Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (2nd Gen)
Buy the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) if you want Bose's best noise cancellation, spatial audio and 30 hours of battery. Buy the standard QuietComfort if you want proven comfort and 24 hours for far less. The Ultra's best new price is $449 at Poshmark as of November 3, 2026, against $169 at Best Buy for the QuietComfort. That is roughly $280 apart, so the Ultra only pays off if top-tier ANC and Immersive Audio matter to you.
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
4.6$169.00at Best BuyObserved at 8:13 PM
Choose the QuietComfort if you want Bose noise cancelling and all-day comfort at a low price, with a 2.5 mm cable option for wired listening.
Pros
- $169 at Best Buy is about $280 less than the Ultra.
- 24 hours of battery with a 15-minute quick charge for 2.5 hours of play.
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 and an optional cable for wired use.
- Adjustable EQ and custom modes in the Bose Music app.
- Light at 240 g with protein leather earcups.
Cons
- No spatial audio or Immersive Audio.
What separates them
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026 | $449 at Poshmark as of November 3, 2026 |
| Noise cancellation | Quiet and Aware modes, custom modes, Wind Block | Bose's best noise cancellation, plus Quiet and Aware modes |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours in Quiet and Aware mode |
| Spatial audio | Not offered | Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode |
| Wired listening | 2.5 mm jack with included cable option | Not listed in the given specs |
| Weight | 240 g | Not listed |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with multipoint | Not listed in the given specs |
| Water resistance |
Price history
$449.00$143.29
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones: lowest $143.29 on Nov 1 at Walmart; $169.00 on Nov 3.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (2nd Gen): lowest $369.00 on Oct 31 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- BoseNew
In stock
$169.00Observed at 8:13 PM - Best BuyNew
In stock
$169.00Observed at 8:13 PM - Lowe'sNew
Availability unknown
$249.00Observed at 8:13 PM - JCPenneyNew
Availability unknown
$249.00Observed at 8:13 PM
Also available at
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- vipoutlet.comCheck price at vipoutlet.com
- VerizonCheck price at Verizon
Specs compared
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| color | Black | — |
| actual_color | Black | — |
| Battery life | 24 h | — |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | — |
| Bluetooth feature | Multipoint | — |
| Max. range | 9 m | — |
| Charging time | 2.50 h | — |
| Charging input | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 240 g | — |
| Height | 19.50 cm | — |
| Width | 15.70 cm |
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise cancellation?
- The QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen). Bose bills it as its best noise cancellation, while the QuietComfort uses the earlier Quiet and Aware modes with Wind Block.
- Is the Ultra worth about $280 more?
- Only if you want the best ANC, Immersive Audio and 30 hours of battery. At $169 the QuietComfort covers the basics for far less.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- The Ultra, at up to 30 hours in Quiet and Aware mode. The QuietComfort is rated up to 24 hours.
- Can I use either one wired?
- The QuietComfort has a 2.5 mm jack and an optional audio cable. The Ultra's given specs do not list a wired connection.
- Which is better for travel?
- The Ultra, for stronger ANC on planes and trains. The QuietComfort is lighter at 240 g and cheaper to replace if lost.
- Do either resist sweat or rain?
- No. Neither has an official IP water or sweat rating, so keep both out of rain and heavy workouts.
