Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen Wireless Over The Ear

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen headphones are a premium pair of over-ear wireless headphones that bring together class-leading noise cancellation, immersive sound technology and comfortable all-day wear. They were introduced in Australia in late 2025 with a recommended retail price of around $699.95 at launch, reflecting their positioning at the high end of the wireless audio market. 

These headphones build on Bose’s decades-long experience with noise cancellation to deliver an experience that can make music, podcasts and film soundtracks feel deeper and more engaging. At the heart of the design is Bose’s next-generation ActiveSense noise cancellation, which smooths out sudden changes in background sound and does a very effective job of reducing environmental noise so you can focus on what you’re listening to. Users can switch between different listening modes like Quiet for full noise cancellation, Aware to let ambient sound in when needed, Immersive Audio for spatial sound and a dedicated Cinema Mode that enhances video content with layered, nuanced playback. 

Sound quality is tailored to match whatever you’re listening to. CustomTune technology adapts the audio to your ears for more balanced playback, and Bose’s implementation of spatialised audio helps place sound around you in a natural-sounding way that’s especially noticeable with bigger mixes or films. Cinema Mode adds to this by emphasising dialogue clarity and expanding the soundstage so that movies and TV shows feel more cinematic and engaging. 

Comfort and fit have been priorities in the design. The ear cushions are plush and wrap around the ears to create a secure but gentle seal, and the headband distributes pressure evenly across the top of the head. This makes the headphones comfortable to wear for extended periods, whether you’re on a long flight, commuting or just working through a playlist at home. Despite their substantial technology and premium materials, they remain light enough to be comfortable for hours at a time. 

Battery life is strong, with up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge when noise cancellation is in full use. This figure can vary slightly depending on modes like Immersive Audio being active, but overall it means you can go multiple days between charges even with heavy listening. When you do need a top-up, the headphones support quick charging: a short 15-minute charge delivers a few hours of additional playback, and a full charge takes around three hours via the included USB-C cable.

Connectivity is smooth and modern. Bluetooth support allows you to pair with phones, tablets and laptops, with a reliable range and support for common audio codecs like SBC and AAC. There’s also multipoint Bluetooth, so you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously and switch seamlessly as needed. For wired listening, a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable is included, letting you plug into sources that might not support Bluetooth or when battery life is less of a concern. 

Controls are intuitive, combining touch input and physical buttons for volume adjustment, track skipping, call handling and switching listening modes without having to reach for your device. Built-in microphones are tuned to focus on your voice during calls and reduce background interference, delivering clearer phone and video calls. 

The headphones work seamlessly with the Bose Music app, where you can personalise EQ settings, choose preferred noise-cancelling levels, customise shortcuts and ensure the firmware is up to date. This app-based flexibility means you can fine-tune the listening experience to suit your preferences and the types of audio you enjoy most.

In terms of layout, the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen features a sleek, polished appearance with refined metal accents and a premium feel. Their overall dimensions make them substantial enough to convey quality without feeling bulky, and the foldable design along with the included carry case make them suitable for travel or day-to-day portability. 

Across its feature set, battery stamina, advanced noise management and sound quality enhancements, these headphones aim to serve anyone who spends time in noisy environments, travels frequently or simply wants a refined audio experience at home. They represent one of Bose’s most complete interpretations of what high-end wireless noise-cancelling headphones should offer in 2025.

This description was generated with the help of AI and last updated December 2025.