Earbuds comparison: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) sound performance vs. others

Good noise cancelling earbuds are expected to do many things at once. They need to sound full, minimize distractions, fit comfortably for hours, and stay reliable when switching between work, travel, or downtime. Yet even among top-tier models, few maintain balance across all those experiences. That’s what makes this earbuds comparison worth exploring. For decades, Bose has refined how sound should feel: clear, balanced, and effortless. The new QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) build on that legacy with smarter noise cancelling, more natural sound, and everyday usability designed around real listeners. In a category crowded with impressive claims, this comparison shows how Bose continues to define premium sound and performance.

Man wearing Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).

Sound performance — personalized, balanced, and spacious

Sound quality is about control, not just volume or bass. Many earbuds boost certain frequencies to stand out, but that can distort details. Bose takes a different approach. CustomTune technology adapts the sound each time you wear the earbuds, measuring your ears’ unique shape and automatically adjusting playback for balance. Vocals stay natural and instruments feel distinct. 

With Bose Immersive Audio, you get a wider soundstage beyond your head. It’s subtle but noticeable: the space between instruments, the room around voices, and the depth that helps long sessions feel less confined.

Cinema Mode — a new benchmark for earbuds

Most earbuds can deliver great audio, but few make movies or shows sound this immersive. Cinema Mode, powered by Bose TrueSpatial processing, transforms regular stereo into a three-dimensional space. It works with any video app, no special formats required. Dialogue stays clear and centered, while background effects stretch naturally around it. The result feels like sitting closer to the action, even while listening through earbuds.

 

It’s a feature that fits modern habits like watching on flights, streaming on tablets, or catching a show before bed. Cinema Mode highlights how Bose extends spatial accuracy beyond music, bringing theater-like depth to everyday viewing and listening. 

 

Learn more about Cinema Mode and how to use it.

Smartphone displaying the Bose app for the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen).

Noise control — adaptive quiet that outsmarts distractions

Noise cancellation is one of the clearest ways to differentiate earbuds. Many models use preset modes that can feel uneven as environments change. Bose designed ActiveSense adaptive noise cancellation to respond in real time. It constantly measures your surroundings and adjusts smoothly, keeping the sound steady without the “pressure” effect some listeners feel.

 

In Quiet Mode, background noise fades and music comes through with focus. Switch to Aware Mode, and the earbuds let in your environment naturally, perfect for conversations or commutes. You stay aware without losing balance or detail. 

Man wearing Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) outside.

Fit and stability — engineered for comfort, style, and consistent sound

Comfort starts with how in-ear earbuds sit the moment you put them in. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) use soft materials that rest easily in the ear, preventing pressure buildup while preserving tonal balance. They’re available in colorways like Midnight Violet, Deep Plum, Desert Gold, White Smoke, or Black, giving you options that feel polished enough for everyday wear and expressive enough to match your personal style.

 

With three sizes of eartips and stability bands, you can mix and match to find the combination that feels right for you with the Bose Fit Kit. That seal is what keeps CustomTune and ActiveSense performing consistently, holding the acoustic space around your ear in place so your sound stays balanced from track to track.

 

When the fit doesn’t shift, the tuning doesn’t either. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they handle light rain or workouts easily, maintaining performance across every setting. Bose treats comfort as part of acoustic precision, ensuring what you hear stays as intended from the first note to the last.

Everyday use — effortless switching between devices and crisp call quality

Good earbuds should work with your routine. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) can switch seamlessly between up to two devices with Bluetooth® multipoint connectivity, so you can shift from a laptop meeting to a phone call without manual pairing.

 

Calls sound clear thanks to sophisticated microphone systems and digital signal processing, which filters background noise and isolates your voice for sharper transmission. It’s especially noticeable outdoors or in busy spaces, where many earbuds struggle to hold clarity. Touch controls respond quickly, and the Bose app makes adjustments to EQ or ANC simple. The goal is a sound that adapts smoothly, without adding steps or distractions to your day.

 

Learn more about personalization in our story: How to control Bose wireless earbuds.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) in their charging case.

Make the switch to the proven sound of Bose

Consistency defines great sound. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) maintain clarity and depth wherever you use them. Music stays detailed on a commute, voices stay natural on calls, and quiet moments stay focused when you need them to. Each feature works toward one result: dependable performance that keeps sound balanced and real.

 

Explore the full Earbuds collection to experience how Bose continues to set the standard for premium listening.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) in Deep Plum.

FAQs

Are QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) worth the upgrade?

Yes. They deliver clearer calls, smarter adaptive noise cancellation, and improved fit refinement compared to earlier models. The sound is tuned in real time through CustomTune, giving you balanced audio that stays consistent wherever you listen.

How do QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) stay comfortable during long wear?

The Bose Fit Kit includes multiple eartips and stability band sizes made from soft dual-density silicone. This design keeps the seal secure without pressure, helping maintain clear sound and noise canceling through hours of listening.

Do QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) sound good across different music styles?

They do. CustomTune automatically adjusts tonal balance to your ears, so acoustic tracks, podcasts, and bass-heavy mixes all sound natural and detailed. The result is rich, even playback across every genre.

What makes Bose noise cancellation stand out among brands?

ActiveSense technology adaptive noise control constantly listens to your surroundings in Aware Mode and adjusts smoothly to block distractions while keeping audio clear. You get a quiet background without losing the natural depth of your music or voice.