Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) specifications and in-depth review

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Manufacturer: Bose

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a fully wireless in-ear option in the wireless earbuds category, built around a compact, cable-free design that weighs just 15.4 g per earbud. They carry an IPX4 sweat-resistance rating, making them suitable for active use, and come with a charging case that extends total listening time to 24 hours combined. A travel bag is included in the box, and the earbuds support multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously.

On the connectivity side, the earbuds run Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive and AAC codec support, covering a maximum wireless range of 10 m. A 9.3 mm driver handles a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, while active noise cancellation works alongside passive noise isolation for additional sound blocking. The eight-microphone array includes noise-canceling microphone technology for calls, and the earbuds also offer an ambient sound mode, fast charging with a one-hour full charge time, and wireless charging support via the case.

Pros
  • Active noise cancellation is paired with passive noise reduction, providing two layers of sound isolation
  • An 8-microphone array with noise-canceling technology supports clearer call quality
  • Multipoint connection allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, useful for switching between a phone and laptop
  • Wireless charging on the case removes the need for a cable when topping up
  • A find device feature helps locate misplaced earbuds
  • Ambient sound mode lets external audio through without removing the earbuds
Cons
  • Total battery life of 24 hours combined is on the shorter side for true wireless earbuds in this category
  • No fast pairing support means the initial connection process requires manual steps
  • Wingtips are not included, which may affect fit stability during physical activity for some users
  • Spatial audio is not supported, limiting immersive audio experiences for compatible content
  • The 10 m maximum Bluetooth range is relatively short for a wireless product
Who is this for?

These earbuds are a practical fit for commuters, office workers, and anyone who regularly needs to tune out background noise, thanks to the combination of active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction. The IPX4 sweat resistance and true wireless design make them workable for light to moderate workouts, while multipoint connectivity suits users who switch frequently between two devices such as a phone and a laptop. The included travel bag, ambient sound mode, and find device feature add day-to-day convenience for people who use earbuds on the go.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need extended listening sessions without access to a charging point may find the 6-hour earbud battery life limiting, particularly during long flights or travel days. Those who rely on spatial audio or immersive surround formats for gaming or cinematic content will find the lack of spatial audio support a notable gap. Additionally, users who prioritize a secure, sport-focused fit may be underwhelmed since wingtips are not included, and the design offers no enhanced stability features for high-intensity physical activity.

Design:

Fit In-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IPX4
water resistance Sweat resistant
weight 15.4 g
has no wires or cables
are neckband earbuds
wingtips included
has RGB lighting
has stereo speakers
has UV light
Has a display

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) use an in-ear fit and a fully true wireless design with no cables or neckband, keeping the form factor minimal and unobtrusive at just 15.4 g. They carry an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance, which covers typical workout and commute conditions, and include stereo speakers for two-channel audio playback. Wingtips are not included, and there is no RGB lighting, UV light, or onboard display.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 9.3 mm
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz
supports spatial audio
has Dolby Atmos
has Dirac Virtuo
has a neodymium magnet

The earbuds feature both active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise reduction, providing two layers of sound isolation during use. Audio is handled by a 9.3 mm driver unit covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The earbuds do not include a neodymium magnet, and there is no support for spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, or Dirac Virtuo processing.

Power:

Battery life 6 hours
Battery life of charging case 18 hours
charge time 1 hours
has wireless charging
Has a solar power battery
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery

The earbuds deliver 6 hours of battery life per charge, with the charging case contributing an additional 18 hours for a combined total of 24 hours. A full charge takes 1 hour, and the case supports wireless charging, removing the need for a cable when topping up. The battery is rechargeable and includes a battery level indicator, though there is no solar charging capability.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5.3
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Lossless
has aptX Voice
has Auracast
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
Can be used wirelessly
has AAC

The earbuds connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 10 m and support both aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs for audio transmission. A USB Type-C port is present for wired charging. Fast pairing, NFC pairing, and Auracast are not supported, and the earbuds do not include LDAC, LDHC, or Bluetooth LE Audio. Among the aptX family, only aptX Adaptive is available — aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, and aptX Voice are all absent.

Features:

has ambient sound mode
has find device feature
Supports fast charging
multipoint count 2
can read notifications
Has a built-in translator
has a mute function
can be used as a headset
control panel placed on a device
Has voice prompts
travel bag is included
Has an in-line control panel
Has a temperature sensor
Has a built-in camera remote control function

The earbuds include an ambient sound mode for environmental awareness, a mute function, and voice prompts, and they can be used as a headset for calls. Controls are handled via a panel placed directly on the device rather than an in-line control panel. Multipoint connectivity supports simultaneous pairing with up to two devices, and a find device feature is available to help locate misplaced earbuds. Fast charging is supported, and a travel bag is included in the box. Notification reading, a built-in translator, a body temperature sensor, and a camera remote shutter function are not available.

Microphone:

number of microphones 8
has a noise-canceling microphone

The earbuds are equipped with a total of 8 microphones and include noise-canceling microphone technology to help reduce background sound during calls and voice input.

Final Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) present a well-rounded true wireless package centered on noise management, with the combination of active noise cancellation and an 8-microphone noise-canceling array making them a solid choice for focused listening and clear calls in everyday environments. Wireless charging, multipoint support, and a compact sweat-resistant design add practical value for users who move between settings throughout the day. The 6-hour earbud battery and absence of spatial audio or wingtips mean they are better matched to commuters and desk-based users than to endurance listeners or sport-focused audiences. Overall, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver a coherent feature set for those who prioritize noise isolation and daily convenience above all else.

Popular Comparisons

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
JBL Tour Pro 3
JBL Tour Pro 3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Realme Buds Air 7 Pro
Realme Buds Air 7 Pro
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
Earfun Air Pro 4
Earfun Air Pro 4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
VS
OnePlus Buds 4
OnePlus Buds 4