Is the 2nd Gen QuietComfort worth it over the original?

If you already own the first-gen QuietComfort, the gains are modest: spatial audio, Cinema Mode, USB lossless and a redesigned headband. Buyers coming from older Bose models or other brands will notice the noise cancelling and comfort more.

How does it compare with the Sony WH-1000XM5?

Bose generally matches or beats Sony on noise cancelling and comfort, while Sony offers more codec options and longer battery life. Choose Bose for quiet and fit, Sony for features and battery.

What is the battery life?

Bose rates it at up to 24 hours with noise cancelling on. Heavy use of spatial audio or high volume will shorten that.

Yes. It supports lossless audio over USB and also has a standard wired connection, so you can listen without Bluetooth.

Does it support multipoint?

Yes. It can stay connected to two devices at once, such as a laptop and a phone, and switch between them.

What comes in the box?

Expect the headphones, a USB cable for charging and lossless listening, a audio cable, and a carry case. Check the listing for the exact bundle.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Last price we saw

$309.99last seen Oct 29

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Our take on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are over-ear wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the follow-up to Bose's long-running QuietComfort line. They add TrueSpatial immersive audio, a Cinema Mode, lossless listening over wired USB, and a redesigned pill-shaped earcup with a wider sliding headband. Battery life is rated up to 24 hours, and they support multipoint Bluetooth, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap. Bose's noise cancelling remains the headline feature, with Quiet, Aware, Immersive, Cinema and noise-cancelling-off modes.

What reviewers say

Reception of the second-gen QuietComfort is broadly positive, with reviewers treating Bose's noise cancelling and comfort as the main reasons to buy. The new spatial and Cinema modes draw mixed reactions, and some owners question how much has changed over the previous generation.

Pros

Noise cancelling that quiets plane and office noise well
Very comfortable for long wear sessions
Simple controls and reliable multipoint pairing
Clear call quality

Cons

Spatial audio sounds processed to some listeners
Battery life trails some competitors
Few meaningful upgrades over the first-gen QuietComfort

About the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Quiet. Crafted. Epic.

Meet the next evolution of the original noise cancelling headphones. QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a statement piece of sound. A refreshed signature look. Legendary QuietControl noise cancelling tech. And more listening options for whatever the musical moment. Modern pill-shaped earcups and a wider super-smooth sliding headband are as stylish as they are comfortable. Updated ActiveSense Technology smooths spikes in unwanted noise while the addition of TrueSpatial Tech creates an immersive listening experience with a wider, fuller soundstage. For layered, nuanced sound and clear dialogue for video content, there’s new Cinema Mode. Or choose lossless listening via wired USB.

Features

• Updated, Modern Aesthetic, Designed for Comfort

• Now with TrueSpatial Immersive Audio

• Lossless Audio via USB

• QuietControl Tech for Active & Adaptive Noise Cancellation

• Quiet, Aware, Immersive, Cinema, & ANR off Modes

• Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life

• Improved Call Quality

• Multipoint Bluetooth® Capability

• Spotify Tap

• Google Fast Pair

Updated, Modern Design

A refreshed signature look for a legend of sound. Sleek and seamless, with pill-shaped earcups and a super-smooth sliding headband. More than headphones, this is a statement piece meant to show off.

Super Comfy Headphones

Wider and now with more of the supple, synthetic leather found on the earcups, the new headband sits softly on top of your head. And the pill shape of the earcups more naturally follows your ear’s shape.

Elite Audio Performance

Now with immersive sound for a wider, fuller soundstage. Everything you listen to is more natural with the addition Bose TrueSpatial Technology. Old favs feel like new and every song hits just like the artist intended.

Legendary Noise Cancelling

QuietControl noise cancelling tech seals you into the moment. While in Aware Mode, next-gen ActiveSense Technology adapts to smooth unwanted to spikes in noise. So you never miss a bass hit or beat drop.

More Listening Modes

Quiet and Aware Mode let you lock in or enjoy more transparency, respectively. New Immersion Mode gives you a more natural listening experience, and new Cinema Mode brings clear dialogue along with spatialized sound for video content. There’s even ANR off.

Even Clearer Calls