Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review: Would Owners Buy Them Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test these earbuds in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of expert reviews and owner problem reports, all listed at the end of this article. Long-term durability data for the 2nd Gen is still limited. Our method.
Still the noise-cancelling pick, as long as six hours is enough
Expert reviewers agree the 2nd Gen keeps Bose at or near the top for noise cancelling, with smoother handling of sudden loud sounds, warmer and punchier sound than the first model, clearer calls and, finally, wireless charging for the case. What did not change is battery life (about six hours per charge, around four with Immersive Audio) and a large case. Owner reports point to fit trouble for small ears and occasional connection quirks. If silence is your priority, this is a pair people buy again.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want the strongest noise cancelling you can get in earbuds
- commute, fly or work in noisy places
- want a secure, comfortable fit with stability bands
Skip it if you…
- need more than about six hours per charge
- have small ears and struggle with larger earbuds
- own the first-gen model and want a big upgrade
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a refresh of Bose's flagship noise-cancelling earbuds. The design and 9.3mm driver are carried over, while the updates are in audio processing, call clarity and a case that now charges wirelessly.
We pulled together expert tests from What Hi-Fi?, Pickr and Tom's Guide, plus common owner problem reports. Several reviewers call this a modest update, so we focus on whether it is worth buying now rather than whether it is new.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Battery | Up to 6 hours per charge, about 4 with Immersive Audio; 24 hours total with case |
|---|---|
| Case charging | USB-C and wireless (new for the 2nd Gen) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive, plus multipoint |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Fit | Three ear tip sizes plus stability bands |
| Modes | Quiet, Aware and custom modes, plus Immersive Audio |
What owners and testers love
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
The 2nd Gen has not been on sale long enough for solid multi-year data. Owner problem reports mostly involve fit, connection and cleaning issues, such as crackling from debris in the microphone openings, rather than outright failures. Bose's suggested fixes include cleaning the contacts, re-pairing and firmware updates.
Tips from owners
- Try every tip and band size before deciding they do not fit.
- Line up the notches on the stability bands so the buds seat cleanly in the case.
- Turn off Immersive Audio when you need the full six hours.
- Brush the mic openings gently if you hear crackling, especially after workouts.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Class-leading noise cancelling
- Warm, punchy sound with better bass than the first model
- Secure fit with stability bands
- Clear call quality
- Case now charges wirelessly
- Multipoint and aptX Adaptive support
What owners complain about
- Battery life still about six hours
- Immersive Audio cuts battery to about four hours
- Large earbuds and case
- Only three ear tip sizes
- Small update over the first generation
Other options owners compare
These are the premium noise-cancelling earbuds most often compared with the Bose.
| Model | Strength | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (this review) | Noise cancelling, comfort | Silence is your top priority | See on Amazon |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 Read our review | Noise cancelling, LDAC sound | You use Android and want smaller buds | See on Amazon |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 Read our review | iPhone integration | You are deep in the Apple ecosystem | See on Amazon |
Want the quietest earbuds for your commute?
Check the current price and colors on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the battery last?
Up to about six hours per charge and 24 hours with the case, or around four hours with Immersive Audio on, according to What Hi-Fi? and Pickr.
Is it worth upgrading from the first generation?
Most reviewers say no. The changes are tuning, call clarity, smoother ANC and wireless case charging. Tom's Guide does advise against buying the first generation new now.
Do they support wireless charging?
Yes. The 2nd Gen case charges on a wireless pad, which the first model could not do.
Do they work with two devices at once?
Yes, they support multipoint, according to What Hi-Fi?.
Save this review for later
Pin it, share it, or send it to someone who's shopping for one.
Sources we analyzed
- What Hi-Fi?: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review — ratings, ANC, sound, battery, features
- Pickr: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd-gen reviewed — changes vs first gen, case size, battery
- Tom's Guide: 24 hours with the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds gen 2 — wireless charging, call quality, battery
- ShopSavvy: common problems with the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen — fit, hiss, disconnects, stability bands
Figures reflect each source as of October 12, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.