Bose's strongest active noise cancellation and adjustable "aware" modes
Bluetooth® 5.4 for wireless music listening and phone calls
aptX™ Adaptive automatically adjusts to prioritize audio quality or low latency, depending on the listening situation
multipoint connection for pairing to two devices at once
two immersive audio modes for 3D sound and "Cinema" mode to enhance dialogue
extends the size and width of the sonic presentation
dynamic head-tracking helps emulate the sound of speakers in a room
durable, lightweight design made from high-grade materials
soft, replaceable protein leather ear pads for a relaxed, yet secure fit
aluminum headband with soft foam underside
supports lossless audio playback with wired USB connection (PCM up to 16-bit/48kHz)
uses internal circuitry to block out external distractions
noise cancellation level can be adjustable manually or automatically
CustomTune and ActiveSense technologies help calibrate sound and noise cancellation to your fit and surroundings
Bose's "full-spectrum" noise reduction cancels noise across a wide-frequency range
10 built-in mics monitor external sound and adjust noise cancellation
earcup button toggles between "Quiet," "Aware," and custom modes
"Aware" turns off noise-cancelling and uses built-in mics to pick up external sounds
store up to two additional noise cancellation "modes" to toggle through with touch controls (app required)
Wind Block can keep strong gusts from affecting the noise-canceling circuitry
free Bose app available for Apple® and Android™
customize your sound settings, touch controls, noise cancellation, and immersive audio
right earcup button offers easy control for music, calls, noise cancellation, and awareness
can also activate your preferred immersive audio mode
touch-and-swipe panel gives you control over volume
"Spotify Tap" allows you to open Spotify and start playing music by touch
requires Spotify app and one-time set up on Bose app
powerful mic array and "noise rejection" processing for clear calls
music automatically pauses when headphones are removed
rechargeable battery provides up to 30 hours of wireless use with noise cancellation
up to 23 hours with immersive audio
voice prompts provide information on battery life, device connection, and caller ID
USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and listening to compatible digital source
48" audio cable with 3.5mm plug for wired listening
passive mode allows continued listening when the battery runs out (noise cancellation requires battery power)
folding design for compact storage
carrying case included
weight: 9.28 oz.
warranty: 1 year
What's in the box
Over-ear wireless headphones (black)
42" Audio cable (2.5mm sub-mini plug on one end and straight 3.5mm plug on other end)
39" USB charging cable (USB-C on both ends)
Zippered storage case (black)
"We're here to help" Safety booklet
About this item
Written by Crutchfield's Jeff Miller
Top-of-the-line Bose headphones with their absolute best noise cancellation
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the company's best noise cancellation ever. If you know their history, that's not surprising. Bose always seems to improve on their flagship level of "quiet" from generation to generation — even as they raise the bar to what seems like unreachable heights.
Other upgrades from the original QC Ultra headphones include a more relaxed fit, longer battery life, and the ability to plug the included USB-C cable into a compatible device for lossless audio listening. "Immersive" modes return for Bose's take on spatial audio, while their new "Cinema" mode enhances dialogue on videos and podcasts. And music plays via Bluetooth 5.4 — a newer, more reliable version of Bluetooth.
Lightweight, relaxed fit
Bose QuietComfort models have a great track record when it comes to comfort — we gave QC headphones high marks for feeling "ultra-light" on Crutchfield's top 5 most comfortable headphones list. These headphones have a similar design to the first generation. But Bose says the premium materials make them even sturdier without adding significant weight.
I can usually wear Bose over-ear QC headphones for entire work shifts without causing fatigue or strain on my head. And of course, work and travel are even more bearable when you have world-class noise-canceling circuitry hushing loud distractions.
Manually adjust your noise cancellation, awareness, and sound
Bose says they've re-engineered their noise-canceling circuitry with an updated chipset, better processing, and an advanced array of microphones. The company's CustomTune technology — also found in their excellent second-gen QC Ultra earbuds — calibrates the noise cancellation and sound to you and your surroundings. It account for external noises and even the physical properties of your ears, then adjusts itself in real time.
You also have control over how much sound you let in and out. "Quiet" mode delivers the maximum level of noise cancellation, while "Aware" mode lets in external sounds, or you can choose a blend of both. Use the Bose app, a free download for Apple® and Android™, to choose your level of noise-cancellation and awareness, along with your immersive audio preference.
