Bose has released the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, with sales live on October 2nd, 2025. The update focuses on sound quality, noise cancellation, and ease of use. The price is $449, with finishes in Black, White Smoke, plus limited editions Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet.

Bose added lossless USB-C audio for wired digital playback at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The company also introduced Cinema Mode, which widens the soundstage and pushes dialogue forward. An updated adaptive noise cancellation algorithm aims to smooth sudden spikes in outside noise, especially in Aware Mode. Noise cancellation can be turned off or manually adjusted in the Bose app.

Battery life now reaches up to 30 hours, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio on, and up to 45 hours with ANC off. You can charge over USB-C while listening. On-head detection starts the headphones automatically and places them in a low-power standby when you set them down.

For wireless use, the headphones support Bluetooth Core 5.4 with multipoint for two devices, SBC and AAC codecs, and aptX Adaptive on compatible phones. Android users get Google Fast Pair, and Spotify Tap is supported. CustomTune remains, calibrating sound to your ears each time you put the headphones on.

Design changes include polished metal yokes, fold-flat portability, and plush ear cushions. Bose positions these as incremental gains to a familiar platform rather than a ground-up redesign.