Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are premium over-ear noise cancelling headphones that excel at comfort and ANC, with best-in-class connectivity and 24-hour battery life. Sound quality is about average for the category, so don't expect a huge audio upgrade. Shop around, because prices range from USD 219 to USD 359, and the lower end makes these a much better deal.

Let's talk numbers. The QuietComfort 2nd Gen rank in the 100th percentile for connectivity, which means they're literally the best we've tested in that category. Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint pairing, USB-C audio, and a solid companion app experience all contribute to that score. You can connect to two devices at once and switch seamlessly, which is a lifesaver if you're bouncing between a laptop and phone all day. The ANC performance is also a standout, landing in the 90th percentile. Bose's QuietControl tech still sets the bar for blocking low-frequency rumble, and the new ActiveSense feature in Aware Mode does a nice job of softening sudden loud noises without fully cutting you off from your surroundings.

Battery life is solid at 24 hours with ANC on, which puts these in the 73rd percentile. That's not class-leading, but it's more than enough for a week of commutes. The quick charge is handy too: 15 minutes gets you 2.5 hours of playback. Where things get less exciting is sound quality. At the 53rd percentile, the audio performance is about average for this category. The addition of TrueSpatial and Cinema Mode adds some fun, but the core tuning hasn't changed dramatically from the QC45. If you're an audiophile looking for a big sonic upgrade, you might be underwhelmed. The mic quality is also just okay at the 65th percentile, though Bose claims improved background noise reduction for calls. In practice, it's fine for Zoom meetings but not going to blow anyone away.

The QuietComfort 2nd Gen face some serious competition. The Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B is probably the most direct rival, offering punchy bass and solid ANC at a similar price point. Sony's sound signature is more energetic and fun, while Bose leans into comfort and noise cancelling. If you want thumping low-end for commutes, Sony might win you over. But if you're wearing these for hours on a plane, the Bose comfort advantage is real.

The Sennheiser HDB 630 is another strong option, especially if sound quality matters more to you. Sennheiser typically delivers a more refined, detailed sound than Bose, and the HDB 630 is no exception. The trade-off is that Sennheiser's ANC, while good, doesn't quite match Bose's legendary noise cancelling. The Technics EAH-A800 is worth a look too, particularly for battery life, which outlasts the Bose by a decent margin. And if you're on a budget, the JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 both offer surprisingly capable ANC for a fraction of the price, though you'll sacrifice build quality and comfort. For most people, the choice comes down to this: Bose for comfort and ANC, Sony for fun sound, Sennheiser for audio quality, and JBL or TOZO for saving money.

Value is tricky here because the price is all over the place. We're seeing these listed from USD 219 to USD 359 across eight US listings, and that USD 140 spread means your experience of whether these are worth it depends entirely on where you buy. At USD 219, these are a steal for the ANC and comfort alone. At USD 359, you're paying a premium for the Bose name and the new design, and that's harder to justify when the Sony ULT WEAR and Sennheiser HDB 630 are nipping at their heels with competitive features. If you're shopping in Canada, expect to pay around CAD 465 to CAD 480. Our advice: hunt for the lower end of that US price range. The best deal we've spotted is at the USD 219 mark, and at that price these become a much easier recommendation.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) sit in that premium over-ear ANC bracket, though the price is a bit of a moving target right now. We're seeing them listed anywhere from USD 219 to USD 359 depending on the vendor, which is a pretty wide spread for a pair of cans that just launched. They're the follow-up to one of the most recognizable noise cancelling headphones ever made, and Bose clearly didn't want to mess with the formula too much. You still get that plush, all-day comfort and legendary ANC, but now there's a refreshed pill-shaped design, USB-C lossless audio, and Bose's new TrueSpatial immersive tech thrown in.

If you're searching for the best noise cancelling headphones for travel or commuting, these are absolutely in the conversation. The QuietComfort 2nd Gen are built for exactly that: blocking out airplane hum, office chatter, or just the general chaos of a busy day. And with 24 hours of battery life with ANC on, they'll get you through a long-haul flight without breaking a sweat. The question is whether the upgrades justify the price when the older QC45 and plenty of strong competitors are still floating around.

We've run these through our database and the numbers tell an interesting story. Connectivity is best-in-class, ANC is right up there with the top performers, and comfort is a clear strength. But sound quality lands closer to the middle of the pack, which might surprise people expecting a big leap from the previous generation. Let's dig into what that actually means for your ears.

Skip these if you're a studio user or someone who prioritizes raw sound quality above all else. The studio score of 48.9 out of 100 is the weakest area for these headphones, so if you're mixing or doing critical listening, look elsewhere. The Sennheiser HDB 630 or Technics EAH-A800 will serve you better for audio fidelity. Also skip these if you're on a tight budget, because the JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 deliver surprisingly good ANC for way less money. And if you already own the QC45, there's no compelling reason to upgrade unless you really want the new design or USB-C lossless audio.

Should you buy the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)? If comfort and noise cancelling are your top priorities, yes, absolutely. These are still the headphones we'd grab for a long flight or a noisy office. The new design looks sharp, the connectivity is flawless, and that 24-hour battery means you won't be hunting for a charger mid-trip. The USB-C lossless audio is a nice bonus for anyone who wants to plug in and get the best possible sound.

But if you're expecting a big leap in sound quality from the previous generation, you'll be disappointed. The audio performance is fine, but it's not a reason to upgrade on its own. And with the price swinging from USD 219 to USD 359, you really need to shop around. At the lower end, these are a fantastic buy. At the higher end, you're paying a lot for incremental improvements. For most people, the sweet spot is finding these on sale and enjoying the best-in-class ANC and comfort without overpaying.