Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): What Hi-Fi? praises ANC, wants more drive

What Hi-Fi?’s October 21, 2026 review praises the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) for strong noise cancellation and smooth, balanced sound. Its reservation is that similarly priced rivals deliver more rhythmic drive and subtler dynamic expression. The standard over-ear model—not the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)—was announced on August 6 and began shipping in the US on August 13.

Foldable comfort, with effective ANC through glasses

The review lists a weight of 230g and praises the compact folding design. Its team found the roomy earcups comfortable and secure without excessive pressure, while glasses-wearing reviewers reported that noise cancellation remained highly effective.

Bose attributes improved compensation for gaps in the earcup seal to adaptive feedforward controls and a six-microphone system. That is the manufacturer’s technical explanation, separate from the review team’s observations about fit and ANC.

Quiet mode applies full noise cancellation. Aware lets surrounding sound in, with ActiveSense softening sudden noise spikes; it is not the same as switching ANC off. Noise cancellation can be disabled separately in the Bose app.

24 hours—or 18 with Immersive Audio

Bose quotes up to 24 hours of playback with ANC enabled, falling to 18 hours with Immersive Audio. These are manufacturer ratings based on laboratory playback at 75dB SPL, and actual runtime varies with settings and use. A full charge takes three hours.

The Still, Motion and Cinema modes virtualize ordinary audio sources. What Hi-Fi? found that Still added depth but also a processed quality, while Motion’s slightly delayed response to head movement became distracting. The reviewers ultimately preferred Immersive Audio off for music—a listening preference, not a reason every listener must leave it disabled.

Lossless listening needs the USB-C connection

With a compatible USB-C source, the wired connection accepts lossless input up to 24-bit/48kHz and carries audio both ways for listening and calls. That capability does not extend to Bluetooth: the review lists Bluetooth 5.4 with AAC and SBC, without aptX HD or aptX Adaptive.

Multipoint lets you switch between two connected Bluetooth devices, rather than mix their audio streams. Physical buttons handle playback and calls, while the Bose app provides three-band EQ and custom listening modes. For analog sources, the included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable connects through the headphones’ USB-C port; there is no separate 3.5mm socket on the headphones.

Bose’s official US price is $359. If wired listening and PC calls are part of your plan, check USB-C audio compatibility on the source device before choosing that setup.