Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review: Silence and Sound Redefined

In a world saturated with wireless earbuds, finding a pair that truly stands out requires a combination of exceptional audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. Today, we’re reviewing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), a promising contender in the premium earbud market.

Detailed Review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) aim to deliver a personalized listening experience through their CustomTune technology. This feature analyzes the shape of your ears and adapts both the noise cancellation and audio performance accordingly. The result is claimed to be world-class noise cancellation and tailored sound. Bose claims this is their best in-ear noise cancellation yet, and it’s a bold statement, but one that holds up pretty well in testing. ActiveSense technology further enhances the noise cancellation in Aware Mode, smoothing out sudden loud noises, which is a welcome addition.

The sound quality is impressive, as expected from Bose. The Immersive Audio feature spatializes the sound, creating a wider soundstage that makes music feel more like a live performance than a recording playing inside your head. The different listening modes—Quiet, Aware, and Immersion—offer versatility for various environments and preferences. Quiet mode provides maximum noise cancellation, Aware mode allows you to hear your surroundings clearly, and Immersion mode blends noise cancellation with spatial audio.

Comfort and fit are also key selling points. The earbuds come with nine combinations of eartips and stability bands, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of ear shapes. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips create a good seal to block out external noise, while the stability bands keep the earbuds in place during movement. I found them exceptionally comfortable even during long listening sessions.

Call quality is another area where these earbuds shine. SpeechClarity technology, combined with noise-rejecting microphones, effectively filters out background noise and wind, ensuring clear and crisp calls. The option to use a single earbud for calls adds to the convenience.

Battery life is rated at up to 6 hours in Quiet or Aware Mode, and up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The charging case provides up to three full charges, extending the total playtime considerably. The case supports both wireless charging and USB-C charging, adding to its versatility.

Bluetooth multipoint connectivity allows for seamless switching between devices, which is a great feature for multitasking. The new Cinema Mode enhances the spatial audio experience for video content, creating a more immersive viewing experience. Lastly, the Bose app provides access to software updates and advanced features, ensuring that the earbuds remain up-to-date.

Pros & Cons

Excellent Alternatives

If the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds aren’t quite right for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:

Sony WF-1000XM5: Another excellent pair of noise-canceling earbuds with exceptional sound quality.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): A great option for Apple users, offering seamless integration and impressive noise cancellation.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: Known for their audiophile-grade sound quality and customizable sound profiles.

Final Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver on their promise of premium audio, world-class noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. While the price point may be a barrier for some, the combination of features and performance makes them a top contender in the high-end wireless earbud market. If you’re looking for the best possible listening experience and don’t mind paying a premium, these earbuds are an excellent choice.

Our Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5