The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are 2026-released noise cancelling headphones aimed at buyers who want the comfortable feel of Bose's familiar over-ear designs without stepping up to the more premium Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). They replace the original Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, launched in 2023, as the brand's more affordable option, adding features like USB-C audio and Immersive Audio.
Our Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) aren't really designed for sports and fitness. They're not waterproof or dustproof, so taking them for a run outside isn't the best idea, especially because they may slip off your head if you start sprinting. That said, they're very light and amazingly comfortable, so they're a decent choice for a gentle stroll. Just don't expect to bang out any jumping jacks in these.
Exceptional noise isolation.
Very light and amazingly comfortable.
Microphone loses clarity in loud environments.
Not stable enough for vigorous exercise.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 are excellent for travel. Their exceptional noise isolation helps block out everything from rumbly train engines to nearby conversations, and they're very comfortable to wear, even on long overnight flights. They also fold down fairly small for over-ears and come with a hard carrying case to keep them safe on the road. They last about 27 hours off a single charge, which will get you through a long journey without needing to reach for a charger.
Exceptional noise isolation.
Very light and amazingly comfortable.
27-hour battery life.
Microphone loses clarity in loud environments.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are great for office work. Their exceptional noise isolation does a remarkable job reducing the noise of chatty coworkers and other everyday office distractions lick clacking keyboard. They're also light and comfortable enough to wear for long stretches at a desk. Their microphone is fine for calls in a moderately busy office, though louder background noise makes your voice more muffled. That said, don't blast your ears with these cans, as nearby coworkers may hear a faint version of your audio if you listen at maximum volume.
Exceptional noise isolation.
Very light and amazingly comfortable.
Outstanding mid-range accuracy.
27-hour battery life.
High Bluetooth latency.
Microphone loses clarity in loud environments.
Can't be used passively.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) aren't well-suited for wireless gaming. They don't come with a low-latency wireless dongle, and their Bluetooth latency is high. That said, they'll work for some light mobile gaming.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are good for wired gaming. They're comfortable to wear for long gaming marathons, and their warm sound adds some extra body to effects like footsteps while keeping the mid-range accurate, so voices sound clear and true-to-life. They support audio and microphone functionality over USB-C, though the included 1/8" TRS to USB-C cable carries audio only. Their wired latency measures between 30.5 and 35 ms, which is low enough for most games, but the headphones still need to remain powered on even when you're using a cable.
Exceptional noise isolation.
Very light and amazingly comfortable.
Outstanding mid-range accuracy.
27-hour battery life.
Microphone loses clarity in loud environments.
Can't be used passively.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) have very good audio reproduction accuracy. They have a warm but well-controlled sound, with full yet even bass, and a mid-range that follows our target remarkably closely. The left and right drivers are also amazingly well-matched, so objects are correctly located in the stereo field. That said, several narrow peaks and dips in the treble can make cymbals and other high-frequency details vary in prominence, although how audible these upper-treble variations are depends on your individual hearing sensitivity. Harmonic distortion is very low.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) have exceptional noise isolation. They do a remarkable job blocking out everything from deep engine rumble to higher-pitched sounds like pedestrian chatter. That said, their leakage performance is only okay, so people nearby may hear a faint, mid-range-heavy version of your audio if you listen at very high volumes.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) have a decent microphone. Your voice sounds true-to-life, if a little lacking in sparkle. However, noise handling is only okay: the mic works well for calls in places like a moderately busy office, but louder environments like a subway station will drown you out.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) have great frequency response consistency. You can expect consistent sound between wears. That said, glasses can cause a very subtle drop in the lowest bass frequencies.
Performance Usages
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) come in five colorways: 'Black,' 'White Smoke,' 'Eucalyptus Green,' 'Dewdrop Mint,' and 'Rosewood Mauve.' We bought and tested a 'Dewdrop Mint' pair and took a photo of each label.
If you come across a different variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll add it to our review.
Popular Headphone Comparisons
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) replace the 2023-launched Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless as Bose's standard noise cancelling over-ears, sitting below the more premium Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). This edition adds USB-C audio, while retaining the brand's signature comfort and light, foldable design. It's just a bit of a shame they don't feel as well-built as their predecessors. On the plus side, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) feature improved noise isolation performance, on par with even the Ultra (2nd Gen). So why splash out for the more expensive offering? You get a plusher, sturdier build, CustomTune (which customizes their sound to your anatomy), support for aptX Adaptive, and a much longer 37-hour battery life.
Looking outside Bose's lineup, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are a more feature-packed flagship alternative with slightly stronger overall noise isolation, longer battery life, and passive analog playback. And the JBL Live 780NC offer better value, with only slightly worse ANC, a huge 60-hour battery life, and a much lower price. That said, neither of those brands can touch Bose for comfort.
For more recommendations, check out the best travel headphones, the best noise cancelling headphones, and the best USB-C headphones.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are slightly better headphones than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), but the small differences might not be worth the cost for most people. The Ultra (2nd Gen) are better built, have support for CustomTune (which customizes the sound to your anatomy), and last 37 hours off a single charge. They also have a better mic and offer support for aptX Adaptive codecs. Otherwise, the two pairs are pretty close. Surprisingly, the two are neck-and-neck on noise isolation, and the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) also offer mic support when connected via USB-C, which the Ultra (2nd Gen) don't.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) have different strengths. The Sony offer slightly better ANC, along with a mic that works better in noisy environments. They also last a bit longer than the Bose and support LDAC and LC3 codecs. The Sony will even work passively via their wired connection should their battery die. That said, the Bose are much more comfortable and deliver sound more consistently across wears. They also deliver audio via USB-C. If you absolutely must have the better technology, the Sony are the ones to get. But the Bose's comfort means they may suit a wider range of listeners.
The JBL Live 780NC are generally better value headphones than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), though the Bose are much more comfortable and have a better mic. The JBL's 60-hour battery lasts more than double the Bose's, and they support LDAC and LC3 alongside a much more flexible 10-band EQ. They're also usually cheaper than the Bose. But the Bose are more comfortable over long sessions, have a considerably more natural microphone recording quality, and come with a protective hard case rather than the JBL's fabric pouch. The JBL pack in more features for the money, but if comfort is your top priority, the Bose are hard to beat.
In most ways, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are an improvement over the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless. But not in all ways. The newer model improves noise isolation, especially against real-world noises like airplane engines and chatty coworkers, and its microphone does a better job keeping your voice clear when there's background noise. It also adds USB-C audio with microphone support. That said, the original QuietComfort Headphones Wireless still have a few advantages: they feel better built, support passive analog playback if the battery dies, and have ever-so-slightly easier-to-use controls.
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