Bose is set to release a new pair of premium over-ear headphones next month, claiming they feature even better adaptive noise cancellation than their predecessors.
The original Bose QC Ultra headphones from 2023 still rank highly on our list of the best over-ear headphones, holding the title of best noise-cancelling headphones. Bose states that its new QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 will include a new algorithm for more precise noise cancellation and natural sound. Earlier this year, Bose improved noise cancellation in its second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and we found that the earbuds excel at eliminating noise from consistent sounds, such as the rumble of an airplane engine or the hum of an air conditioner. We hope the over-ear headphones will impress us just as much as those earbuds did.
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 also introduce a new Cinema Mode designed to enhance dialogue clarity when watching movies or TV shows. Bose claims this feature will also be beneficial for listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
Additional improvements include a longer battery life of up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated, and 45 hours without it. This is an increase from the original QC Ultras, which offered 24 hours with ANC on.
If you’re using the Immersive Audio features, battery life will be reduced to 23 hours on the Gen 2. However, the USB-C port used to recharge the headphones can now also be used while listening to them. Additionally, this port can serve as a wired audio connection, allowing you to connect these headphones directly to other devices for optimal lossless audio performance.
Bose has also enhanced its on-head detection features. This functionality activates when the Ultra Gen 2 is in power-saving mode, turning the headphones on when you wear them. Similarly, they will turn off when placed on a flat surface. The Bluetooth will switch off within a few seconds, and the headphones will enter a low-power mode until you pick them up again. Bose indicates that the headphones can last for months in this mode.
The QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 will be available in four colors: the standard options are black or white, along with Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet.
You’ll need to be patient, as the headphones will not launch until October 2, but preorders will be available starting September 10. They are priced at $449 and can be purchased directly from Bose, marking a slight increase from the previous generation’s launch price of $429.