2026

Bose updates the iconic QuietComfort Headphones

Acclaimed noise cancellation, legendary comfort, and immersive audio wrapped in a new industrial design with three limited-edition colorways


August 6, 2026 – Today, Bose announced the next generation of its iconic noise cancelling headphones, the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). Introducing a refreshed industrial design that brings a modern new look to one of the brand's most recognizable products, the headphones pair legendary noise cancellation and renowned comfort with proprietary Bose technologies for a more immersive listening experience.

The new QC Headphones will open for preorder beginning August 8 on Bose.com and through select resellers for $359, and will start shipping on August 13. Available in Black, White Smoke, or three new limited-edition colors: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Rosewood Mauve.

Immersive listening, elevated

New to the QuietComfort Headphones is the addition of Bose TrueSpatial Technology, enabling three Bose Immersive Audio listening modes previously exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra series: Still, Motion, and Cinema.

Bose Immersive Audio delivers a virtualized stereo sound listening experience from any audio source, placing the listener directly in the “sweet spot” as if they were listening to a 2.0 out-loud system. Still Mode keeps audio in place in the room, even as the listener’s head moves from left to right. Motion Mode lets the audio follow along with the movement of the listener’s head, and is best for staying immersed when listening on the go. Cinema Mode spatializes and balances background sound and other audio effects to deliver a theater-like experience when watching video content or listening to podcasts, widening the soundstage and keeping dialogue crisp, clear, and centered.

The new QuietComfort Headphones also retain Bose’s high-quality sound and proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing while introducing lossless playback with wired USB-C audio up to 24 bit/48 kHz.

The latest in legendary quiet

Featuring Bose’s world-renowned noise cancellation technology, now called QuietControl, the new QuietComfort Headphones have several refinements over the first-generation model in its active noise cancellation performance.

Listeners who wear glasses — or those who historically struggle achieving a perfect seal with earcups due to hair or wearing a hat — will experience a noticeable improvement in noise cancellation performance thanks to new adaptive feedforward controls. The headphones’ six-microphone system now better compensates for gaps in the earcup seal, helping maintain effective noise cancellation even when fit conditions aren’t perfect.

In addition, the new QuietComfort Headphones feature an improved ActiveSense response when in Aware Mode, engaging the right amount of noise cancellation in a smoother and more natural sounding way to soften sudden spikes of noise, like a passing train. For a more traditional listening experience, noise cancellation can be manually adjusted, or turned off completely, in the Bose app. Custom Modes can also be created to find the right individual balance between noise cancelling and acoustic transparency and can be quickly cycled to via the action button on the headphones’ left earcup.

Refined design for comfort and style

The new QuietComfort Headphones have an updated headband design featuring smooth, adjustable sliders and even more plush, soft synthetic leather cushioning that gently rests on the head for a contoured silhouette. Clamping force has been optimized to provide a secure fit and lightweight feel, and new oval-shaped earcups add to the effect of creating a more seamless profile and modern look.

Hidden pops of color inside the earcups introduce a fresh two-tone design that complements the headphones' modern aesthetic. Launching with three limited-edition colorways, QuietComfort Headphones become an even bolder expression of personal style.  

Eucalyptus Green is calm and nature inspired with a joyful shade of yellow inside, designed to complement modern color trends in both men’s and women’s fashion. Dewdrop Mint, a nostalgic 90s throwback reminiscent of poolside mint ice cream, is energizing yet refreshing at the same time with an added accent of teal earcups. Rosewood Mauve is a rich bloom of “Munstead Wood” English roses, as a deep mauve is paired with a vibrant fuchsia pink for a lush, expressive aesthetic.

Controls, connectivity, and convenience

The headphones have physical buttons that are placed conveniently on the earcups for easy access and feel, enabling the listener to make adjustments without needing to take out their phone or device each time. Buttons on the right earcup provide primary controls like play/pause, volume, call answer/hangup, and more; the left earcup has a dedicated button to adjust the listening mode and activate shortcuts to the source device’s voice assistant or Spotify Tap.

Bluetooth® Core 5.4 with multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between two connected devices, making it easy to move between music, calls, and more. Android users can also take advantage of Google Fast Pair for simplified setup.

Additional flexibility comes through expanded USB-C functionality. Two-way USB-C audio enables high-quality listening as well as clear voice input for calls and videoconferencing apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. A USB-C to 3.5 mm cable is also included for compatibility with analog sources, including in-flight entertainment systems.

Battery life is designed to keep up with the day, offering up to 24 hours of listening time (18 hours with Immersive Audio), with the ability to charge while wearing, so audio doesn’t have to stop when the battery runs low. If it does, a 15-minute quick-charge yields up to 2.5 hours of playback.

Through the Bose app, users can further tailor their experience with an adjustable three-band EQ, custom listening modes and shortcut function configuration, while accessing Bluetooth device management, firmware updates, and more.

About Bose Corporation

Bose Corporation is a global leader in audio innovation, driven by a singular belief: sound has the power to transform the way people connect with the world. For more than 60 years, Bose has combined pioneering research, engineering excellence, and a deep understanding of human perception to create products and technologies that deliver extraordinary experiences. Through its portfolio of iconic brands, including Bose, McIntosh, and Sonus faber, the company offers premium and luxury audio solutions for the home, on the go, and in the car. Bose also collaborates with leading companies across industries, extending its audio expertise and technologies into new products, platforms, and applications beyond its own brands.

Guided by a relentless spirit of innovation and a passion for what sound makes possible, Bose continues to advance the science and art of sound while expanding its impact on everyday life. From music and entertainment to communication, wellness, and emerging applications, Bose is creating new ways for people around the world to feel more connected, inspired, and engaged through the power of sound.

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