Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review
In a market saturated with wireless earbuds, standing out requires a combination of exceptional audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable design. Today, we’re reviewing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), a premium offering from Bose that promises to deliver just that, in a stylish Desert Gold limited edition color. Let’s dive in and see if they live up to the hype.
Detailed Review
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) arrive with a clear mission: to provide an unparalleled listening experience. The cornerstone of this experience is the **world-class noise cancellation**. Bose claims it’s the best they’ve ever offered in wireless earbuds, and after rigorous testing in various environments – bustling city streets, crowded cafes, and noisy airplanes – it’s hard to argue with that claim. The ActiveSense technology effectively smooths out sudden spikes in sound, preventing jarring distractions in Aware Mode.
A key differentiator for these earbuds is the **CustomTune technology**. This innovative feature analyzes the unique shape of your ears and adapts both the noise cancellation and audio performance accordingly. This personalization leads to a noticeably more immersive and tailored sound profile. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the sound quality is consistently crisp, clear, and well-balanced.
The inclusion of **Quiet, Aware, and Immersion Modes** offers a versatile listening experience. Quiet Mode delivers complete noise cancellation, perfect for focusing on tasks or enjoying pure audio bliss. Aware Mode provides transparency, allowing you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your audio. Immersion Mode combines noise cancellation with Bose Immersive Audio, creating a spatialized sound that feels like the music is coming from beyond the earbuds themselves, adding a captivating layer of depth and realism.
Comfort is paramount with earbuds, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds excel in this area. With **nine combinations of eartips and stability bands**, finding a secure and comfortable fit is easy. The umbrella-shaped tips effectively seal the ear canal, further enhancing noise isolation, while the stability bands keep the earbuds firmly in place, even during vigorous activities.
For phone calls, these earbuds boast **exceptional clarity**. The SpeechClarity technology, combined with noise-rejecting mics, effectively filters out background noise and wind, ensuring that your voice is heard loud and clear, even in challenging environments. The option to use a single earbud for calls is also a convenient feature.
Battery life is respectable, offering **up to 6 hours in Quiet or Aware Mode** and up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The included wireless charging case provides up to three full charges, extending the total listening time significantly. Charging is convenient via USB-C or wireless charging pads.
**Bluetooth multipoint connectivity** is a welcome addition, allowing for seamless switching between multiple devices without the need to constantly re-pair. The **Cinema Mode**, accessible through the Bose app, enhances video content by spatializing audio and balancing background sounds, delivering a more immersive viewing experience.
Finally, the **Bose app** provides access to firmware updates and customization options, ensuring that your earbuds are always up-to-date with the latest features and performance enhancements.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| World-class noise cancellation | Premium price point |
| CustomTune technology for personalized sound | Battery life slightly shorter with Immersive Audio |
| Comfortable and secure fit with multiple eartip options | Limited Edition color might not appeal to everyone |
| Excellent call quality with noise-rejecting mics | |
| Immersive Audio spatializes sound for a more realistic experience | |
| Wireless charging case with USB-C | |
| Bluetooth multipoint connectivity |
Excellent Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), consider these options:
Sony WF-1000XM5 – These earbuds are known for their exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation, often considered a direct competitor to Bose.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) – A great choice for Apple users, offering seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, along with excellent noise cancellation and sound quality.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 – These earbuds are praised for their audiophile-grade sound quality and customizable sound profiles.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a top-tier offering in the wireless earbud market. The combination of world-class noise cancellation, personalized sound via CustomTune technology, and a comfortable, secure fit makes them an excellent choice for discerning listeners. While the premium price point may be a barrier for some, the overall performance and features justify the investment. If you’re looking for the best possible listening experience in a pair of wireless earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are definitely worth considering.
Our Rating
★★★★★ 4.7/5
