Headphones · Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Noise cancellation that rivals anything available and excellent long-flight comfort, though Sony's XM6 delivers more detailed sound.
91
out of 100
Our verdict
Bose's second-generation Ultra keeps its reputation for erasing low-frequency drone, and its noise cancellation remains competitive with anything on the market. This revision adds USB-C wired audio and stretches quoted battery life to 30 hours, fixing two of the original's weak points. The sound is warm and full but stops short of the detail Sony's XM6 delivers, and the Immersive Audio spatial mode is more novelty than necessity. Comfort is excellent over long flights.
What's good
- Exceptional noise cancellation on engine and cabin rumble
- Plush, low-pressure fit for all-day wear
- USB-C audio and a 30-hour battery
- aptX Adaptive on supported Android phones
What's not
- Expensive at $449 list
- Immersive Audio cuts battery to 23 hours and is hit-or-miss
- Microphone doesn't work in wired mode
- No water resistance rating, so not suited to workouts
How it scores
How we rate →Specifications
- Type
- Over-ear, wireless (USB-C and 2.5mm wired)
- Noise cancellation
- Active, with Immersive Audio spatial mode
- Battery life
- 30 hours ANC on (23 hours with Immersive Audio)
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound), USB-C audio, multipoint
- Weight
- 264g