Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review

Bose QC Ultra Earbuds Review

Voice & Call Noise Isolation 7.0/10

The second generation brought upgraded microphones and processing for calls, one of the main complaints about the first model. The mics focus on your voice and reduce surrounding noise and wind before the signal reaches the phone.

In ordinary rooms the voice sounds natural, and in busier places the far end hears you well. They still trail business earbuds on laptop calls, mainly because there is no USB adapter.

For frequent laptop meetings, the Poly Voyager Free 60+ with its BT700 dongle is more consistent.

• Wind NR Yes
• Call NR Voice-focused noise rejecti…

ANC & Transparency 9.5/10

Bose’s ActiveSense ANC is among the strongest in any earbud. It removes engine drone and air-conditioning hum, and does better than most rivals with voices and office chatter.

Aware mode lets sound in naturally, and ActiveSense reduces sudden loud noises while staying in Aware. That is useful on city streets.

Compared with the Sony WF-1000XM5, the Bose is slightly better at mid-frequency sounds such as nearby voices and keyboard chatter. Both are excellent on low rumble, so the choice between them comes down to fit and sound.

• ANC Adaptive ANC (CustomTune)
• Adaptive Yes

Battery & Case Charging 6.9/10

Bose quotes about 6 hours of listening per charge, or about 4 hours with Immersive Audio, and the case adds roughly three more charges.

That is enough for most flights and workdays, though Sony and Poly last longer per charge. Immersive Audio is the main battery drain, so switch it off on long trips and save it for films.

The second-generation case charges wirelessly as well as by USB-C, which the first model only offered with an optional cover.

• Call Time 4 h
• Wireless Chg Yes

Fit, Stability & Portability 7.5/10

The buds are larger than most, and they use ear tips plus stability bands in three sizes to hold them in place. Once fitted they feel secure, even when walking quickly.

The larger shape can press on smaller ears over a long flight. Trying every tip and band combination helps, and the bands make them feel more locked in than stem designs, which can loosen when you talk or chew.

The water rating is IPX4, which covers sweat on a run and rain on the way to the station, but not a drop into water.

• Bud Weight 7.3 g
• IP Rating IPX4
• Wings Yes (stability bands)
• Case Size 66.0 x 59.7 x 26.9 mm

Connectivity & UC Integration 7.0/10

Bluetooth 5.3 brings two-device multipoint and Google Fast Pair, and aptX Adaptive kicks in on compatible Snapdragon phones. Switching from a laptop call to a phone call happens without re-pairing.

Bose says the second generation has a more stable connection, especially in crowded places such as stations and airports.

Bose offers no USB adapter and no meeting-platform certification for these buds. They are a travel and listening product first, with calls as a capable extra rather than the main job.

• Dongle No
• Multi-pt Yes
• BT 5.3

Sound & Audio Quality 9.1/10

CustomTune plays a chime when you put the buds in, measures your ear canal and adjusts EQ and ANC to match. Bose’s Immersive Audio adds a spatial mode with Still and Motion settings.

The tuning is warm and full, with strong bass and smooth highs. On Snapdragon Sound phones aptX Adaptive improves quality, while iPhones use AAC.

Immersive Audio works well for films. For music it can feel less precise than stereo, so many listeners use it selectively.

• Codecs SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
• Driver Type Dynamic
• EQ Yes (CustomTune and app EQ)
• Spatial Yes (Immersive Audio)

Full Specifications

Product Details