The premium headphone space is more populated than ever, so it can be hard to round up an option that meets all of your needs. Audio design and comfort can be rather subjective, after all, so there’s no one-size-fits-all option on the market — but after using the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 for a bit, I think I’ve found my new daily headphones.
Aesthetics and build quality
Given its premium price point of $450, it’s no surprise that the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 offers a premium build quality and sleek visual style to match. This set of cans isn’t trying to challenge modern aesthetic standards, but its bold, monochromatic approach is immensely pleasing to the eye.
The solid black or white options certainly scream “professional” for those looking to draw very little attention. Still, I opted to test the Midnight Violet variant, which drenches the headphones in a distinct purple that is at once soft and striking, adding a touch of fun without sacrificing its premium vibe. The included case matches the colorway perfectly, too.
Though they sport a metallic sheen, the adjustable yokes are made of plastic. This initially disappointed me, but after using the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 for a bit, I feel confident in their sturdiness. Meanwhile, these headphones are extremely lightweight at only .58 lbs (or 262 grams), and the thick faux leather on the headband and earpads is wonderfully soft, granting hours of use without any discomfort.
Functionality
The QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2’s active noise cancellation has improved over the last generation and feels more in line with other popular ANC-focused sets, such as the stellar Sony 1000XM6. And with four distinct modes easily changeable on the fly, you have plenty of control over when you want full noise isolation or the ability to clearly chat with nearby people without removing your headphones.
Additionally, the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2’s battery life is another noticeable step up from the previous gen, which averaged only around 22-24 hours. As a matter of fact, while Bose promises 30 hours, I managed to get about 35 from a full 3-hour charging session. It’s not the best battery life you can get at this price range, but it’s nothing to scoff at, especially when plenty of more expensive choices like the AirPods Max cap out at around 20 hours.
Elsewhere, these headphones offer two easily-accessible control buttons and a touch-based volume slider that feels effortless to use. And there’s a built-in microphone for taking calls over Bluetooth or voice chatting in games on an Android phone — though I wouldn’t recommend these for gaming on consoles due to the often severe latency.
Sound quality
I’ve loved every minute of listening to music with the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2. The sound stage is a bit bass-forward out of the box for my taste, but with just a few minor adjustments within the companion app, I was able to net gorgeous mids and bright, clean highs without sacrificing the thumping lows that the set seems to be chasing by default.
It’s worth noting that the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 uses Bose’s CustomTune tech to analyze your ears and any leaks in the seal of the earpads each time you put the headphones on. This allows it to personalize both EQ and noise cancellation based on the acoustics of your ear canal, ensuring you’re getting the best experience possible with each use. It’s wild science that I’m not going to pretend to truly understand, but there’s a magic to it that is undeniably noticeable if you’re tuned in to the process.
Verdict
With its near-magic CustomTune feature, excellent customization options, sturdy but lightweight fit, and top-tier noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 is a phenomenal set of headphones suitable for daily use or professional scenarios. In a world with so many great options, this set of cans deserves a spot on your shortlist.
