Testing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2: refined, not revamped
6.11.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Florian Bodoky
Bose has made some subtle enhancements to its QuietComfort Ultra headphones. When testing the second generation, I discovered fine-tuned comfort, battery and noise cancellation. Still the manufacturer has retained the hallmarks of its tried-and-tested design and sound signature.
With the second generation of the QuietComfort Ultra, Bose has subtly enhanced its over-ear headphones. The manufacturer has taken the comfort, battery and ANC to the next level without messing with the tried-and-tested design. The result? Headphones that look familiar to me, but boast many improved features.
Comfortable, but a bit rattly
The Ultra 2 – to shorten the headphones’ wordy name – has the same unassuming design you’ll be familiar with from older models. The headband is made of aluminium with a glossy finish, while the ear cups are made of matt plastic with a velvety look and feel. The joints move precisely, and the cushions are soft and even. The weight of the headphones is pretty average at around 250 grammes, and it’s distributed evenly without a feeling of pressure on my neck. The hinges can be folded flat, making the headphones a perfect travel companion. However, they rattle slightly when you move them in your hand – the hinges seem a little loose. I don’t notice this when I’m listening to music, but it makes them seem less high-quality – somewhat disappointing at this price.
You can still rely on Bose for comfort. The ear pads fit snugly without being too tight. They’re still comfortable even after hours of use, and don’t heat up as much as other headphones I’ve tried. This is because the contact surface of the pads around the ear is narrower. Bose doesn’t give an IPX rating – so it’s unclear how water-resistant the headphones are. But, like the previous model, they can withstand a downpour. If they didn’t, the headphones would simply not be suitable for everyday use.
Sound: what exactly is different?
The second generation of the QuietComfort Ultra focuses on balance, and does this very well. Warm, rich in detail, powerful bass, tamed mids, crystal-clear trebles. The result is a sound signature suited to many genres. I can’t detect any differences compared to the previous iteration – at least in everyday use when I’m on the go. You can also use the headphones with a cable – via USB-C. An unusual but handy feature.
The bass range is contoured yet powerful at the same time. In the test track Royals by Lorde, the bass and kick drum are powerful but not overwhelmingly so. Time by Hans Zimmer also demonstrates how cleanly the Ultra 2 can layer even complex low frequencies: drums and strings retain structure, even at high volumes. The bass delivers pressure, but no booming. With electronic music or hip-hop, this delivers body and rhythm, while it gives acoustic pieces a natural foundation.
The mids reproduce space and instruments cleanly. Voices are brought to the forefront, which gives an impression of depth but occasionally creates distance. In Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi, the vocals and piano sound warm, and the breathing remains audible without being over the top. The guitars and strings retain structure, and the percussion can still be precisely located. This restraint goes well with orchestral or electronic music, but voices sometimes seem slightly distant in podcasts or spoken-word content.
Bose’s instinct for precision is evident in the treble range. The trebles are present, but not shrill. Hi-hats and cymbals sound clear and distinct without hissing. Synthesisers also sound bright, but remain under control. If you’re sensitive to strong trebles, you can dial them down by one or two decibels in the app’s equaliser.
ANC: Head to head with Sony
The active noise cancellation remains one of the best on the market. It makes the noise of my annoying extractor hood in the kitchen less noticeable, and also works well on street noise and voices. The sound remains stable, without a feeling of pressure. Even strong wind is barely audible.
Transparency mode (called Aware Mode) sounds natural, although not as effective as on Apple’s AirPods Max. Surroundings and voices seem realistic, meaning the headphones are suitable for use in the office or when travelling. Bose controls both modes smoothly via the app, so you can adjust the switch between them with precision. Bose also excels when it comes to the battery. With up to 30 hours of playback time with ANC activated, the Ultra 2 offers a generous reserve. A quick 15-minute charge gives around four hours of listening time. What’s more, you can charge the headphones while using them.
Great app, if a little stressful to use
The touch strip on the Ultra 2 is fiddly. It’s on the right ear cup and, to be fair, it reacts precisely. But you never really know whether you’ve simply not swiped correctly or whether you’re in the wrong place. The strip is also really narrow. The generous touch surface on the Sony XM6 headphones suits me better.
The buttons for pairing and power, on the other hand, have a noticeable pressure point. The Bose Music app can also be used to tailor the equaliser, ANC levels and gestures to your preferences.
In a nutshell
Updated in the right places – just not in all of them
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones deliver balanced sound, effective noise cancellation and supreme comfort. But I’ve a few minor gripes: the hinges could close tighter and the slight rattling spoils the otherwise premium overall impression. Especially since they come with a hefty price tag of 449 francs. In terms of sound, they’re stable without reinventing the wheel. Their precise bass and sharp trebles perfectly showcase audio content. Accomplished headphones that don’t need to resort to gimmicks – elegant, reliable and stripped back to the essentials.
Pro
- Supremely comfortable to wear
- USB-C audio
- Effective noise cancellation
- Transparency mode for awareness of your surroundings
Contra
- No IPX rating
- Slightly rattly hinges
Header image: Florian Bodoky
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.
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