The Newest Bose QuietComfort Headphones are Here

It has been some time since Bose introduced a pair of QuietComfort headphones. The first ones, the QuietComfort QC1s, launched way back in 2000. The latest to come to market are the QuietComfort Ultras, released in October 2023. Today, Bose has announced the second generation of the QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which boast a host of enhancements over the first-gen edition.

They deliver upgraded audio and noise cancellation, including lossless USB-C audio for low-latency sound, a new algorithm for more precise adaptive noise cancellation, and the addition of Cinema Mode, which affords clearer dialogue. There’s also extended battery life, smarter on-head detection with a faster start-up time, and automatic Bluetooth standby with a deep sleep low energy mode. The headphones have also been redesigned on the outside. The new premium design includes polished metal materials and new colours, including Black, Smoke White, or the limited edition finishes Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet.

Featuring proprietary digital signal processing, the updated algorithm improves the ActiveSense experience in Aware Mode. Changes in noise cancelling levels are smoother than when the system adjusts to filter out sudden spikes in noise. The technology, says Bose, helps prevent audio from being drowned out by the sound of a passing train or nearby siren, for example. Noise cancellation can also be turned off entirely or manually adjusted from the Bose app.

Along with wireless pairing, the headphones now also include wired USB-C audio for lossless listening from USB-C source devices, including low-latency audio for gaming. Audio signals are received at 16-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz from compatible source files.

Cinema Mode provides an immersive audio experience, spatializing and balancing background and other audio effects for a movie-like experience. The mode widens the soundstage so dialogue is crisp and clear. This makes it ideal not just for movies and videos but also spoken word content like podcasts and audiobooks. You feel, says Bose, like someone is speaking to you versus at you.

Additional refinements have been made for the audio experience. Bass is deeper at louder volumes, while highs sound more natural, and audio remains clear as the volume increases. In quiet settings, background noise created by the noise cancellation system has been reduced so you can hear more of the finer details in a track.

As with the first-gen QC Ultra headphones, these ones feature CustomTune technology, which personalizes audio playback based on the unique shape of your ears. It automatically adjusts sound to ensure a balanced, immersive experience. You get Bluetooth Core 5.4 support with multipoint connectivity and both the SBC and AAC codec standards. There’s also aptX Adaptive support for automatic adaptation to lossless audio and low-latency processing when used with Snapdragon Sound certified devices.

Improved on-head detection with automatic start-up pairs source devices as soon as you put the headphones on without the need for you to power up the ‘phones. Once you’re done listening, lay them flat or fold them and place them in the carrying case. They will enter low-power standby mode, which can last for months. Putting them back on automatically resumes audio.

Get improved battery life with these headphones as well at up to 30 hours per charge, 23 with Immersive Audio on, 45 with ANC turned off. They can also be charged during use via the USB-C port. As for the look, they have new polished metal yokes combined with soft plush ear cushions. An adjustable head band provides a lightweight fit and secure seal.

Control and customize the headphones using the Bose app, including accessing custom listening modes, EQ adjustment, Bluetooth, ANC control, and shortcut customization. You’ll also get automatic firmware updates through the app. Android device users can enjoy Google Fast Pair; Spotify Tap is also available.