Bose has further enhanced its legendary active noise cancelling (ANC) technology with the next generation of QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. With an AI-powered algorithm, improved call quality and practical updates like wax guards and touch mute, these headphones offer a superior experience for those seeking peace in the chaos of everyday life.
In a world where noise surrounds us at every turn – from the rumble of the subway to the chatter in a café – it is Bare feet has long been synonymous with an oasis of silence. Their QuietComfort line set the gold standard for active noise cancellation, and when they brought that technology to headphones in 2020, they redefined what it means to “shut down” the world. Now here are the 2nd generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which promise to be even smarter, more intuitive, and—if we’re being a little ironic—ready to solve all of our audio woes, from annoying neighbors to windy walks. But are they worth their €299 (£299) price tag? Let’s take a closer look.
Smarter noise cancellation with artificial intelligence
Active noise cancellation that thinks
Bose is known for its ability to silence the world, but traditional noise cancellation has its limits. Sirens, falling objects, or sudden bursts of noise like the roar of a garbage truck are often too much for older systems, which respond too aggressively and sometimes drown out even your music. QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 deliver a solution: ActiveSense technology, powered by an AI-powered algorithm.
Instead of panicking and increasing the suppression at every loud sound, the new system works more subtly. It analyzes your surroundings and adjusts the ANC level gradually, meaning your favorite song won't be pushed into the background every time someone nearby drops a cup. The result? Silence that feels more natural, and music that stays in the foreground.
Calls we finally hear
Call quality is an often overlooked feature of headphones until you're trying to have an important conversation in the middle of a windy day. Bose has solved this problem by using technology from its hearing aid division. The new AI-powered noise cancellation system for calls uses eight microphones to isolate your voice and eliminate distractions like wind, traffic, or office chatter.
Whether you use one or both headsets, the system promises that your voice will be “clear, prominent, and audible.” If you’ve ever had to repeat “Can you hear me?” on a business call, this is a potentially game-changing upgrade.
Small changes, big impact
Practical updates for every day
Sometimes it's the smallest changes that we appreciate the most. Bose has added wax guards to the ear tips, which may not sound glamorous, but anyone who's ever noticed sound degradation due to wax buildup will appreciate it. Even more exciting is the ability to turn off the capacitive touch controls via the Bose app. Who among us hasn't accidentally paused the music while adjusting the earbud or tucking a hair behind their ear? This feature is a small but ingenious step forward.
Bose has finally added support for wireless charging, which is almost a must at a price of €299 (299 $). The housing retains the same dimensions as its predecessor, so don't expect a revolutionary advancement in portability, but at least you can now charge without a cable.
A foundation that still inspires
No need for major changes
First generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds already set a high standard with Bose's CustomTune technology, which adjusts sound and ANC to the shape of your ears. That foundation remains unchanged, which is probably a good thing. With six hours of battery life (four with surround sound on), Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with multipoint pairing, and support for the aptX Adaptive codec, these headphones were already among the best in the premium class.
They are available in three colors: black, White Smoke, and a limited edition Deep Plum, which follows Bose's philosophy of understated elegance.
Technical specifications
- Model: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd generation
- Battery life: 6 hours (4 hours with surround sound on)
- Fast charging: 20 minutes for 2 hours of playback
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity
- Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- Water resistance: IPX4
- Colors: Black, White smoke, Dark purple (limited edition)
- Special features: CustomTune calibration, AI ANC, wireless charging
- Price: 299 € (299 $)
Price and availability
The 2nd generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are now available for purchase through Bose's website and select retailers. The price of €299 (299 $) puts them in the premium class, competing with models like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5. For comparison, the AirPods Pro 2 cost around €279 (279 $) and the Sony headphones cost around €319 (319 $), indicating Bose's competitive positioning in the market.
Conclusion: Silence that speaks for itself
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Generation aren’t a complete overhaul, but they are a smart upgrade to an already great product. With AI-powered ANC, improved call quality, and practical extras like ear wax guards and wireless charging, these headphones are the perfect choice for anyone looking to escape the noise of the world—or at least speak clearly in the middle of it. While they’re not cheap, Bose proves that premium silence is worth the price. And if you’ve ever dreamed of headphones that know when to step back and when to shine, these might be just what you’re looking for.
