Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 wishlist: All the features I want to see

Bose’s QuietComfort line of over-ear headphones are celebrated for their superior noise canceling capabilities. As such, they live among some of the best headphones on the market. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the company’s latest, with our testing showing they reduce the loudness of noise by an average of 87%. The preceding Bose QuietComfort Headphones adorn an almost identical form factor to the QuietComfort 45. Unfortunately, they have a sound quality that is comedically bass-heavy. Combined with a slimline and outdated feature set, it is little wonder fans are excited about an updated Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2.

Bose has not officially announced the QuietComfort Headphones 2 yet. While we wait for more details, here are all the features and upgrades I want Bose to bring to the QuietComfort Headphones 2.

Improved sound quality

It is no secret that Bose has struggled to implement consistently pleasing sound quality with its past releases. For example, the Bose QuietComfort 45 own a frequency response that boosts upper-midrange and treble frequencies around 2.5kHz and 10.5kHz by roughly 14dB and 12dB respectively. While this may improve the intelligibility of podcasts, it can be positively grating when listening to tracks with a lot of high-frequency content.

The Bose QC Headphones suffer the opposite problem by accentuating sub-bass frequencies below 60dB by as much as 14dB. This causes the mids to appear “weak” and underpowered, making it difficult to hear fundamentals against the over-emphasized bass. The headphones also have a huge swing in the highs at 6-8kHz that can trick your brain into expecting one thing only to be presented with an absence or overemphasis on something else. The latest QuietComfort Ultra solve this issue by using Bose’s CustomTune to tailor the sound profile to your ear’s anatomy. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 should also utilize this feature to improve sound quality, or at the very least, turn down the bass.

A comprehensive custom EQ

Custom EQs are vital for tweaking headphone sound profiles when you don’t like their default frequency response. However, some manufacturers are better at implementing comprehensive and intuitive companion app equalizers than others. For example, the Sony Headphones Connect app provides a five-band custom EQ, while the JBL Headphones app profits a 10-band equalizer. Many companies offer EQ presets for those who want a quick and easy solution.

Unlike Sony and JBL, using Bose’s custom equalizer is a disappointingly barebones affair. For example, listeners can select from just six EQ presets. These include Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Bass Reducer, and Treble Reducer. However, the Bass Boost preset accentuates the headphones’ already skull-rattling sub-bass by over 18dB. If this (understandably) doesn’t tickle your fancy, there is a three-band graphic EQ for adjusting Bass, Mid, and Treble. Unfortunately, this pales compared to the competition and cannot “fix” the headphone’s poor sound quality. Bose must implement a more comprehensive custom EQ when the QuietComfort Headphones 2 materialize.

Updated hardware

CES 2025 unveiled a string of impressive new audio technologies. For example, JLab is entering the adaptive ANC sphere with its new Epic Lux Lab Edition headphones. These sport 32mm drivers that promise premium sound and combine future-proof spatial audio with head tracking. Likewise, OneOdio announced its new Studio Max 1 DJ headphones that deliver 20ms latency Rapid WiLL+ tech and 120 hours of battery life.

Despite the Bose QuietComfort Headphones launching in 2023, their hardware has quickly become outdated. For example, the headphones do not support USB-C audio or ship with an airplane adapter. Similarly, the left ear cup’s trigger shortcut can only be used to access Spotify or use a voice to tell you the battery level. While battery life lasts an industry average of 27 hours, it is shorter than rivals like the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless. For context, these headphones last over 46 hours with ANC enabled. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 will need updated hardware features to compete with the best headphones of 2025.

Bluetooth 5.4 and high-res codecs

Recent advances in Bluetooth technology have brought some extremely cool features. For example, devices running Bluetooth 5.2 can utilize LE Audio and the LC3 codec. Likewise, listeners can use Auracast to connect to supported public and private broadcasts directly from their headphones. Bluetooth 5.4 brings improved battery efficiency, increased signal stability, and low-latency audio connections. The last is particularly handy for gamers and movie enthusiasts.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones operate Bluetooth 5.1 and connect via the SBC and AAC codecs. Subsequently, fans miss out on future-proof features like the ones listed above. The default SBC codec also delivers lower-quality connections than its closest alternatives. For example, the aptX Bluetooth codec profits 352kbps, 48kHz/16-bit LPCM audio streaming, while SBC provides 320kbps, 48kHz/16-bit audio data. However, SBC is prone to significant data loss, and AAC works best with iOS devices. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 should connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.4 and offer a broad list of high-res codecs.

A cheaper price tag

You no longer have to spend vast amounts to receive headphones with flagship features. For example, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC cost ($79.99 at Amazon) and enjoy a consumer-friendly frequency response, decent noise canceling, and over 44 hours of battery life. They also run Bluetooth 5.3 and support USB-C audio for those wanting high-res audio. The JLab app unlocks many handy features like a 10-band custom EQ, a volume limiter, and adjustable ANC modes.

Bose enjoys no such accolade. Priced at $349, its QuietComfort Headphones fall within the same price range as the industry-leading Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. However, the headphones have a comparatively limited feature set that segregates them from the best wireless headphones. Indeed, fans can receive better features and save $270 by purchasing the JLab JBuds Lux ANC. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 will need a cheaper price tag to compete with more affordable, feature-rich headphones.

Will there be a Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2?

Bose has been a major player in the consumer headphones arena for nearly three decades. During its tenure, it has released some of the most popular earbuds and over-ear headphones on the market. For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, released in September 2023, are a competent set of true wireless earbuds. Likewise, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones came to market one month later and bring excellent noise canceling and pleasing sound quality with Snapdragon Sound and the aptX Lossless codec.

Unfortunately, Bose has not officially announced the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2. Rumors are also few and far between. Consequently, we may have to wait longer for concrete details.

• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 — May 29, 2019
• Bose QuietComfort 45 — September 23, 2021
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones — September 21, 2023

Nevertheless, we can surmise an approximate launch date based on the company’s previous release schedule. For example, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 came to market on May 29, 2019. The subsequent QuietComfort 45 materialized two years and four months later. The current QuietComfort Headphones were launched almost two years afterwards on September 21, 2023. By that metric, we should expect the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 to hit shelves in the winter of this year.

Should you wait for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2?

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are not bad, but given their limited feature set and overemphasized bass response, we recommend their cheaper siblings instead. For example, the now-discontinued Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have similar functionality and can still be found for much less money on Amazon. Those wanting future-proof features and best-in-class noise canceling may want to wait a few months for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2 to materialize.

Bass heads and those partial to the color green will enjoy the Bose QuietComfort Headphones ($349 at Amazon.) The cans own a frequency response that boosts sub-bass frequencies below 60Hz by as much as 14dB. Build quality feels robust, and their lightweight 240g frame is extremely comfortable. For example, the ear cups are large, distribute their weight well, and have sufficiently soft padding. Controls are intuitive and come with easily reachable buttons for playback, volume, and an action button. The last can toggle through different listening modes, mute calls, or trigger shortcuts. Inside the box is a travel case, a 3.5mm to 2.5mm TRS cable, and a USB type A to type C cable. Noise canceling is excellent and attenuates ambient sound by as much as 45dB. However, battery life is smack dab average at 27 hours and their sound quality will not be everyone’s taste.

Those wanting superior sound quality and long battery life should grab our favorite Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless ($289.23 at Amazon.) These headphones have a default frequency response that closely follows our preference curve. In particular, well-represented highs and comparatively tempered bass make speech more intelligible. Sennheiser also outpaces the competition by delivering over 56 hours of ANC-enabled playback time. The company’s Auto On/Off feature is handy and automatically turns the headphones on or off based on their position. Under the hood, the headphones run Bluetooth 5.2 and connect via a list of codecs including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive. If you prefer wires, you can use the 3.5mm jack or USB cable to listen to music from a computer. Unlike the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless package an airplane adapter.

If you like the look and feel of Bose QuietComfort headphones, why not purchase the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429 at Amazon.) Sure, they are more expensive than the QC Headphones, but they are stuffed with advanced features. For example, the cans support Snapdragon Sound and can connect via a 2.5 to 3.5mm TRS cable or Bluetooth 5.3 over the aptX Lossless codec. Those wanting top-of-the-range noise canceling and large, dense ear pads will enjoy the Bose QC Ultra Headphones. Together, they reduce the loudness of ambient noise by up to 87%. Battery life lasts an average of 27 hours, and a 15-minute top-up profits two and a half hours of listening time. Controlling the headphones is easy thanks to their multifunction button, power button, and touch-sensitive strip for controlling volume. Downloading the Bose Music app wields regular firmware updates, a basic EQ, and immersive audio. Unfortunately, USB-C audio is not supported.

Finally, the tried and trusted Sony WH-1000XM5 ($387 at Amazon) remain an industry leader thanks to their comprehensive feature set. For example, the headphones’ ANC is better at quelling low-end frequencies than previous Bose and Sony offerings. The WH-1000XM5 attenuates ambient noise where most music is found by roughly 30dB. The cans also own a consumer-friendly frequency curve that slightly over-emphasizes bass and treble. Battery life lasts nearly 32 hours with ANC enabled while disabling noise canceling yields over 53 hours of listening time. When you’re in a bind, you can fast-charge 180 minutes of playtime from a three-minute top-up. Fans can connect via TRS cable or Bluetooth 5.2 over the SBC, AAC, or LDAC codecs, and the capacitive touch panel on the right ear cup controls volume, track skipping, play/pause, voice assistant, and ambient sound passthrough. Downloading the Sony Sound Connect app provides 360 Reality Audio and many other high-end features.

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