Bose has launched its new second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, an in-ear model. Compared to their predecessors, these new wireless earbuds feature just a couple of additions: updated adaptive noise cancellation, improved AI-based voice recognition, and the inclusion of wireless charging. What’s more, the companion app now lets you view the case’s battery life and disable headphone controls. It’s almost amusing how a company can present what amounts to just a few lines of app code as significant new features.
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Sound. The sound system in these Bluetooth headphones remains unchanged. The company doesn’t provide specific details on the sound system’s characteristics, such as the type or number of drivers. Audio codec support is also unchanged, including AAC, SBC, and aptX Adaptive. Spatial sound technology remains, as does CustomTune personal sound customization – a feature that automatically optimizes the audio based on your ear’s unique acoustic properties for improved sound. Based on experience with other models, such technology can boost overall sound quality by up to 0.5 points, as seen in the OnePlus Buds 4.
Noise Cancellation. The company has incorporated AI-based software processing for the microphone and active noise reduction. For reference, the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are now the benchmark on MyChooz.com for noise reduction among TWS models. Prior to Bose, the Sony WF-1000XM5 held that benchmark for 1.5 years. The new generation of Bose headphones, however, will feature adaptive noise canceling. This technology automatically blocks background noise to ensure optimal listening clarity in the headphones, such as engine noise, signals, and more.
For communication, the headphones feature eight microphones and audio amplification technology, similar to that found in hearing aids. According to the company, the headphones are designed to better isolate your voice from extraneous sounds, such as wind noise, nearby conversations, and other ambient distractions.
Features. Qi wireless charging support is now available. Within the companion app, you can view the remaining charge in the case. Users can now also disable headphone controls – a function added after complaints about accidental triggers, particularly when adjusting or touching an earbud. While some manufacturers remove single-click controls or offer earpiece compression control, Bose has opted to add a simple toggle to disable all controls.
The headphones’ battery life remains unchanged: 6 hours, extending to 24 hours with the charging case. In spatial audio mode, that drops to 4 hours. Dustproofing is still IPx4.
It features what’s optimistically named “fast charging,” where 20 minutes in the case provides 2 hours of playback. For comparison, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 offers 5 hours of use from just 10 minutes in its case.
Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support and Google Fast Pair for Android. A welcome addition is the inclusion of extra in-ear retainers, ensuring a better fit during sports. This is why the previous generation of QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds continues to rank highly for running and gym sessions.
Price and Availability. The headphones are available in three colors: Black, Smoky White, and a limited-edition Deep Plum. They are priced at $299 and will be available in select regions starting June 26, 2025. In the U.S., the headphones are expected to be available in late summer.
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