By Taylor Bennett 
Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) – Full Review
Tired of the distractions and noise pollution of everyday life? Craving a truly immersive audio experience? Today, we’re reviewing the Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), a high-end option promising world-class noise cancellation, personalized audio, and a seamless user experience. Let’s dive deep and see if these earbuds live up to the hype.
Detailed Review
The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) build upon Bose’s already impressive reputation in the noise-cancelling arena. The most significant upgrade is the enhanced noise cancellation, which Bose claims is their best yet. This is largely thanks to the CustomTune technology. It intelligently analyzes the shape of your ears and adapts both the noise cancellation and audio performance accordingly. In practice, this means a noticeably quieter listening experience, blocking out everything from the rumble of a train to the chatter of a busy office.
Beyond noise cancellation, the audio quality is exceptional. The immersive audio feature spatializes the sound, creating a wider and more realistic soundstage that makes music and videos come alive. It genuinely feels like the sound is coming from beyond the earbuds themselves. While Immersive Audio impacts the battery life (reducing it from 6 hours to 4), the trade-off is often worth it for critical listening sessions or enjoying cinematic content.
The inclusion of Aware Mode is a welcome addition. It provides maximum transparency, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. What’s even more impressive is the ActiveSense technology, which smooths out sudden loud noises while in Aware Mode, preventing jarring disruptions. This is particularly useful when walking in the city or navigating public transport.
Fit and comfort are also prioritized. Bose provides nine different combinations of eartips and stability bands, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of ear shapes. The umbrella-shaped tips create a good seal, further enhancing noise isolation, while the stability bands keep the earbuds firmly in place during workouts.
Call quality is another strong point. The SpeechClarity technology utilizes noise-rejecting microphones to effectively filter out background noise and wind, ensuring clear and crisp voice calls, even in noisy environments. You can use both earbuds or a single earbud for calls, providing flexibility depending on your preference.
The charging case is compact and supports both wireless charging and USB-C charging. It holds up to three full charges, extending the total battery life to a respectable 24 hours. A 20-minute quick charge provides up to 2 hours of playback with noise cancellation on and Immersive Audio off.
Bluetooth multipoint connectivity allows you to seamlessly switch between devices, such as your phone and laptop, without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. The Bose app provides access to software updates and customization options, ensuring you always have the latest features and optimal performance.
Finally, the Cinema Mode is a neat feature that spatializes the audio while balancing background sounds and sound effects when watching video content. It adds another layer of immersion to your viewing experience.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| World-class noise cancellation with CustomTune technology | Relatively high price point |
| Immersive Audio for a spatialized listening experience | Immersive Audio reduces battery life |
| Comfortable and secure fit with multiple eartip/band options | IPX4 rating could be better for intense workouts |
| Clear phone call quality with SpeechClarity technology | |
| Wireless charging and USB-C charging case | |
| Bluetooth multipoint connectivity | |
| Cinema Mode |
Excellent Alternatives
If the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are not quite the perfect fit, here are some excellent alternatives:
Another strong contender in the noise-cancelling earbuds category, offering excellent sound quality and features.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
A great option for Apple users, providing seamless integration and impressive noise cancellation.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Known for their exceptional audio quality and refined design, appealing to audiophiles.
Final Verdict
The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a top-tier option for anyone seeking the best possible noise cancellation and a premium audio experience. While the price may be a barrier for some, the combination of advanced features, comfortable fit, and exceptional performance makes them a worthy investment for serious music lovers and those who value peace and quiet.
Our Rating
★★★★★ 4.7/5