Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen refresh the non-Ultra QC line with features that used to sit higher up. Bose’s product page lists the over-ears at $359. You get TrueSpatial immersive listening, Cinema Mode, sharper Aware Mode behavior, and two-way USB-C audio on the same frame.
Meanwhile, that keeps the QuietComfort name at the familiar mid-tier price while closing gaps with QuietComfort Ultra. So buyers can now pick pill-shaped cups, multipoint Bluetooth, and wired lossless options without stepping up to Ultra.
USB-C audio cuts both ways
Specifically, Bose says the USB-C port handles more than charging. The included USB-C to USB-C cable passes audio to and from the headphones, so you can listen while charging. Wired USB audio supports lossless input up to 24-bit/48 kHz. Voice outbound over USB reaches up to 24-bit/16 kHz. That should help video calls when you stay plugged in.
Additionally, for planes and older jacks, Bose includes a 3.5 mm to USB-C cable as well. In short, the cans stay useful when Bluetooth is banned or batteries run low. They also suit a cleaner digital feed from a laptop.
Immersive sound and smarter quiet
TrueSpatial Technology brings Bose Immersive Audio to the regular QuietComfort line. Cinema Mode tunes that spatial stack for screen content. It keeps dialogue more centered in front of you. Those modes join Quiet, Aware, and Immersion on Bose’s listening chart.
Furthermore, noise control also moves forward. QuietControl ANC remains the core seal. Updated ActiveSense Tech is meant to smooth sudden noise spikes while you stay in Aware Mode. Bose still uses a six-microphone system. The design aims to compensate better when glasses break the earcup seal.
Design, battery, and colors
Overall, hardware gets a light refresh rather than a full reinvention. Bose highlights updated pill-shaped earcups, a smoother sliding headband, and plush cushioning. Specs list Bluetooth 5.4, about 30 feet of range, and multipoint for two devices. Battery life reaches up to 24 hours with ANC on. Immersive Audio drops that figure to about 18 hours. A 15-minute quick charge claims about 2.5 hours of play.
Next, color choices mix staples and limited drops. Black and White Smoke cover the basics. Limited options include Eucalyptus Green, Rosewood Mauve, and two-tone Dewdrop Mint. The box holds the headphones, a carry case, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and the safety sheet. Bose still points owners to the Bose app for EQ, modes, and pairing help.
How it sits next to Ultra
By comparison, on Bose’s own chart, QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) and the prior QuietComfort model both list at $359. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) sit higher with longer battery life and richer materials. The non-Ultra 2nd Gen set finally adds Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode below Ultra. Pay Ultra money for flagship battery and finish. Stay at $359 for most of the modern listening toolkit.
However, shoppers comparing ANC flagships should also weigh the Sony WH-1000XM6. Sony keeps pushing software extras on the premium tier. Budget wireless ANC options such as the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 8 show how far lower-priced designs have moved. They still do not match over-ear comfort or Bose’s QuietControl stack.
Price and availability
Finally, Bose lists QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) at $359 on Bose.com. Multiple launch reports say preorders open August 8, 2026, with shipments starting August 13. Still, treat those dates as retail-launch reporting until your cart shows a firm ship window. If you want spatial modes, clearer wired calls, and refreshed comfort at the classic QC price, this is Bose’s middle-lane SKU.
