Bose took a different approach with its new products in 2025. Instead of repeating the retoctoform Ultra graphics, the company revealed the second generation models of Flagship-Level Earbuds and headphones. Like the retocloform Ultra Earbuds that forced earlier this year, the new quiet headform Ultra Headphones ($449) do not provide complete fullness. However, the changes provide enough performance improvements to continue cementing them as the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy right now. Trust me, it’s much better with this updated version than we’ll have to wait a year (or longer) for something new for the 2023 model.
BOSE / Engadget
The best noise canceling headphones are the best with advanced ANC, improved sound and efficient power performance.
- Industry leading ANC got the best
- The sound reproduction and power generation is great
- It is still very expensive
- A glossy finish isn’t for everyone
$449 at Macy’s
What’s new in Ultra quiet headphones?
BOSE released a few new features to the UltApps in the Second-Gen Hurmobforty Ultra Earbuds in August to carry over to these new headphones. First, the company improved its already active noise cancellation (ANC) with tweaks to its writing technology. Specifically, the system can respond to sudden spikes in environmental noise with precise synchronization. It’s not something you’ll see all the time, but if you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there. Apart from that, the excellent performance of ANC here works as effectively as it did in the previous model. More on that in a bit.
The immersive cinema mode BOSE added to the QC Ultra Earbuds is also available with these headphones. It is a sound profile that improves the clarity of the conversation while keeping all other sounds as wide and covering as possible. I really like movies and TV, as the name suggests, but each bose suggestion I also tried podcasts and audiobooks. Cinema mode is probably overkill for those types of content, unless you’re listening to shows or titles with a lot of background effects.
One of the biggest changes in the second-Gen QC Ultra Headphones is the way Bose has decided to handle power management. Most importantly, the company extends battery life in all cases. With ANC on (and audio focused), you’ll get up to 30 hours of listening time. Close the ANC and jump in 45 hours. When you decide to enable the ANC and Bose Bose surround sound, you can expect up to 23 hours per charge. Compared to those in the first generation model, all of these numbers are at least five hours higher, which is a big boost.
These headphones rotate flat and fold for compact portability.
(Billy Steele for Engadget)
Like previous QC headphones, this model has an automatic switch-off feature after 10 minutes of standby time. But the company went further in this version by adding a low power mode for the headphones that kicks in after 30 minutes of idle time. And if you want to disconnect them quickly, you can rotate the Earcups and place them on a flat surface. That will put them into a deep standby mode that Bose says can run for “months.” All of this means that you can effectively turn the headphones on and off by plugging them in and out. If you use it regularly, you will never press the power button.
Sound wise, the biggest improvement on these heads is the addition of lossless audio without USB-C. Like airpods max, this model can be connected via cable to your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop to stream or play high-quality songs from compatible devices or your library. Bose says you can expect 16-bit 44.1kz or 48Khz Audio depending on your source. It’s another nice feature to have that’s standard on premium wireless headphones.
What else is great about ultra quiet headphones?
Like most over-ear headphones, the ultra-quiet second-generation headphones are very comfortable. Even during long periods, they are never a burden, and that is thanks in large part to the soft, in-ear pockets. I can easily wear these on a trans-atlantic flight with little discomfort and I’ve been wearing them for all work days at home.
As I have already mentioned, the performance of the ANC here has been raised. In fact, these QC Ultra headphones will soon replace the first model of our excellent noise canceling range. Both immersion (ANC + Spatial Audio) and silent modes (ANC only) provide strong sound blocking that surpasses those of Sony, SENNHEISER and others. If you are making your purchase decision based on ANC performance alone, this is the best option. You’ll enjoy relief from endless anaint sources like fans and audio equipment, as well as QC Ultra heads that do a respectable job with human voices. Heck, I couldn’t even hear my dog barking at the imminent threat of falling leaves outside.
Finally, spatial audio capture is still quite good. The company calls it Intrive Audio and the feature doesn’t rely on special content like other headphones. Music sound is clearly heard and sounds a little bit louder when the sound profile works with Bose’s way of implementing stereo content. Vocal clarity is also improved and elements such as percussion and synth are less compressed than usual. The headphones lend themselves especially to the tracks of Rusmoni Kelly’s Pale, through the window, an acoustic-driven collection of independent, country-oriented songs. His vocals float atop covering acoustic guitars and hard drums.
What’s so bad about qc ultra headphones?
The Bose app gives you access to control and customization.
(Billy Steele for Engadget)
The biggest problem with the second-generation Ultra headphones is the price. To be clear, the likes of Sony, Apple and others charge the same price for their top of the line models, but $449 is still a significant investment. If that’s too much for you, they all have some very talented sleeveless heads in their arsenal slowly More lovely $359.
My other gripe is that the only real change BOSE made for the updated QC Ultra headphones is that the metal head yokes now have a gloss finish. Depending on your preference, this could be your dealbreaker. It is most visible in black and violet colors, because this has a tonal appearance. After a few weeks with the bronze and tan driftwood sand hue, I’m not a fan of the overly structured aesthetic. It’s bright, definitely, but it’s a tweak I couldn’t do without.
Finish it
Similar to the second-Gen QC Ultra Earbuds in the summer, BOSE DOES NOT COME WITH THE BASED BREAK GUARANTEE OF QC Ultra Headphones. But what you’re doing here is a nice improvement over the previous one. The company created a precise setup for power management and even addressed one of my main and early gripes by adding support for lossless audio without audio without USB-C. Also, extended battery life is important for all audio modes, not just an hour or two here or there. To top it all off, heatocloffort eltra headphones remain the best option for pure noise-blocking ability, and that may change anytime soon.
