Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen Review: Brilliant ANC, Expensive Value
Independent headphone review
Australian over-ear ANC review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen review
Bose still delivers exceptional noise cancelling and comfort, but the price asks a lot once you compare what rivals now include.
- 30 hours battery
- Bluetooth 5.4
- USB-C audio
- Bose Immersive Audio
Get the dupeBest value swap
Same headline features. Much lower price.
The premium model reviewed here is still very good. The QuietMix II is the dupe pick: a similar over-ear ANC feature set, longer rated battery life than many flagships, and a much lower Australian price.
$489.97 at Myer
$199.99 at Mifo
- Hybrid ANC with claimed filtering of up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sound
- 50 hours in ANC mode, 80 hours in standard mode
- 40mm drivers with 4 microphones for calls
- 5-minute quick charge for up to 4 hours of listening
- Mifo Australia currently shows the $199.99 listing in stock for AU delivery
Full review
What it is like to use
The latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are built around the thing Bose does best: reducing the world around you without making the headphones hard to use. Put them on, choose Quiet mode, and the cabin rumble, office fan noise and commuter background wash drop quickly.
Sound is full and easy to enjoy. Bose's CustomTune system, adjustable EQ and Immersive Audio modes give the QC Ultra 2 more personality than the older QuietComfort line. The default tuning is rich rather than studio-neutral, which suits podcasts, pop, travel playlists and long casual listening sessions.
The comfort story is also strong. The headset is lighter than it looks, the clamping force is sensible, and the soft ear cushions make it a good long-haul choice. Battery life is solid at up to 30 hours, dropping with Immersive Audio, but not class-leading.
The reason this review stops short of a full recommendation is price. The Bose experience feels premium, but the spec sheet does not clearly separate it from Sony's latest flagship or from much cheaper sale-priced rivals. Buy it if silence and comfort are the priority; wait for a discount if value matters.
Feature breakdown
Where it wins and where the price hurts
Noise cancelling
Bose's strongest selling point remains ANC. The 2nd Gen model adds next-gen ActiveSense smoothing and keeps quiet mode simple, powerful and consistent.
Sound and immersion
CustomTune, adjustable EQ, Bose Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode add width and presence. The tuning is entertaining, though not the most neutral in the category.
Comfort and travel
Plush pads, a premium carry case and around-ear fit make these especially comfortable for flights, commuting and long work sessions.
Value warning
The feature set is excellent, but the price is the weak point. Bose makes the most sense when discounted below full Australian retail.
What works
- Excellent active noise cancelling
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Good calls and app controls
- USB-C audio and improved immersive modes
What to watch
- Expensive at full Australian retail
- Battery life is good, not class-leading
- Immersive Audio will not suit every listener
Australian pricing
Best current price we found
| Retailer | Price | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best priceMyer | $489.97 | In stock sale price | Check price |
| OptionKogan | $489 / $499 | Member / non-member with fast dispatch shown | Check price |
| OptionJB Hi-Fi | $510.00 | Sold out at listed local retail price | Check price |
| OptionBose Australia | $529.95 | Direct from Bose | Check price |
Prices were checked on 13 June 2026. Retailer prices and stock can change without notice.
Final verdict
Very good headphones, but price matters
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are very good headphones and one of the easiest recommendations for travellers who want strong silence with minimal setup. The problem is value. Unless you find a strong sale price, the premium is hard to justify over discounted Bose, Sony or Beats options.
Research basis