Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen add immersive audio and lossless USB-C
Bose has updated its popular QuietComfort headphones with a refreshed design, improved noise cancellation, immersive audio and lossless playback over USB-C.
Bose has announced the second generation of its QuietComfort Headphones, bringing several notable upgrades to the company’s popular noise-cancelling over-ear headphones.
The new model builds on the core features that have made the QuietComfort range popular, including Bose’s active noise cancellation and focus on long-wearing comfort, while adding technology that was previously reserved for the more expensive QuietComfort Ultra series.
Priced at $359, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen are available in Black and White Smoke, alongside three limited-edition finishes: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve.
Bose brings immersive audio to the QuietComfort range
The most significant addition is arguably Bose TrueSpatial technology. Previously exclusive to Bose’s more expensive QuietComfort Ultra headphones, this enables a choice of three immersive listening modes.
The technology creates a virtualised stereo listening experience from regular audio sources, positioning the sound as though it were coming from a pair of speakers rather than directly from the headphones.
Still Mode keeps the virtual soundstage fixed in place. If you turn your head from side to side, the audio remains anchored to its virtual position.
Motion Mode takes a different approach, allowing the audio to follow your head movements. Bose says this is designed for listening on the move, where keeping a fixed soundstage in one position may feel less natural.
Finally, Cinema Mode is designed primarily for video and spoken-word content. It widens the soundstage while keeping dialogue clear and centred.
The three modes use head tracking to change how the virtual soundstage behaves, giving listeners more control over how spatial audio feels depending on what they’re doing.
Improved noise cancellation aims to handle imperfect fits
Noise cancellation remains at the heart of the QuietComfort range, and Bose says the second-generation model improves its performance in several ways.
One particularly practical change is designed to address something that can make ANC less effective: an imperfect seal around the ears.
The headphones use a six-microphone system alongside new adaptive feedforward controls to compensate for gaps around the earcups, including those caused by glasses, hair, or hats. Bose notes that this should help maintain effective noise cancellation even when the earcups aren’t creating a perfect seal.
The Aware Mode has also been updated. Its ActiveSense technology can automatically respond to sudden changes in environmental noise, applying noise cancellation more smoothly when something unexpectedly loud happens nearby. That could be useful for anyone using the headphones while travelling or working in unpredictable environments.
The Bose App provides further control, including adjustable noise cancellation, acoustic transparency and custom listening modes.
A more comfortable design
Bose has also redesigned the physical headphones. The second-generation QuietComfort features a new headband with smooth, adjustable sliders and additional soft synthetic leather cushioning. The clamping force has also been adjusted, while the earcups have moved to a new oval-shaped design.
The changes aren’t particularly flashy, but they’re important for a product designed to be worn for hours at a time.
Including three new limited-edition colourways, the headphones are available in Black, White Smoke, Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve.
Lossless audio comes with USB-C
Another important upgrade is the addition of lossless wired audio over USB-C. The QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen support USB-C audio at up to 24-bit/48kHz, while retaining Bose’s SoundDesign digital signal processing.
Bluetooth is convenient, but wired USB-C connectivity provides another option for listening directly from compatible computers and devices.
The headphones also include a USB-C to 3.5mm cable, allowing them to connect to traditional analogue sources for higher-quality playback.
Physical controls and multipoint connectivity
The QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen retain physical buttons on the earcups rather than relying entirely on touch controls.
The right earcup handles common controls such as playback, volume and calls, while a button on the left earcup can switch listening modes and activate shortcuts such as a device’s voice assistant or Spotify Tap. For everyday use, this means you can change settings without reaching for your phone.
Connectivity has also been updated to Bluetooth 5.4, with Multipoint allowing the headphones to remain connected to two devices and switch between them.
That could be particularly convenient for anyone moving between a computer and phone throughout the day. A producer might, for example, move between working at a computer and taking a call on their phone without having to repeatedly disconnect and reconnect the headphones.
Android users also get Google Fast Pair for quicker setup.
Everyday battery life
Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours, although this drops to 18 hours when using Bose Immersive Audio. There’s also a quick-charge feature, with 15 minutes of charging providing up to 2.5 hours of playback.
The headphones can also continue playing while charging over USB-C, meaning a low battery doesn’t necessarily have to interrupt a listening session.
The Bose App gives users more control
The Bose App provides several ways to customise the QuietComfort experience.
Users can adjust a three-band EQ, create custom listening modes, configure shortcuts and manage connected Bluetooth devices. The app is also used for firmware updates and other settings.
The EQ is relatively straightforward, giving listeners some flexibility to shape the headphones’ sound to their preferences. Meanwhile, custom modes allow them to create different combinations of noise cancellation and acoustic transparency.
Price and availability
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen are available now on Amazon for $359 in Black, White Smoke, Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve.