Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT. I’ll also be comparing the Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen vs QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, QuietComfort 1st Gen (2023), Sony WH-1000XM6, Apple AirPods Max 2, Sennheiser Momentum 5, and more!
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for. I bought these headphones with my own money, and was NOT sponsored, paid, or received a free copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist. I also run the RecordingNow YouTube channel with over 25,000+ subscribers and over 5 million views.
Let’s dive right in!
Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen Headphones review in short
The Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen is arguably the most comfortable headphone we’ve tested to date, with elite noise cancelling performance and much-improved sound quality. This can be a strong value once discounted in the future. Competes with the previous Bose QuietComfort 1st Gen (2023), Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, AirPods Max 2, Sennheiser Momentum 5, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Sonos Ace, and Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3.
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
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Pros and Cons
- Most comfortable headphone tested
- Elite noise cancelling performance
- Decent sound quality
- Cinema Mode and Spatial Audio
- 24 hour battery life is below average
- No hi-res codec support
- Full retail price is steep
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Sound Quality
Full Sound Quality Test
Being very familiar with the other Bose headphones such as the QuietComfort 1st Gen released in 2023, and the more premium QC Ultra 1st and 2nd Gen, I was very curious how the new QuietComfort 2 would stack up.
On paper, I was a bit disappointed the new QuietComfort 2nd Gen does not support any hi-res codecs like aptX Lossless on the Ultra series.
Bose did add lossless audio via USB-C, which is a nice feature also found on flagship headphones like the AirPods Max 2.
And there is the same 3-band EQ featured on all the other Bose headphones using the same Bose app.
Previously, there was a pretty significant gap in sound quality from the regular QuietComfort series to the Ultra series.
Listening to the new QuietComfort 2 for the first time, I immediately noticed an increase in resolution and detail over the 1st Gen QuietComfort.
The sound is much more refined and balanced versus the very consumer-friendly tuning of the 1st Gen.
I would describe the sound profile as fairly balanced and refined, with a small emphasis on the bass and treble over the mids.
The bass jumps out to me as being very satisfying but controlled and not as boomy as previous Bose headphones.
The mids are fairly natural sounding and have good detail in the vocals.
The treble is smooth and doesn’t get that sibilant, which was an issue on previous Bose headphones.
The soundstage is improved as well, and sounds fairly open for a closed-back headphone.
Overall, I’m hearing shades of the more expensive “Ultra” series and a significant improvement over the regular QuietComfort 1st Gen.
Sound Quality Comparisons
vs Bose QuietComfort 1st Gen (2023)
The newer Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen is significantly improved upon the 1st Gen in both sound quality and the stock tuning.
The QuietComfort 1st Gen had a tendency to sound a bit grainy and compressed, so I’m guessing the drivers, acoustics, and possibly headphone amp are redesigned on the new 2nd Gen.
The stock sound is much more refined and balanced in tonality on the new 2nd Gen, as the 1st Gen was overly consumer-friendly, especially in the bass region.
I find the 1st Gen needs EQ more than the 2nd Gen to be enjoyed as an audiophile.
While I do enjoy the satisfying bass response on the 1st Gen, I find the 2nd Gen to be much more focused and cleaner, while still being satisfying and reaching down to the sub-bass frequencies.
Overall, I find the sound quality of the new QuietComfort 2 to be closer to the Ultra 2nd Gen than the QuietComfort 1st gen.
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
On paper, the QC Ultra 2 is the more expensive model and is supposed to have higher sound quality.
One related feature here is the hi-res codec support of aptX Lossless that is sadly not available on the regular QuietComfort 2.
While the original QuietComfort 1st Gen was not in the same league as the QC Ultra 2, I find the QuietComfort 2 actually gets surprisingly closer in sound quality.
I still give the edge to the QC Ultra 2, which wins on the audiophile technicalities like resolution, separation, and soundstage.
But the QuietComfort 2 is no slouch and is almost as enjoyable, especially for casual music listening.
vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Despite the Sony XM6 having a 10-band EQ and LDAC support, I honestly prefer listening to the QuietComfort 2 for music.
(The XM6 has a slightly better Cinema Mode for TV and movies, in my opinion.)
I find the sound quality to be about equal between these two, with the QuietComfort 2 having the more favorable stock tuning right out of the box.
This is impressive considering the QuietComfort 2 doesn’t have any hi-res codec support, and the Sony needs that LDAC to be most competitive.
vs AirPods Max 2
The AirPods Max 2 has a much brighter and energetic sound profile, while the Bose QuietComfort 2 is more bass-forward and smoother.
I find these two to also be pretty close in terms of sound quality, and it may just boil down to listening preference.
I prefer the more visceral and deeper sub-bass of the Bose QuietComfort 2, while I like the open soundstage and treble detail on the AirPods Max 2.
I equally enjoy listening to both of these headphones, they’re just different flavors.
vs Sennheiser Momentum 5
While the QuietComfort 2 is competitive with most of the popular flagships, I would draw the line at the Sennheiser Momentum 5 that takes sound quality to a new level.
The QuietComfort 2 is more in line with the previous-gen Momentum 4’s sound quality, which is a compliment to both headphones, actually.
The Momentum 5 and QuietComfort 2 share similar bass-forward sound profiles with smooth treble, but the Momentum 5 scores higher on the audiophile technicalities.
It also helps that the Momentum 5 has aptX Lossless and an 8-band EQ, both of which I’ve used to get the most out of it.
Sound Quality Score: 8.7 out of 10
Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen is one of the lightest of the wireless over-ear headphones we’ve tested:
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) – 236.1 grams
- Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen – 237.3 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen) – 254.4 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) – 262.2 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 288.8 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 311.2 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – 312.0 grams
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 313.4 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Focal Bathys MG – 365.5 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H100 – 375.6 grams
- Dali IO-12 – 379.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 384.4 grams
The previous QuietComfort 1st Gen was already one of the lightest and most comfortable headphones we’ve tested, and the 2nd Gen improves upon it slightly.
The biggest difference is an improved headband design that is softer and more plush like the Ultra series, and also a bit more square-ish to distribute the weight more evenly.
I like how the QuietComfort 2 is about 25 grams lighter than the QC Ultra 2. Not a huge difference, but definitely noticeable back to back.
The clamping force is also just right from the factory, and already started to loosen up nicely by Day 2.
Add in very plush protein leather earpad cushions and headband cushion, and the QuietComfort 2nd Gen may very well be the most comfortable headphone we’ve tested, ever.
Comfort Score: 10 out of 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality
Features
The Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen was released in August 2026 and has the typical modern wireless ANC headphone features:
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Lossless Audio via Wired USB-C
- Multi-point connectivity
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head-Tracking (Cinema Mode)
- Physical button controls
- Multiple built-in microphones for taking calls
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Transparency Mode
- Includes compact premium hardshell case
Battery Life
The Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen has 24 hours of battery life on a single charge.
- Marshall Monitor III – 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE – 60 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Audeze Maxwell – 80 hours (no ANC included)
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 57 hours
- Dali IO-12 – 35 hours (ANC on)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 – 34 hours (ANC on)
- Focal Bathys MG – “Over 30 hours” (ANC on)
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – 30 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 – 30 hours
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Px8 – 30 hours
- Sonos Ace – 30 hours
- Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen – 24 hours
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 24 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) – 24 hours
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 20 hours
- Apple AirPods Max – 20 hours
In my testing, I found this figure to be accurate.
24 hours with ANC on is slightly below average these days, as I would’ve loved to see the same 30 hours as the Ultra 2.
It’s still 4 hours more than the AirPods Max 2, along with being able to fully turn OFF which reduces battery drain even further in my experience.
Build Quality
Build quality was historically pretty strong for the QuietComfort series, but I’m afraid it may be a slight downgrade for the QuietComfort 2, which is almost entirely plastic.
The previous generations featured metal in the headband, but there doesn’t seem to be any metal according to the tech specs on Bose’s website.
The QC Ultra series has stainless steel headband core and aluminum hinges, but it’s also more expensive for a reason.
Overall, I’d say the build quality leaves a bit to be desired for a $359 retail headphone, but there’s also other $400 headphones that are quite plasticky as well.
Practicality
The QuietComfort 2 makes a case for being one of the best daily drivers available due to its light weight comfort, elite noise cancelling, and foldable design with compact travel case.
The compact travel case is one of the best features of Bose headphones in general, clearly designed with the frequent flyer and traveler in mind.
Honestly, the comfort combined with noise cancelling makes the QuietComfort 2 an incredible appealing daily driver for me, and it’s one of my personal favorites to use in the real world.
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality Score: 9.0 out of 10
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Performance
Bose is one of the leaders when it comes to noise cancelling, so I was curious how the QuietComfort 2 would stack up against the QuietComfort 1st Gen and the Ultra 2, which were already quite strong.
When I first turned on the QuietComfort 2, I was immediately impressed with the silence it delivered.
The original QuietComfort is still strong in the noise cancelling department today, but I think the QuietComfort 2 improved upon it to be closer to the Ultra 2.
Right now, the top ANC headphones include the AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2.
I have the QuietComfort 2 as being just below that tier, and quite competitive depending on the frequency.
The Transparency Mode is also excellent and very natural-sounding.
One thing that seems improved is that the noise cancelling seems to have less “side effects” while moving compared to the Ultra series.
Noise Cancelling Score: 9.5 out of 10
Value
The Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen retails at $359.00 USD, and since it’s brand new, there are no discounts yet.
Make no mistake, this is a steep price for what is supposed to be a “mid-tier” headphone in Bose’s lineup, compared to the flagship “Ultra” series.
Actually, the QC Ultra 2 is only about $10 more at around $369.99 on sale, which makes things a bit awkward… for now.
One point I wanna make is that if it weren’t for the Ultra 2 existing, I would actually say the QuietComfort 2 is entirely competitive with all of the $400+ flagships like AirPods Max 2, Sony XM6, and Sennheiser Momentum 5.
When viewed through that perspective, the QuietComfort 2 is actually underpriced compared to the flagships it competes with.
Bottomline, I think full retail is a bit pricy for now, but these should inevitably get discounted like the previous QuietComfort 1st Gen that also retailed for $359, but dropped down to just $199 eventually.
I really like the QuietComfort 2 if it were to get discounted to $299 and below, which would definitely boost its Value score in the future.
Value Score: 8.0 out of 10
Is the Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen Worth it?
I was skeptical of the $359 retail price going into this, but I’ve gotta say, I am loving the QuietComfort 2 as an all-around daily headphone.
The sheer lightweight comfort is what stands out to me, and I think this is the most comfortable premium headphone I’ve tested to date.
Add in noise cancelling that is easily in the Top 5, and you have a very practical and usable wireless headphone.
It also helps that the sound quality has been significantly improved, and even as an audiophile, I can enjoy music-listening right out of the box.
I would still take the QC Ultra 2 if the price difference was only the extra $10 it is right now, but that may change if the QuietComfort 2 starts to go on sale.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen
- Bose QuietComfort 1st Gen (2023)
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- AirPods Max 2
- Sennheiser Momentum 5
- Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Sennheiser HDB 630
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
- Sonos Ace
- Focal Bathys MG
- Dali IO-12
- Focal Bathys
- Apple AirPods Max
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality (50% of score): 8.7 / 10
Comfort (10% of score): 10 / 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality (10% of score): 9.0 / 10
Noise Cancelling (20% of score): 9.5 / 10
Value (10% of score): 8.0 / 10
Overall: 8.95 / 10
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase almost all of the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment. Noise cancelling performance is tested in the real-world, primarily on airplane flights, coffee shops, and walking around large metropolitan city environments.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
Read Next
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen Review
Bose QuietComfort 1st Gen (2023) Review
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Comparison
Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Review
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3 Review
