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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 wishlist: All the features I want to see
Published onApril 11, 2025
Like Sony and Apple, Bose lives among the most highly regarded headphone manufacturers. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are its most esteemed offering and are a worthy upgrade to the QuietComfort 45. In particular, fans receive world-class noise canceling, Snapdragon Sound, and the aptX Lossless codec. The last provides CD-quality 1200kbps, 24-bit/ 96kHz audio sampling, and is limited to a select number of consumer audio products. Combined with a lightweight 253g frame, plush padding, and angled dynamic drivers, it is little wonder fans are giddy about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2.
However, we are likely years away from the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 coming to fruition. Bose has made no official announcement, rumors are virtually nonexistent, and leaks are few and far between. Nevertheless, here are all the features and everything I want to see when the Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2 launch.
A cheaper price tag
Prices have been on an upward trajectory for a while and the fallout from global tariffs will only exacerbate the problem. Consumers are understandably worried, stripping back on purchases, and searching for the best deals. Thankfully, an increasing number of headphone manufacturers are bundling flagship features into affordable cans. For example, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC cost ($79.99 at Amazon) and deliver future-proof USB-C audio, excellent sound quality, and over 44 hours of battery life. They are also exceptionally comfortable and have a foldable design that makes them easy to stow in a rucksack.
There was an uproar among buyers when the AirPods Max came to market with their original $549 price tag. While they have since been permanently reduced to $459, it does little to alleviate the pressure for price-conscious consumers. Having launched for $429, the same can be said about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. While the cans are undeniably feature-rich, they cost significantly more than most of the competition. The Bost QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 will need a cheaper price tag to stop more affordable brands from pinching their fans.
Improved immersive audio
Surround sound features are like Marmite — you either love or hate them. Some movie enthusiasts relish hearing their favorite film scores and SFX in a 360-degree environment. This can enhance immersion and make auditory queues more audible than listening to a stereo mix. On the other hand, many consider surround sound a gimmick that is of little benefit to everyday listening. In either case, headphones require a good seal to reproduce surround sound optimally.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones use the company’s Immersive Audio feature and profit three listening modes; Motion, Still, and Off. Motion uses head tracking to keep imaginary speakers at the same position relative to you, while Still keeps the imaginary speakers in front of you no matter how you turn your head. Unfortunately, according to our MDAQS panel of virtual listeners, enabling Immersive audio makes sound quality suffer. In particular, the headphones exhibit a lower timbre and immersiveness score, yielding an overall score of 3.7 out of 5. This is down from 4.6 out of 5 when immersive audio is disabled. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 must improve their predecessor’s immersive audio feature to convince skeptics and movie enthusiasts alike.
USB-C audio
The best over-ear headphones keep wired listening alive. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM5 adorn a TRS port and connect wirelessly via the SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs. Likewise, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones include a 2.5 to 3.5mm TRS cable to link to supported electronic devices. This is handy for avoiding signal dropouts in busy radio environments or achieving lossless-quality audio on the move.
Smartphones have been switching to USB-C audio for years. The Pixel 2 came to market in 2017 and was Google’s first phone to support wired audio via USB-C. Some headphones, like the JLab JBuds Lux ANC, have been playing catchup. Unfortunately, Bose appeared to miss the memo with its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. While they adorn a USB-C port, it is strictly reserved for charging. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 will need USB-C audio to remain future-proof.
An ingress protection (IP) rating
Nowadays, it is commonplace for wireless earbuds to adorn a robust ingress protection (IP) rating. This comes in varying degrees of strength and guards against water and dust damage. For example, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds wear an IPX4-rated exterior that protects the buds from omnidirectional water splashes. Similarly, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are IP68 protected, allowing the buds to endure complete submersion in up to 3m of water for 30 minutes, and are dust-tight.
Unlike wireless earbuds, IP-rated over-ear headphones are in short supply. While some gym enthusiasts who prefer an unoccluded fit will enjoy the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, others must swim in the surprisingly shallow pool of water-resistant over-ear headphones. Notable offerings include the IPX5-rated Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 and IPX4-rated Under Armour Project Rock. However, neither belong to mainstream brands with superior technical support and high-end features. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones could fill a gap in the market by wearing a robust IP-rated exterior at launch.
A comprehensive custom EQ
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Not all headphone companion apps are created equal. For example, the Shure PLAY app ekes out the best of Shure’s high-end features. These include the company’s “spatialize” mode, advanced control customizations, and a parametric EQ. The last is vital for honing your sound and taming unwanted frequencies. Compared to the competition, Shure’s EQ is one of the best on the market. However, those who don’t want to fiddle with the custom EQ can select from five EQ presets.
The Bose Music app is a comparatively barebones affair. Sure, you can forgo your personal data to install firmware updates, control your device, and access music services. However, Bose’s custom EQ falls short of the competition, profiting just three sliders for adjusting bass, mids, and treble. There is also no information regarding which specific frequencies you are cutting or boosting, and the four EQ presets are middling at best. Bose should deliver a more comprehensive custom EQ in the Bose Music app when the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 materialize.
What would you like to see Bose bring to the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2?
Will there be a Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2?
Like other established brands, Bose updates its headphone category infrequently. However, it is notable when it does, given its audio electronics catalog is one of the best on the market. Released in 2023, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the company’s latest ANC offering. These mark a significant step up from previous Bose ANC headphones, including the more affordable Bose QuietComfort Headphones. Considering the brand’s popularity and continued output, I expect the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 will come to fruition.
Unfortunately, Bose has not made an official announcement yet, and there are few and far between rumors at the time of writing. The best we can do is surmise an approximate launch date from the company’s previous release schedule.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II — September 21, 2017
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 — May 29, 2019
- Bose QuietComfort 45 — September 23, 2021
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — October, 2023
Bose prefers Autumn releases, and regularly updates its flagship headphones. For example, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II launched on September 21, 2017. Then, in 2019, we got the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. These were followed two years later by the QuietComfort 45. Finally, the latest QuietComfort Ultra Headphones came to market two years later in October 2023. By that metric, we should expect the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 to come to shelves in the fall of 2025. However, we must wait for an official announcement from Bose for concrete details.
Should you wait for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2?
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are Bose’s most accomplished headphones to date. Available from most major retailers including Amazon and Best Buy, the cans use features that will keep pace for years. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 may not materialize for at least another year. Consequently, I recommend grabbing Bose’s current QC Ultra Headphones.
Those wanting superior wireless audio quality should purchase the Bost QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429 at Amazon.) Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound chipset, the headphones are one of a select few to offer the aptX Lossless codec. This supports CD-quality 1200kbps, 24-bit/ 96kHz audio sampling in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, iPhones are not supported and you need an Android smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or newer to use this feature. Nevertheless, the audio quality is excellent, and the headphones’ ANC reduces ambient sounds by roughly 87%. Taking calls is a breeze and the battery life lasts 27 hours with ANC enabled. Those in a bind can fast charge two and a half hours from a 15-minute top-up. The headphones’ soft padding and deep replaceable ear cups help secure a comfortable fit adequate for glasses wearers.
iPhone owners are served best by the Apple AirPods Max ($499 at Amazon.) Installing Apple’s iOS 18.4 update provides lossless audio (24-bit/48kHz) via USB-C. However, those wanting to enable connections to standard headphone jacks must purchase a separate Apple USB-C to 3.5mm cable for $39. Nevertheless, the headphones enjoy industry-leading noise canceling that attenuates low-frequency sounds by as much as 40dB. Transparency mode is also excellent, amplifying external sounds in the voice band to match what you’re listening to. Battery life lasts roughly 21 hours with ANC enabled. Be mindful that the charge gradually sips away, given you cannot turn the headphones off. Under the hood, Apple delivers spatial audio with head tracking that is leaps and bounds ahead of Bose’s. Apple’s H1 chip also provides automatic pairing, the Siri voice assistant, and seamless switching between Apple devices.
The Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2) ($349 at Amazon) boast Snapdragon sound for much less than the QC Ultra headphones. Additionally, fans can connect to their devices wirelessly via aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Voice, SBC, AAC, and LDAC. The headphones sport a 3.5mm analog and USB-C port on each ear cup, and the deep padding is comfortable for long listening sessions. Like Bose’s QC Ultra Headphones, Shure’s AONIC 50 (Gen 2) uses physical buttons to control music playback and ANC. However, noise canceling is middling, making ambient noise below 1kHz roughly 50 to 75% quieter. The sound quality is also a little wonky out of the box. However, the Shure PLAY app provides a comprehensive parametric EQ for adjusting the over-emphasized highs and quiet midrange. Battery life lasts over 41 hours, and the cans profit 5 hours of playback time from a 15-minute top-up.
Look no further than the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($387 at Amazon) for the best all-around experience. With many high-end features and a comfortable fit, Sony’s flagship cans are some of the best ANC headphones money can buy. The headphones quell sounds where most music is found by around 30dB, making low drones sound one-eighth as loud. Audio quality is also excellent, albeit with an over-emphasis in the bass below 400Hz. Fans will enjoy superior call quality thanks to Sony’s eight-microphone array and an AI noise-rejection algorithm. The headphones charge via USB-C and last nearly 32 hours with ANC enabled, while a 3-minute top-up yields 180 minutes of additional playtime. Fans can listen wired using the 3.5mm port or wirelessly via the SBC, AAC, or LDAC codecs. Downloading the Sony Sound Connect provides firmware updates, 360 Reality Audio, ANC optimization, and more.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2 FAQs
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are Bose’s best noise canceling headphones so far. With a comfortable fit, excellent noise canceling, and Snapdragon Sound, fans receive a pleasing, high-quality listening experience. However, their inflated price tag will dissuade some would-be buyers.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II launched on September 15, 2022
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are Bose’s cheaper offering and own somewhat outdated hardware. On the other hand, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones enjoy better ANC, sound quality, and wind noise rejection. The Ultra headphones are also equipped with features that will last years.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QC Ultra Headphones are excellent headphones. While Sony’s headphones enjoy marginally better noise canceling and touch controls, Bose’s headphones deliver futureproof Snapdragon sound and the aptX Lossless codec. However, this comes at a cost that makes the Sony WH-1000XM5 a more compelling choice for most people.