfect in wind-heavy environments, the performance is among the best in the category.

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are particularly well-suited for travel and fitness. Their secure fit, excellent ANC, and compact case make them ideal for long journeys, while the IPX4 rating and stabilizers ensure they stay in place during workouts. They score highly across use cases, with ratings of 8.4 for travel, 8.1 for sports and fitness, and 7.9 for office work according to independent testing.

In terms of competition, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds go head-to-head with Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. Sony offers more natural sound and broader codec support, while Apple excels in ecosystem integration. But Bose wins on noise cancellation and comfort, making these earbuds the top choice for users who prioritize silence and sonic immersion.

Ultimately, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a masterclass in refinement. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but they polish every spoke. From ANC and audio quality to comfort and connectivity, they deliver a premium experience that justifies their price. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or a music enthusiast, these earbuds offer a level of performance and polish that few can match. Bose has once again raised the bar, proving that quiet can be powerful, and comfort can be transformative.