The new Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) inherit the immersive sound of the Ultra range

Bose has updated its most recognizable headphone model with a second generation that is not limited to a simple facelift. The new ones QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) They inherit technologies that until now were reserved for the more expensive Ultra range, and incorporate them into the intermediate model of the catalog without raising the price in a striking way.

The renewal comes just over two years after the launch of the first generation of this model, and Bose presents it as a comprehensive redesign that affects both the sound and noise cancellation and the physical design of the headphones themselves. Early bird booking starts on August 8 through Bose.com and selected distributors for $359 (about €311 at the current exchange rate), with shipments scheduled to begin on August 13.

TrueSpatial, the spatial sound that came from the Ultra range

The most important novelty at the sound level is the incorporation of the Bose TrueSpatial technologywhich activates three immersive audio modes (Still, Motion and Cinema) until now exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra series. Bose Immersive Audio delivers a virtualized stereo sound experience from any audio source, putting the listener in the sweet spot as if they were listening to a 2.0 stereo system in a living room.

He Still mode keeps the audio fixed in space even if the listener moves his head from side to side, while the Motion mode It makes the sound follow the movement of the head, something designed especially for use while walking or exercising. He Cinema modemeanwhile, spatializes and balances background sounds and effects to deliver a more movie-theater-like experience when watching video content or listening to podcasts, expanding the soundstage without losing clarity in central dialogue.

Added to this is the arrival of lossless playback via wired USB-C audio with up to 24 bits and 48 kHz, something that is added to Bose’s own SoundDesign digital signal processing that already characterized the first generation of the model.

QuietControl, the renewed noise cancellation

Bose noise cancellation technology, now rebranded as QuietControlalso receives several adjustments compared to the previous model. Those who wear glasses, or those who have historically had problems getting a perfect seal due to hair or wearing a hat, will notice a noticeable improvement thanks to the new adaptive feedforward controls. The six-microphone system better compensates for gaps in the ear cushion seal, keeping noise cancellation effective even when the physical fit isn’t perfect.

The new QuietComfort Headphones too improve ActiveSense response in Aware modeactivating just the right amount of noise cancellation more gently and naturally to soften sudden spikes in sound, such as a passing train. For those who prefer more traditional control, noise cancellation can be adjusted manually or completely disabled from the Bose app, where it is also possible to create custom modes and quickly activate them using the action button on the left earpad.

Renewed design and new colors

At a design level, the new QuietComfort Headphones They debut a headband with soft and adjustable slidersin addition to even softer synthetic leather padding that adapts to the contour of the head. Bose has also optimized the clamping force to achieve a secure fit without sacrificing the lightweight feel, and the new oval-shaped ear pads provide a more continuous profile and a more modern look.

One of the most striking details is the appearance of hidden touches of color inside the padscreating a two-tone design that is especially appreciated in the three new limited editions: Eucalyptus Green, a green inspired by nature with a cheerful yellow interior; Dewdrop Mint, a nostalgic nod to the ’90s reminiscent of poolside mint ice cream, with a teal pillow accent; and Rosewood Mauve, a deep mauve combined with a vibrant fuchsia pink inspired by the English roses of the Munstead Wood variety. Along with these limited editions, the QuietComfort Headphones are still available in the classic colors Black and White Smoke.

Connectivity and battery

QuietComfort Headphones’ physical buttons remain on the earpads for easy control without having to take out the phone. The right pad brings together the main controls (play, pause, volume and call management), while the left includes a dedicated button to change the listening mode and activate shortcuts to the device’s voice assistant or Spotify Tap.

Connectivity is supported by Bluetooth Core 5.4 with multipointwhich allows seamless switching between two connected devices, in addition to Google Fast Pair support to simplify pairing on Android. The USB-C port gains bidirectional functionality, enabling both high-quality audio and clear voice input for calls and video conferencing in apps like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and the package also includes a USB-C to 3.5mm minijack cable for analog sources, including in-flight entertainment systems.

Regarding autonomy, Bose promises up to 24 hours of listening (18 hours with immersive audio activated)with the possibility of charging the headphones while wearing them so you don’t have to stop listening when the battery runs out. A quick 15-minute charge recovers up to 2.5 hours of playback. All of this is managed from the Bose app, which in addition to the functions already mentioned includes an adjustable three-band equalizer, Bluetooth device management and firmware updates.