Since their launch in 2023, Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds have been the top pick for noise-cancelling earbuds by Mashable. Naturally, when Bose unveiled its second-generation QuietComfort Ultra earbuds — available for preorder starting Aug. 28 — I was eager to give them a try.

After a week spent with the earbuds, I can confirm that they continue to be the most comfortable earbuds available, featuring some of the finest noise cancellation on the market — yet they don’t feel significantly different from the original model. Considering that many devices often suffer from the issue of altering what doesn’t need fixing in pursuit of an “upgraded” version, the absence of substantial changes isn’t necessarily negative.

So, is the upgrade worthwhile? Let’s explore my initial impressions (which I have to mention are subject to change as I spend more time with the earbuds).

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) specifications

Below, you’ll discover a quick overview of what to anticipate with these earbuds, with new features highlighted:

– Adjustable active noise cancellation
– Immersive Audio for a spatial listening experience
– Custom equalizer with four audio presets
– Three sizes of stability bands and ear tips with wax guards
– Six hours of battery life (four hours with Immersive Audio), and up to 24 hours with the case
– Wireless charging for case
– 20 minutes of quick charge
– Toggle touch controls on/off
– Bluetooth 5.3, Google Fast Pair
– Bose SpeechClarity, an AI-driven technology for enhanced voice quality on calls
– Improved adaptive ANC, particularly in Aware Mode
– IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds

A quick look at the spec list above reveals that not a lot has changed between the first and second generations of QC Ultra earbuds. The products are nearly indistinguishable, and both were initially priced at $299 (though it’s likely that the first generation will go on sale more frequently as it gradually gets phased out of Bose’s offerings).

Without the color variations, I would struggle to discern which is which. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Despite the similar components, I noticed better audio quality, noise cancellation, and overall user-friendliness with the second-generation earbuds.

Audio quality

Bose’s promotional materials don’t highlight many significant upgrades to the listening experience of these earbuds, but a representative from the brand advised me to look for improved bass response and clarity at higher frequencies. Even without that insight, I am confident I would have detected the enhancements: Ebony Loren’s vocals on her rendition of “O Pato” sounded crisper and louder, without distortion. Chappell Roan’s performance of “She’s got a way” on her recent track, “The Subway,” hit even harder on the second-gen earbuds, showcasing a richness missing in the first-gen Ultras that tended towards a flatter sound.

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When it comes to bass, I turned to my favorite tracks that demand good bass — Magdalena Bay’s “Killshot” and Le Sserafim’s “Crazy” — and these earbuds delivered. Both provided a pleasing reverberation and blend, particularly with the synth and guitar elements in the former. The balance allowed me to appreciate the bass’s depth and the intricate layers of each track’s production. Moreover, with the ANC activated, I could hardly hear myself typing. Even on tracks with less emphasis on bass, like Laufey’s “Tough Luck,” the bass quality enhanced my enjoyment of the song’s foundation, resulting in an overall superior listening experience.

For anyone interested in customizing their sound, the equalizer settings across both generations of earbuds remain identical. On the other hand, call quality is noticeably enhanced: when I conducted a blind test with my partner by calling him using each earbud, he quickly identified the newer Ultras, remarking that my voice sounded significantly clearer.

Noise cancellation

While Bose is renowned for its exceptional audio quality, the brand’s distinguishing feature is its noise cancellation, and these earbuds are no exception.

Bose’s first assertion is that the adaptive ANC on these newer earbuds is better suited to manage audio spikes to prevent clipping, especially in transparency mode. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to create the necessary conditions to test that specific feature during the past week, but I have used both earbuds in a shared workspace, directly beneath an air conditioning unit, and with the TV playing nearby. In all these scenarios, the performance of the second-generation QC Ultras surpassed that of the first generation, providing slightly more sound blockage.

More significantly, these earbuds have a much less pronounced hiss compared to the first-generation.