Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 get a release date — here's everything new with the kings of ANC

(Image credit: Bose)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have long topped our list of the best noise-canceling headphones. Not one to rest on its laurels, Bose has just announced an upgraded version, creatively called the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2. And they're available to preorder right now.

They pack a whole bunch of upgrades and new features into a recognizable design. You'll be able to buy them in some lovely new colors, and Bose says the noise canceling is even better than the first model. Ambitious, given how good the first gen were at keeping out unwanted sounds.

So what's new with the update to one of the best headphones around?

A vastly improved specs list

One of my biggest complaints with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones was their battery life. The old model only features 24 hours of staying power — not enough when compared to the competition. Now, the Gen 2 will last for 30 hours. That's the same as the latest Sony cans, the WH-1000XM6, and more than the AirPods Max. You can also finally turn ANC off, a first for the Ultra line, and extend the battery to a remarkable 45 hours. That's more ANC off time than the Sonys — very nice, Bose.

There are the requisite updates to the ANC, which Bose has improved with some help from 10 mics and an updated version of its "ActiveSense" ANC engine. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 blocked out even more noise than their predecessor with similar updates.

There's Bose's new Cinema Mode, which looks to make movies more immersive when you're wearing the headphones. The idea is to make dialogue nice and crisp while enhancing the soundstage.

You'll also be able to plug the headphones in over USB-C for hi-res lossless audio playback. Finally, the headphones will adjust their sound according to the shape of your inner ear to ensure they sound their best.

A recognizable design

Much like the second generation of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the Headphones feature a design that looks eerily similar to the first model. That means metal armatures to hold the earcups in place, and the lovely plush foam that made the previous model so comfortable to wear.

They're available for preorder at Bose.com now in four different colors: Black, White Smoke, Midnight Violet and Driftwood Sand. I can't wait to see how all these updates and upgrades work when I get them in my hands — they'll be shipping out on October 2.

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Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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