The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are genuinely large-looking, full-size travel headphones—and their sound can feel large too. But there is an important catch: the outside of the earcups is substantial while the usable ear openings are not especially generous for everyone. They are plush and comfortable for many listeners, yet people with larger ears should try them through a return-friendly retailer before committing.
The second-generation Ultra is best understood as a premium active-noise-cancelling headphone built around three priorities: powerful isolation, long-wear comfort, and an expansive, warm presentation. It is a strong first purchase for flights, commuting, office work, and personal listening. It is a more modest upgrade for owners of the first-generation model.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are genuinely large-looking, full-size travel headphones—and their sound can feel large too. But there is an important catch: the outside of the earcups is substantial while the usable ear openings are not especially generous for everyone. They are plush and comfortable for many listeners, yet people with larger ears should try them through a return-friendly retailer before committing.
The second-generation Ultra is best understood as a premium active-noise-cancelling headphone built around three priorities: powerful isolation, long-wear comfort, and an expansive, warm presentation. It is a strong first purchase for flights, commuting, office work, and personal listening. It is a more modest upgrade for owners of the first-generation model.
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- All-Day Comfort & Premium Design: Crafted with high-quality materials, these over-ear wireless headphones combine luxury with long-wearing comfort. The adjustable headband ensures a secure fit for all head sizes, while ultra-soft memory foam ear cups minimize pressure. Lightweight and ergonomic, they're ideal for work, travel, or leisure—keeping you comfortable even during extended use
- Unbeatable 120-Hour Battery Life: Enjoy up to 120 hours of playtime in standard mode at moderate volume. A quick 5-minute charge provides 4 extra hours—perfect for emergencies. Whether binge-watching, commuting, or working, these headphones/earbuds deliver uninterrupted performance without frequent recharging
- Bluetooth 6.0 & Seamless Connectivity: Advanced Bluetooth 6.0 ensures stable, high-speed pairing with smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Experience crisp audio streaming, low latency, and reliable connectivity for calls, music, or movies. The auto-connect feature allows hassle-free use anytime, anywhere
- Advanced Active Noise Cancellation: Immerse yourself in pure sound with next-generation ANC, eliminating up to 95% of ambient noise. Dual-microphone hybrid ANC detects and neutralizes external sounds across a wide frequency range 20Hz-20kHz, creating a distraction-free environment whether you're traveling or working
- Powerful Bass & Crystal-Clear Calls: Precision-tuned drivers deliver deep, punchy bass for an immersive listening experience. The built-in high-sensitivity microphone, enhanced by wind resistance and AI clarity, ensures professional-grade call quality—perfect for music lovers and busy professionals alike
How big are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2?
They are large by modern wireless-headphone standards, although published measurements vary slightly depending on how each publication measured the folded or extended chassis. Tom’s Guide lists approximately 7.68 x 5.47 x 2 inches and a weight of 0.58 pounds, while SoundGuys reports 200 x 159 x 60 mm. Pack Hacker measures roughly 20.5 x 16 x 4.5 cm and 0.583 pounds. Those figures are close enough to establish the practical point: this is a substantial over-ear headphone, not a compact on-ear model.
That size is noticeable when worn and matters in a travel bag. The Ultra 2 folds into its supplied protective case, which makes it much easier to carry on a flight or commute, but the case still takes more space than a pair of earbuds or compact headphones. Tom’s Guide’s review also highlights the hard-case footprint as part of the portability trade-off. In other words, the headphones are travel-friendly because they fold and come with protection—not because they disappear into a small pocket.
“Huge” means three different things here
| What “large” means | How the QC Ultra 2 performs |
|---|---|
| Large-looking on the head | Yes. The full-size, padded chassis has a noticeable presence. |
| Large in external dimensions | Yes. The weight and folded-case footprint are typical of a substantial travel headphone. |
| Large inside the earcups | Not universally. The openings can feel cramped or sit partly on the ears for some larger-eared users. |
The third category is the one that can make or break the purchase. WIRED describes the earcups as being on the small side, and Consumer Reports similarly warns that larger ears may not fit fully inside the pads. If the cushion rests on the outer ear instead of surrounding it, long-session comfort can suffer—and the imperfect seal can also affect bass response and noise cancellation.
Do not infer internal ear clearance from the impressive exterior dimensions. If your ears regularly touch the inside of standard over-ear headphone pads, measure against a headphone you already find comfortable or arrange an easy return. “Over-ear” describes the product category; it does not guarantee that every listener’s ears will fit completely inside these particular cushions.
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For listeners who fit the pads properly, the Ultra 2 has the ingredients expected of a long-haul headphone: plush cushions, a padded headband, and a relatively light feel for a full-size ANC design. Tom’s Guide reports hours-long comfort, Pack Hacker notes the plush removable cushions and stable fit, and What Hi-Fi? calls it one of the more comfortable wireless over-ear headphones it has encountered.
The headband applies enough pressure to keep the headphones stable without making the fit feel excessively tight for many users. The cushions also help create the passive seal needed for ANC. However, comfort depends on more than headband pressure. Ear shape, ear height, glasses, and whether the pads fully surround the ears all matter.
The practical verdict is therefore conditional rather than universal:
- Small-to-average ears: the Ultra 2 is likely to deliver the comfortable, padded fit Bose is aiming for.
- Larger ears: test the fit carefully. The pads may feel shallow or rest on the outer ear.
- Glasses wearers: expect the frame arms to affect the seal and potentially the sound. RTINGS found that fit, glasses, and head size can contribute to listener-to-listener variation.
- Long flights: the low apparent weight and strong isolation are valuable, but the ear-opening issue should be resolved before travel day.
The sound is expansive, warm, and bass-forward
The default tuning is not neutral. The QC Ultra 2 emphasizes warmth and bass, with vocals remaining reasonably clear but the low end taking much of the attention. Tom’s Guide describes the bass as plentiful and rich, while also finding that it can become somewhat one-note and that the headphone does not reveal detail or dynamics as convincingly as the strongest-sounding competitors.
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The Bose Music app includes an equalizer, and adding some treble is a sensible starting point if the factory tuning sounds too dark or thick. EQ cannot turn the Ultra 2 into a different headphone, but it can add clarity and reduce some of the sense that the bass dominates the mix.
RTINGS also found the second-generation model warmer in the treble than both the first-generation Ultra and the standard QuietComfort headphones. Its testing emphasizes that frequency-response consistency can vary with a listener’s anatomy and fit. Bose’s CustomTune system is designed to compensate for those differences, but it does not eliminate the basic reality that a seal, glasses, head size, and ear shape influence what each person hears.
Rank #2
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in trains or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
Why the sound can feel “huge”
The strongest argument for the word “huge” is the sense of space. The Ultra 2 can make music and especially video feel separated from the room around you. TechRadar describes a large, well-defined soundstage, and What Hi-Fi? reports that Cinema mode can spread dialogue and mid- and upper-range effects into a wider field.
Bose’s immersive modes are not automatically better for every song. Tom’s Guide found that music-focused immersive modes could make some tracks thinner while reducing bass and detail. Cinema mode is the more convincing use case: dialogue and effects can appear to come from a broader area than the standard stereo presentation, which is useful for movies and television.
For music, the standard mode is the safer default. Use immersive processing when you specifically want a roomier, more separated presentation, then switch it off if vocals become less natural or the low end loses impact. The “huge” effect is therefore best described as expansive rather than universally more accurate.
Noise cancellation is the main reason to buy them
Noise cancellation is the QC Ultra 2’s clearest strength. RTINGS reports superb isolation against street noise and airplane-cabin rumble. What Hi-Fi? says the Bose still just about prevails for outright sound-blocking intensity in Quiet mode, even as Sony has narrowed the gap. Tom’s Guide calls the ANC benchmark-level and praises the transparency mode for sounding natural.
That combination makes the Ultra 2 particularly attractive on aircraft, trains, buses, and busy office floors. It reduces the need to raise the music as much, and the padded fit helps keep the outside world at a distance even before electronic cancellation is applied.
Bose provides several listening modes:
- Quiet: the high-isolation mode for travel and other noisy environments.
- Aware: transparency mode, which allows more outside sound through for conversations and situational awareness.
- Custom modes: configurable combinations of noise cancellation and other listening preferences.
- ActiveSense: can increase noise reduction when sudden loud sounds are detected.
ActiveSense is useful around changing public noise, but it is not a safety system. You should still pay attention around traffic, bicycles, machinery, platforms, and other hazards. Transparency mode also does not make outdoor listening safe in every circumstance.
Battery life is better, but not class-leading
Bose rates the second-generation Ultra for up to 30 hours of battery life, six hours more than the first-generation model. Bose also advertises a 15-minute quick charge for up to three hours of playback. That is enough to make the QC Ultra 2 a much less anxious travel companion than the original, although Tom’s Guide notes that 30 hours is closer to competing flagship headphones than decisively ahead of them.
Real-world endurance will vary with volume, ANC mode, immersive audio, Bluetooth behavior, and other settings. Treat the rated figure as a maximum under Bose’s stated conditions rather than a guaranteed result on every trip.
USB-C audio is the most meaningful functional upgrade
The second generation adds USB-C audio, not merely USB-C charging. Bose says compatible source files can be received through USB-C at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The headphones can also continue playing while connected to an external power source, according to Bose’s user guide.
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That makes USB-C useful in situations where Bluetooth is inconvenient or unavailable, such as listening from a compatible computer, tablet, or entertainment setup. It also means a depleted battery does not necessarily end the listening session if a suitable USB-C source and cable are available.
The box includes a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, a 3.5 mm-to-2.5 mm audio cable, and a carrying case. The inclusion of both wired options gives the Ultra 2 more flexibility for travel, although airline seatback systems may still require a separate wireless audio adapter or the appropriate physical connection for that aircraft.
Rank #3
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends.(USB Type-C Cable included)
- HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App.
- LIGHT & COMFORTABLE: The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint
The Ultra 2 uses Bluetooth Core 5.4 and supports multipoint connectivity, allowing two source devices to remain connected. That is useful for someone who listens from a laptop while keeping a phone available for calls. It is a quality-of-life improvement rather than a reason to expect better sound solely because the Bluetooth version number is newer.
As with any multipoint implementation, switching behavior can depend on the two connected devices and the apps playing audio. The important practical benefit is that you do not have to disconnect from one device every time you move between a computer and a phone.
The controls are partly excellent and partly frustrating
Physical buttons handle power and noise-control functions, which is reassuring when you are wearing gloves or trying to change modes without looking. The capacitive volume strip is less universally successful. Tom’s Guide found it imprecise, though that is a reviewer experience rather than evidence that every unit behaves badly.
A volume gesture can be convenient when it works, but physical controls are generally easier to operate consistently in a dark airplane cabin or while walking. Prospective buyers who dislike touch-sensitive controls should try the headphones before purchase, or at least make sure the retailer’s return policy is clear.
What changed from the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra?
Bose announced the second-generation model on September 10, 2025. The overall design remains close to the original, so this is an iterative update rather than a visual redesign. The major changes are:
| Change | What it means |
|---|---|
| Battery rated up to 30 hours | Six additional rated hours over the first generation, making long trips easier to manage. |
| USB-C audio | Compatible devices can send audio over USB-C at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz. |
| Bluetooth Core 5.4 | Updated wireless connectivity with multipoint for two source devices. |
| Revised immersive audio, including Cinema mode | A more film-oriented reason to use spatial processing. |
| Mostly retained physical design | Do not buy it expecting a dramatic change in appearance, fit, or basic ANC character. |
For a first-generation owner, the upgrade is easiest to justify if USB-C audio, the extra battery life, multipoint behavior, or Cinema mode solves a specific problem. If the original already fits well and its battery remains adequate, the second generation does not appear to reinvent the core experience. Tom’s Guide characterizes the update as iterative, while RTINGS identifies the longer battery, USB-C audio, and Cinema mode as the principal differentiators.
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Bose lists a U.S. price of $449 for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), although retailer pricing can change considerably with color selection and promotions. That price should be treated as a list-price reference, not a permanent street price. The package includes:
- QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Protective carrying case
- USB-C-to-USB-C cable
- 3.5 mm-to-2.5 mm audio cable
The official announcement and Bose product documentation cover the model’s launch price, included accessories, USB-C audio, and charging behavior. Check the current price before buying because Bose and retailers may run promotions or vary prices by color.
Who should buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) make the most sense for a first-time buyer who wants a premium ANC headphone for frequent travel, commuting, office work, or extended listening. They are particularly compelling if your priorities are:
- Very strong cancellation of aircraft and street noise
- A comfortable, padded fit for your ear size
- A warm, bass-forward sound rather than strict neutrality
- USB-C audio and the ability to listen while charging
- Multipoint connectivity between a phone and another source
- A foldable design and protective case for travel
- A wider-feeling presentation for films and selected music
They are a weaker choice if you need exceptionally large ear openings, want the most neutral or revealing factory tuning, strongly dislike capacitive controls, or need the smallest possible travel kit. They are also not an obvious upgrade for every first-generation owner.
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Final verdict: large outside, spacious in sound, conditional inside
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earns the “huge” description in two reliable ways: its full-size chassis takes up real space, and its presentation can make music and movies feel unusually expansive. Its ANC is the more important achievement, ranking among the strongest available in premium wireless headphones according to independent testing and reviews.
Rank #4
- Powerful Noise Cancelling Technology: KVIDIO Active noise cancelling headphones block out up to 95% of ambient noise. It could be a lifesaver from TV, podcasts, and traffic noise while studying or working from home, so you concentrate on what’s important to you
- 70 Hours Playtime with Quick Charging: Up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise cancellation mode,or extend to an enormous 70 hours in standard music mode. This Bluetooth headphone supports fast charge, a quick 5 minutes charge offers 4 hours playtime when you’re in a hurry. No worries about dead battery during long trips. Or just plug in the included audio cable for even longer use in wired mode
- Advanced DSP and Hi-Fi stero sound: Adopted digital signal process technology, KVIDIO wirelesss headphones deliver a clearer voice quality for your phone conference or conversations. Make working from home more tolerable and talking with loved ones more adorable
- Transparency Mode and Ultimate Comfort Design: With active transparency mode, better hear the traffic or talk to peopel. Soft earpads easily wrap around your ears, music in, noise out
- Customer Support: The package includes a Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphone, 3.5mm backup audio cable, USB C charging cable, and User Manual. Please feel free to contact us for any inquires
But the headline needs a correction before it becomes buying advice. The headphones are not automatically huge where it matters most—the ear openings. Larger-eared listeners may find the cushions cramped or partly on-ear, which can undermine both comfort and isolation. Try them before a non-returnable purchase.
For first-time buyers: they are a strong premium ANC option if the pads fit and you like warm, bass-forward sound.
For first-generation owners: upgrade for the 30-hour battery, USB-C audio, updated connectivity, or Cinema mode—not for a radically different design or a wholesale transformation in ANC.
For larger-eared listeners: fit is the deciding factor. The outside may look huge, but only an actual fitting can tell you whether the inside is large enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) physically large?
Yes, externally. Published measurements put them at roughly 200 x 159 x 60 mm and about 0.58 pounds, depending on measurement method. They fold into a supplied case, but the headphones and case take more bag space than earbuds or compact on-ear models. Internally, however, the ear openings are not especially large for everyone.
How long does the Bose QC Ultra 2 battery last?
They are rated for up to 30 hours, which is six hours longer than the first-generation model. Bose also says a 15-minute quick charge can provide up to three hours of playback. Actual battery life varies with volume and features such as immersive audio and ANC.
Can the Bose QC Ultra 2 play audio over USB-C while charging?
The second-generation model adds USB-C audio. Bose says compatible source files can be received at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, and the headphones can continue playing while connected to an external power source.
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Should first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra owners upgrade?
The main reasons are the longer 30-hour battery rating, USB-C audio, Bluetooth Core 5.4 with multipoint, and revised immersive audio including Cinema mode. The external design and fundamental ANC experience remain broadly familiar, so the upgrade is less compelling if the first generation already meets your needs.
Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 good for people with large ears?
Not necessarily. Bose’s design is physically large, but reviews from WIRED and Consumer Reports indicate that the pads can feel cramped or sit partly on the ears for some larger-eared users. A return-friendly retailer or in-person fitting is the safest approach.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are large, comfortable-for-many travel headphones with outstanding ANC, a warm and expansive sound, 30-hour rated battery life, USB-C audio, and multipoint. Their main risk is fit: the external chassis is big, but the ear openings may be too snug for some larger ears.
