Bose QuietComfort 2nd-Gen Headphones Deliver Solid Performance but Lack Distinctive Edge

Bose’s latest QuietComfort over-ear headphones preserve the company’s legacy of effective active noise cancellation and comfortable design, now available in several colors including mauve and mint. Sound quality is respectable, with a three-band EQ that can boost muted mids, while the ANC is solid though not as aggressive as the Ultra Gen 2, avoiding the “eardrum-suck” effect some users report. The unit uses a USB-C port for charging and wired audio, supporting lossless playback up to 24-bit/48 kHz, but it does not include AptX Lossless or LDAC for wireless high-resolution streaming.

Call performance remains mediocre, lagging behind competitors like Sony and Apple. At $359, the headphones sit in a price gap where flagship models from Sony and Apple can be found on sale for similar amounts, and older premium options are often cheaper, leaving the QuietComfort 2nd-Gen without a clear selling point.