Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd gen) review: Upgraded in all the right places

Billy Steele· Sep 11, 2026 · 1:00 PM UTC ·6 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 8 views

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TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Bose has released the second-generation QuietComfort Headphones, which feature improved audio and active noise cancellation performance while maintaining the same $359 price point. The update includes design refinements such as a smoother headband and relocated controls, along with the addition of Immersive Audio and CustomTune features previously exclusive to the Ultra line. The headphones now support lossless audio via USB-C and offer enhanced ANC capabilities, including ActiveSense for better handling of sudden noise spikes.

Key facts

▪The second-generation QuietComfort Headphones are priced at $359, remaining unchanged from the previous model.
▪Bose has added Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode, and CustomTune features to this model, which were previously only available on the Ultra line.
▪The new design includes a sliding headband, refined earcups, and a relocated power switch on the bottom of the left ear cup.
▪ActiveSense technology has been integrated to automatically apply noise cancellation during sudden noise spikes in Aware mode.
▪The 3.5mm audio port has been removed, leaving USB-C as the only option for wired listening and charging.

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Original publisher	Engadget
Canonical URL	https://www.engadget.com/2253293/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-review/
Publication time	Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-09-11T13:14:16.473Z
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Reviews Headphones Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd gen) review: Upgraded in all the right places Ultra-level features and a few design tweaks highlight the updates. By Billy Steele Sept. 11, 2026 9:00 am EST Billy Steele for Engadget Add Engadget on Google: Preferred Source Google Discover RATING : 8.4 / 10 Pros Extremely comfortable Improved audio and ANC performance Cons Battery life is unchanged Design is still all business We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When I think about Bose headphones, the iconic QuietComfort line immediately comes to mind. No, not the more recent Ultra version with all of today's bells and whistles. I'm talking about the business-traveler-chic models that popularized active noise cancellation (ANC).

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