Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Review: A Superior Noise-Cancelling Experience

Strategic Insights -

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 is the latest flagship noise-cancelling headphones from the renowned audio brand. Building on the success of their predecessors, these premium headphones boast refined noise cancellation, improved sound performance, and new features that set a new benchmark in the industry. Priced at £449.95, they sit above competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, but do they justify the high cost?

The design and comfort of the QuietComfort Ultra 2 are nearly identical to the first-generation Ultras, but with two new finishes: Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet. The build quality is solid, with a metal hinge and yokes providing durability and a premium feel. At 250g, the headphones are relatively light, and the padded headband keeps them comfortable after hours of wear. The earpads are soft and clamp firmly without making your ears sweat.

The noise cancellation on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 is class-leading, offering three modes: Immersion, Quiet, and Aware. Immersion blocks everyday background sound, while Quiet provides maximum suppression. The headphones also feature a physical multi-function button for playback, calls, and toggling through noise-cancellation modes. The battery life is decent, with up to 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation on, and up to 45 hours with ANC turned off. The headphones also support fast charging, delivering up to 2.5 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge.

The sound quality on the QuietComfort Ultra 2 is refined, with a full-bodied signature, exceptional clarity, and a tonal balance that gives bass, mids, and treble equal precedence. However, the B&W Px7 S3 edge them slightly in sound quality, offering a more nuanced performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 is a superior noise-cancelling experience, with class-leading noise cancellation and up to 45 hours of battery life with ANC turned off.
  • The headphones feature three noise-cancellation modes: Immersion, Quiet, and Aware, as well as a physical multi-function button.
  • The sound quality is refined, with a full-bodied signature, exceptional clarity, and a tonal balance that gives bass, mids, and treble equal precedence.
  • The headphones support Bluetooth Multipoint, aptX Adaptive, and customisable ANC.
  • The design and comfort of the QuietComfort Ultra 2 are nearly identical to the first-generation Ultras, with two new finishes: Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet.

Statistics:

  • Up to 45 hours of battery life with ANC turned off
  • Up to 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation on
  • 15 minutes of charging delivers up to 2.5 hours of playback
  • 250g weight
  • £449.95 price point

Sources:

  • The Telegraph
  • Bose official website
  • Sound on Sound
  • TechRadar