Bose Unveils New QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with Enhanced Noise Cancellation and Wireless Audio Capability

Bose has introduced its second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones, priced at $449, with improved active noise cancellation and new features like USB-C wired audio playback. The headphones also have extended battery life and on-head detection. Bose aims to compete with Apple and Sony in the market.

Bose has launched its second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones, priced at $449, aiming to compete with Apple's AirPods Max and Sony's WH-1000XM6. The new model retains the classic design of the original QuietComfort Ultra, with updated features and enhancements to improve user experience.

The key upgrades in the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones include improved active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which is now more precise and better at managing sudden noise spikes. This enhancement allows for a smoother noise-cancellation experience, especially in environments with frequent loud noises like passing trucks or sirens [1].

The headphones also support wired audio playback via USB-C, a feature that has been added to keep up with competitors like Apple and Sony. This allows users to listen to music in higher quality, preserving the details of the original recording. Additionally, the headphones now support lossless audio playback through USB-C, offering a more immersive listening experience [1].

Battery life has been extended to 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled, and up to 45 hours with ANC turned off. This extended battery life is a significant improvement over the previous model, which offered 24 hours of playtime with noise cancellation. The new headphones also feature more reliable on-head detection, automatically entering a deep sleep mode when laid flat or placed in their case, reducing the need to manually switch them off [1].

The design of the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones has been updated with polished metal yokes and plush ear cushions, ensuring a comfortable fit and secure acoustic seal. The headphones are available in four colorways, including Midnight Violet and Driftwood Sand, with more color options planned for the future [1].

Bose has also made sound tuning adjustments to the new headphones. Bass is described as deeper, highs sound more natural, and audio remains clear even as volume increases. The background noise created by the ANC system has been reduced, making it less noticeable in quiet environments [1].

The headphones are priced at $449 and will be available for purchase from September 10, 2025. Bose is confident that the new QuietComfort Ultra headphones will continue to be a popular choice among frequent fliers and train commuters, thanks to their improved features and competitive pricing [2].

References:
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2025/09/05/bose-launches-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-with-advanced-noise-canceling/
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-05/bose-second-generation-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-versus-airpods-max-sony