Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 adds USB-C wired audio and stronger ANC

Bose has unveiled a second generation of its QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones, promising stronger noise cancellation, wired lossless playback and longer battery life while retaining the shape and comfort of the original model. The company announced the new QuietComfort Ultra 2 at IFA 2025 and said the headphones will be offered through Bose.com and retail partners at a suggested price of $449.

Bose said the 2nd generation brings a suite of upgrades aimed at everyday use. The company highlighted an updated ActiveSense algorithm that it says smooths and speeds adaptive noise cancellation, improved on-head detection that automatically powers and pairs the headphones when worn, and a new lay-flat standby that shuts off Bluetooth and preserves battery when the headset is set down. Bose also added the ability to fully disable active noise cancellation and introduced a Cinema Mode that expands the spatial audio experience and emphasizes dialogue for movies, television, podcasts and audiobooks.

A significant technical addition is wired USBC audio support. Bose said the headphones can accept lossless audio at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz when connected by cable, and can be used in...