Bose sells two over-ear noise cancelling headphones, and they are easy to mix up. The QuietComfort Headphones are the mainstream model. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the flagship, at $90 more. Both were refreshed recently: the QC Ultra (2nd Gen) arrived in October 2025, and the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) followed in August 2026.
I own and use the original 2023 QuietComfort Headphones, which Bose still sells at a steep discount. This comparison covers the two current models, then explains where the older QC fits.
The short answer: for most people, the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) is the better buy. Its noise cancelling is now close to the Ultra’s, it gained Bose’s Immersive Audio and lossless USB-C listening, and it costs less. Pay extra for the QC Ultra (2nd Gen) if you want the longest battery life, aptX Adaptive on an Android phone, better call quality, or the more premium build.
QuietComfort (2nd Gen) vs. QC Ultra (2nd Gen) specs
| Spec | QuietComfort (2nd Gen) | QC Ultra (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $359 | $449 |
| Released | August 2026 | October 2025 |
| Battery, ANC on (rated) | 24 hours | 30 hours |
| Quick charge | 15 min for 2.5 hours | 15 min for 2.5 hours |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Wired listening | Lossless USB-C; 3.5 mm via adapter | Lossless USB-C; 3.5 mm |
| Immersive Audio | Still, Motion, Cinema | Still, Motion, Cinema |
| Microphones | 6 | 10 |
| Auto sleep and wake | Not advertised | Yes |
| Weight | 230 g | 250 g |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Best for Most People
Near-flagship noise cancelling, Immersive Audio, and lossless USB-C listening for less.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Best Battery and Features
Bose's flagship, with 30-hour battery life, aptX Adaptive, better mics, and a premium build.
Noise Cancelling: Closer Than Ever
The Ultra used to justify its price with clearly stronger noise cancelling. That gap has nearly closed. In SoundGuys’ measurements, the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) cut 85.1% of outside noise compared with 87% for the QC Ultra (2nd Gen). RTINGS described the cheaper model’s noise isolation as on par with the Ultra.
Both block the low rumble of planes, trains, and air conditioning very well, and both take a meaningful bite out of voices and office chatter. If noise cancelling is your main reason for buying, you no longer need the Ultra to get it.
My 2023 QuietComfort Headphones are mostly my travel headphones, and on flights the engine drone all but disappears. They stay comfortable through long-haul flights, and the battery gets me through a full travel day without recharging. The 2nd Gen models build on that same foundation.
Battery Life
This is the Ultra’s clearest advantage. Bose rates it at 30 hours with noise cancelling on, compared with 24 hours for the QuietComfort. Independent tests vary, but in RTINGS’ testing the Ultra lasted about 37 hours against roughly 27 for the QuietComfort. Both get about 2.5 hours from a 15-minute charge.
Either is enough for a long-haul flight. The Ultra means charging less often.
Sound Quality
Both sound excellent, with slightly different tuning. Reviewers describe the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) as warm and accurate, while the Ultra leans a little more toward bass. Neither is clearly better. Both offer an EQ in the Bose app to adjust it.
Bose’s Immersive Audio, its spatial audio mode, used to be an Ultra exclusive. The QuietComfort (2nd Gen) now has the same Still, Motion, and Cinema modes. Using Immersive Audio shortens battery life on both.
Codecs and Wired Listening
If you use an iPhone, codecs make little difference: iPhones use AAC, which both support. On compatible Android phones, the Ultra adds aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for higher-quality wireless audio.
Both now play lossless audio over USB-C, which is useful with a laptop or a phone that supports wired USB audio. The Ultra also has a standard 3.5 mm jack. The QuietComfort includes a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter for airplane entertainment systems.
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Calls and Microphones
The Ultra uses 10 microphones against the QuietComfort’s 6, and testers consistently rate its call quality higher. SoundGuys found the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) struggled in wind. If you take a lot of calls outdoors or on the move, that is a real reason to choose the Ultra.
Comfort and Design
Both are among the most comfortable over-ear headphones you can buy, with soft cushions and a light clamp. The QuietComfort is a little lighter at 230 grams against the Ultra’s 250 grams. Both fold into a carrying case.
The Ultra feels more premium, with polished metal yokes. It also turns itself on when you put it on and drops into standby when you set it down flat, which saves battery if you forget to switch it off.
Where the Original 2023 QuietComfort Fits
The first-generation QuietComfort Headphones, which I own and we reviewed, are still widely sold, often for $230 to $250 and occasionally less during sales. They have the same 24-hour rated battery and very good noise cancelling. They do not have Immersive Audio or USB-C audio, and they support only SBC and AAC.
If you want Bose noise cancelling for the least money, the 2023 model at a discount is a strong value. If you are paying close to full price, get the 2nd Gen.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
Best Budget Bose
Bose's previous QuietComfort, often heavily discounted, with excellent noise cancelling.
Which Should You Buy?
- Buy the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) if you want Bose’s noise cancelling, comfort, and Immersive Audio for less, and you mostly use an iPhone or listen at home and while traveling.
- Buy the QC Ultra (2nd Gen) if you want the longest battery life, aptX Adaptive on Android, the best call quality, or the more premium build, and the $90 difference is not a concern.
- Buy the 2023 QuietComfort if it is on sale and you do not need spatial audio or USB-C listening.
For more options, including Sony and Apple, see our guide to the best noise cancelling headphones.