A few months ago, Bose revealed Second generation version Its letimfort ultra earplugs ($299) Some modest improvements were made, including better noise reduction. The company is following similar scripts and flagship highlights Quietcomfort Ultra headsets (second generation)available for reservation now $449 ($50 more than their ex). According to Bose, they offer better noise reduction, along with some other small performance and feature upgrades.
Read more: The best noise-cancelling headphones in 2025
The new Ultras looks exactly the same as the original letimfort ultra headphones They were released in 2023. They come in two new color options – driftwood sand and midnight violet – and more standard black and white smoke.
While it is not clear what has changed from a hardware perspective, Bose says the second generation model introduces “a set of meaningful enhancements and new features.” Upgrades include:
- USB-C audio: Now, the headset supports wired audio listening using a USB-C cable linked to your computer, smartphone or tablet.
- Improve adaptive noise cancellation: Bose said its proprietary Activesensens technology “has been carried out with new algorithms to eliminate noise and natural sounds more accurately and automatically.”
- New Immersive Audio Cinema Mode: The new mode allows for clear conversations while maintaining a wide range of external sound phases, Bose said. It works for movies and TV shows, and it works for podcasts and audiobooks (note: Bose’s new QC Ultra Earbuds will also be available for this feature).
- Improved head detection:Bose enables the headset to turn off more reliably through head detection, so you no longer need to use the power button.
- Easier way to disconnect: If you place your headphones flat on any surface, they will disconnect Bluetooth “in seconds” and according to Bose, enter low-power standby mode that is able to run for several months.
- Improved battery performance: Now with up to 30 hours of battery life (23 with immersive audio, 45 ANC off), it is now available to charge with headphones via USB-C port.
The headset now has USB-C audio.
I haven’t tested the upgraded Quietcomfort Ultra headphones yet, but I’ve been testing the brand’s new second-generation ultra-earp plugs and the noise cancellation has improved (which is very impressive). I’m very confident that the noise-attractive features of this flagship Bose model may compete with Sony’s ANC (active noise reduction) WH-1000XM6 I awarded CNET Editors’ Choice headphones earlier this year. No sound improvements were mentioned, but maybe Bose made some tweaks.
The Trump administration’s tariffs seem to have had an impact on the price tag of headphones. this Original QualityComfort Ultra headphones Starting at $379, then up to $399, and then recently added $449 (they are now selling $379). The updated model arrives at a high price of $449.
Sony’s flagship WH-10000×6 The headphones that compete directly with Bose’s Ultra headphones also received a price of $50, up to $450. I’ll let you know which headphones you like after testing Bose later this month.
