Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Our verdict · If silencing the outside world is your priority, Bose still leads the field, with outstanding comfort to match.
Buy it if
Arguably the strongest, most natural-sounding noise cancellation, improved over the first generation
Skip it if
Premium £450 RRP, though it is frequently discounted
Where to get it
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
From ~£450
Indicative price at the time of review.
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Noise cancellation is where Bose has always excelled, and the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra remains the pair to beat for sheer quiet. It smothers engine drone and cabin roar so thoroughly that many commuters will forgive its slightly less analytical sound. The fit is exceptionally light and soft, making it the most comfortable model here for multi-hour wear. Launched in October 2025, this 2nd Gen model sharpens both the sound and the noise cancellation over the original, and its Immersive Audio spatialises music for a wider, more speaker-like presentation. Battery life is rated at up to around 30 hours with ANC on, and USB-C audio allows wired lossless listening, which is handy at a desk or on a plane.
The good & the bad
Pros
- Arguably the strongest, most natural-sounding noise cancellation, improved over the first generation
- Outstanding all-day comfort and light clamp
- Immersive Audio adds a convincing sense of space
Cons
- Premium £450 RRP, though it is frequently discounted
- Default sound is less analytical than the Sony or Sennheiser
How it compares
| Pick | WATTB Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Sony WH-1000XM6 | 96/100 | From £400 (indicative) | overall |
| 2.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)This pick | 94/100 | From ~£450 (indicative) | noise cancellation |
| 3.Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless | 90/100 | From ~£329 (indicative) | battery life |
| 4.Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | 86/100 | From £499 (indicative) | Apple users |
| 5.Bose QuietComfort Headphones | 88/100 | From £250 (indicative) | value |
Good to know
- Price
- From ~£450 (indicative)
- Battery life
- Up to approx. 30 hours (ANC on)
- Noise cancellation
- Class-leading adaptive ANC, improved 2nd Gen
- Spatial audio
- Bose Immersive Audio
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth multipoint, USB-C audio
- Comfort
- Lightweight plush fit
Insider tip · Leave Immersive Audio off for the daily commute to reclaim several hours of battery, and switch it on only for relaxed listening at your desk.
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 31 August 2026
- Updated
- 31 August 2026
- Last verified
- 31 August 2026
- Sources
- 2 sources
We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →
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