Bose has just unveiled the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones, three years after the launch of the previous pair.
But what’s new with the 2nd Gen Headphones? Should you consider upgrading if you’re sporting the original QuietComfort Headphones?
We’ve assessed the specs and highlighted the most noteworthy differences between the headphones below. Keep reading to see what’s new with the headphones and decide whether to upgrade or not.
Not sold on the Bose headphones? Our best headphones and best noise-cancelling headphones round-ups reveal our current favourite models.
Price and availability
The Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones are currently available for MyBose members to pre-order now, and will start shipping from 13th August. The headphones have an RRP of £299.95 / $359 / €349 and will initially come in a choice between five colours: Black, White Smoke, Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve.
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Just note that the latter three shades are limited-edition and won’t be available for the long-haul.
Otherwise, although the original Bose QuietComfort Headphones have an official RRP of £229.95, they have seen various price cuts since their launch back in 2023. They also come in a choice of eight shades, including Black, Moonlight Grey, White Smoke, Twilight Blue, Petal Pink and more.
Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) sport a new “industrial” design
Bose explains that the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones introduce a “refreshed industrial design” for a more modern look. This includes a hidden pop of colour inside the earcups for a two-tone design and new oval-shaped earcups too.
QuietComfort (2nd Gen). Image Credit (Bose)
In addition, the second gen headphones’ headband has been updated to sport smoother, adjustable sliders and “even more plush” synthetic leather that allows the band to rest gently on your head. Considering we concluded the original QuietComfort Headphones sat comfortably, the second gen’s upgraded headband undoubtedly bodes well.
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Bose QuietComfort headphones. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)
QuietComfort (2nd Gen) are fitted with Bose’s TrueSpatial technology
Previously reserved for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) cans are now equipped with Bose’s TrueSpatial technology, which enables three Immersive Audio listening modes: Still, Motion and Cinema.
Bose explains that its Still mode keeps audio “in place in the room”, even if you move your head around, while Motion mode allows the audio to follow your movement for a more immersive listening experience. Finally, Cinema, as its name suggests, delivers a theatre-like experience for watching video or listening to podcasts. Here, you can expect a wide soundstage with crisp dialogue.
While we’re yet to review the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), we have reviewed the pricier Ultra iteration which is equipped with TrueSpatial technology. We found the Ultra (2nd Gen)’s immersive modes to be “fine” but we preferred listening to music in stereo. With this in mind, we’ll have to wait and see how the QuietComfort (2nd Gen)’s TrueSpatial technology sounds.
Image Credit (Bose)
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) support lossless playback
Another feature that was previously reserved for the Ultra Headphones series has made its way to the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): lossless playback. Through a wired USB-C connection, the second generation cans offer lossless playback audio up to 24bit/48kHz.
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Lossless audio preserves the data of an original recording so there’s no data lost in the frequency range. That means you can listen to audio close to how the artist intended it. We explain more in our lossless audio guide.
Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) have an enhanced Aware Mode
We praised the original QuietComfort Headphones for its overall noise cancelling, although occasionally we noted that external sounds like traffic and chatter did manage to filter through. The headphones did do an admirable job at cutting down the noisiness of London but we’d expect the second gen pair to improve and surpass the previous model.
Bose promises that the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) will benefit from numerous ANC refinements over their older sibling, specifically with its Aware Mode. This is thanks to an enhanced ActiveSense response which promises to apply the right amount of noise cancellation to soften sudden noise spikes. Bose also promises Aware mode will soften those spikes in a smoother and more natural way than before.
Image Credit (Bose)
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Otherwise, you can also customise the level of ANC to find the best balance between noise cancelling and transparency to suit your personal preferences, or you can simply turn noise cancellation off entirely if that’s what you’d prefer.
That’s not where the improvements end. Bose has stated that the second generation’s six-microphone system will better compensate for gaps in the earcup seal which should result in an effective noise cancellation even when the fit isn’t perfect. Essentially – glasses wearers should rejoice.
Both promise 24 hours of battery
Despite the overall refinements, one aspect of the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) remains the same as the original pair: battery life.
Both are equipped with up to 24 hours of battery in-between charges which trails behind the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. Even so, realistically 24 hours is enough to see you through long journeys and frequent commutes before conking out. It’s not the best but it’s perhaps not a reason to be put off the headphones.
QuietComfort headphones. Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)
Early Verdict
With a new design, improvements to the noise cancelling and the inclusion of Bose’s TrueSpatial technology, the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) promises to be a solid overall upgrade from the original QuietComfort pair.
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Having said that, the original QuietComfort Headphones remain a brilliant set for those seeking a comfortable set with solid ANC performance, all for a more affordable price.