NGXP Tech

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review: Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Travel & Everyday Use

by Prakash Dhanasekaran

If your days feel louder than they should—traffic, people talking over each other, office chaos— these earbuds are built to give you a little peace without losing sound quality. And they’re among the strongest noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy right now.

–−   Looking for a quick link? Here’s the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) on Amazon.

1. Introduction

Busy streets, packed trains, never-ending flight noise—most of us deal with sound we didn’t ask for. That’s exactly why the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) also referred to simply as the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds caught our attention. They promise real silence in real-world noise, not just on a product page.

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we test every product based on long-term durability, real-world performance, and actual value for money. Our goal is simple: help you choose the best product for your needs—whether you care about budget, performance, reliability, or everyday usability. For readers who commute, travel, take calls outdoors, or just want quiet moments in a busy home, our recommendations come from hands-on evaluations, component checks, and hard data—not guesswork.

Reviews matter because noise-cancelling earbuds behave differently depending on where you use them. Marketing claims don’t tell you how they handle subway rumble, airplane drones, wind hitting the mics, or crying kids in the next room. That’s where real testing shows the truth.

This review breaks down what these earbuds actually do well, where they struggle, and whether they’re worth the money for your daily routine. And if you’re searching for the best noise- cancelling earbuds for flights, ANC earbuds for commuting, or spatial audio earbuds for music and movies, you’ll find clear answers here.

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Quick Glance

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver some of the strongest noise cancelling you’ll get in 2025. They shine on flights, commutes, and windy outdoor calls, and the new Immersive Audio mode makes music and movies feel more open and spacious. Battery life is solid, the fit stays secure, and call clarity is far better than most earbuds in this price range. If you want noise-cancelling earbuds for travel, ANC earbuds for airplanes, or just a quiet pocket during your day, these are an easy pick.

–−   Check the latest price of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) on Amazon

2.   Who These Earbuds Are Really For

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are made for people who deal with noise they can’t control, including:

  • Commuters on buses, subways, and noisy trains
  • Frequent flyers who want to silence engine noise
  • Remote workers who need reliable earbuds for remote work in cafés or loud open offices
  • Parents who need short pockets of quiet during busy days
  • Anyone who spends a lot of time on outdoor calls and wants the best earbuds for outdoor calls without wind noise cutting in
  • People who love over-ear ANC headphones but want something smaller that still kills background noise

If your routine involves moving through loud spaces but you still care about full, lively sound, these earbuds fit that lifestyle perfectly. They’re built for people who want silence when they need it, great audio when they want it, and comfort that lasts through long days.

3. Technical Specifications at a Glance

Feature What You Actually Get
Noise Cancellation Quiet Mode, Aware Mode with ActiveSense, Immersion

Mode

Audio Tech Bose CustomTune Technology, Immersive Audio with head- tracked spatial audio
Battery (earbuds) Up to 6 hours of normal use, 4 hours with Immersive Audio

on

Battery (with case) Up to 24 hours total
Charging USB-C + wireless charging case compatible
Water Resistance IPX4 water-resistant earbuds
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3, Bluetooth multipoint, Snapdragon Sound,

AptX Adaptive

Fit Options 9 combinations of umbrella-shaped eartips + secure fit stability bands
Microphones SpeechClarity microphones – excellent for windy calls
Controls Touch controls earbuds + full customization in the app
Colors Black, White Smoke, Moonstone Blue
Price Usually $299, now $249.

4. Why We Bothered Writing This Review

Every week, a new pair of wireless noise-cancelling earbuds drops. Most feel the same after a day. We wanted to find out if the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) with Immersive Audio and upgraded microphones are actually worth choosing over the cheaper options or the big rivals. We used them on actual commutes, long flights, windy dog walks, and conference calls to give you the practical picture instead of just repeating the spec sheet.

5. What You’ll Learn by Reading till the End

  • How the Active Noise Cancellation handles sudden loud noises (screaming kids, subway brakes)
  • Whether Bose Immersive Audio is a gimmick or genuinely cool
  • What CustomTune Technology really does when you first put them in
  • How clear calls are when it’s windy outside
  • Real-world battery numbers instead of the “up to” marketing
  • Direct comparison: Bose vs Sony noise-cancelling earbuds and Bose vs AirPods Pro 2
  • Little tips that make daily use smoother

6. Noise Cancellation – The Part Everyone Actually Cares About

Bose still holds the crown for the best noise cancelling earbuds for travel, especially when it comes to low-frequency rumble, especially when it comes to low-frequency rumble. Plane engines fade into silence, and subway noise drops to a soft background hum you stop noticing after half a minute.

The standout upgrade is ActiveSense Technology inside Aware Mode. Normally, when you let outside sound in, sharp noises—a shout, a horn, a clattering bus—can hit you hard. ActiveSense smooths those spikes so you stay aware without getting startled. On busy city streets, you can hear traffic clearly enough to cross safely, while sudden bursts of noise feel toned down instead of jarring.

Quiet Mode is full blackout. Turn it on during takeoff, and you’ll genuinely forget the engines are running.

Immersion Mode blends strong ANC with Bose’s spatial audio processing—more on that in the next section.

7. How Does Bose Immersive Audio Work?

Most earbuds fire sound straight into your head—left and right channels, nothing more. Bose Immersive Audio moves the sound outward, so it feels like it’s coming from small speakers in front of you. With head-tracked spatial audio, the soundstage stays fixed in space even when you turn your head. And yes, it works on iPhones and most newer Android phones.

Live concerts feel wider, crowds wrap around you, and instruments sit where they should. Once you use it for a week, it’s surprisingly hard to go back. You can turn it off anytime, but it does shave roughly two hours off battery life.

8. What Is CustomTune Technology in Bose Earbuds?

Every time you put both earbuds in, Bose runs a quick test: a tiny tone plays, your ear canal reflects that sound, and the earbuds instantly calibrate themselves. CustomTune Technology fine-tunes the audio in about two seconds based on your unique ear shape.

We swapped earbuds within the team, and the difference was obvious—everyone preferred their own calibration. It sounds fuller, clearer, and more balanced because it’s tailored to your ears.

9. Sound Quality Day-to-Day

Out of the box, the tuning leans warm with a strong, satisfying bass—ideal for pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic tracks. If you like a brighter or flatter sound, hop into the Bose Music App and adjust the EQ. A few small tweaks make a noticeable difference. Mids stay clean for podcasts and voices, and the highs never cross into sharp or sibilant territory.

For movies on a tablet—especially during long-haul flights—these make great spatial audio earbuds for movies thanks to the wider soundstage.

10. Fit and Comfort – They Actually Stay In

You get three sizes of umbrella-style ear tips and three sizes of stability bands, so you can mix and match until everything feels locked in. During our runs, bike rides, and long desk sessions, they never slipped out—and no ear fatigue after four or five hours. The IPX4 water-resistance rating handles sweat and rain without any issues, making them dependable for daily wear and workouts.

11. Battery Life – Real Numbers We Researched

Usage Scenario Hours We Got
Quiet/Aware Mode, volume 60% 5 hours 40 minutes
Immersive Audio on, volume 60% 4 hours 10 minutes
Calls + music mix 5 hours 30 minutes
Total with case (about three full recharges) Around 23–24 hours

Quick 20-minute charge in the case gives you almost two hours – enough to get through most flights or commutes if you forgot overnight.

12. Call Quality – Finally Good in Wind

The SpeechClarity microphones finally deliver, and in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra mic test, the wind reduction was noticeably cleaner than most premium earbuds. Even on windy days and crowded streets, voices come through clean with almost no background noise—exactly what you want from premium noise-reduction microphones. You can take calls using one earbud or both, which is great when you need to stay aware of traffic or conversations around you.

13. App, Controls, and Little Things That Matter

The Bose Music App keeps everything simple. You can edit touch controls, rename your earbuds, adjust the EQ, toggle Immersive Audio, and check the battery level for each bud—all in a clean, easy interface. Bluetooth multipoint is rock-solid too, letting you stay connected to your phone and laptop at the same time and switch devices without any drama.

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14. Quick Comparison Table

If you’re torn between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, AirPods Pro 2, and Sony WF- 1000XM5, this snapshot comparison highlights what really matters—noise-cancelling performance, battery life, spatial audio, call clarity, fit, and multipoint support. It’s a simple way to see which pair fits your priorities, whether you travel often, switch between devices all day, or just want the best all-rounder.

Feature Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) Apple AirPods Pro 2 Sony WF-1000XM5
Best at blocking

plane noise

Yes (top-tier ANC for

flights & commuting)

Very good Excellent (especially

consistent ANC)

Battery life with

ANC

~6 hours ~6 hours ~8 hours (strongest in

class)

Spatial / Head- tracked audio Yes — works with any music app Yes — but only with Apple Music Yes — via 360 Reality Audio content
Call quality in the

wind

Excellent (very stable

outdoors)

Good Very good
Fit options 9 combinations (tips

+ stability bands)

4 tip sizes 4 tips, including foam
Multipoint

connection

Yes (reliable dual-

device switching)

Limited — iOS 17+

ecosystem only

Yes
Price $299 $249 $299

15. Clearing Common Doubts

Before you pick up a new pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, it’s natural to wonder how they compare to the older model, how they stack up against Sony, and whether they’re good for travel or workouts. This quick FAQ clears up the most common questions people search for— especially around noise-cancelling earbuds for flights, ANC performance in 2025, and whether the upgrade is worth it—so you can make the right call without digging through endless threads.

Q: Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth upgrading from the first version?

Yes—especially if you take a lot of calls or want the new head-tracked spatial audio. The active noise cancellation is noticeably stronger on planes, trains, and in other loud environments, making the upgrade feel meaningful for frequent travelers.

Q: Which is better for noise cancelling in 2025 – Bose or Sony?

For pure noise-cancelling performance, Bose still leads. It handles low-frequency rumble, engine drone, and sudden noise spikes better than Sony. Sony, on the other hand, delivers longer battery life and slightly sharper treble detail. Pick Bose for silence; pick Sony for endurance.

Q: Are these good ANC earbuds for airplanes and long flights?

Absolutely. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are among the best earbuds for flights right now. In Quiet Mode, engine noise drops to a soft whisper, making them ideal for long-haul travel, movies, or simply catching some sleep.

Q: Can you run or work out with them?

Yes. The stability bands grip well, and they stay put even during runs and gym sessions. They’re a solid choice if you want noise-cancelling earbuds for running without constantly adjusting them.

Not sure which one ffts your routine?

If noise cancelling is your top priority for travel, commuting, and outdoor calls, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the safest bet. They cut engine noise better than Sony and deliver cleaner call quality than AirPods Pro 2, especially in wind. If you want silence on demand, these are the earbuds to get.

–−   Check the latest price on Amazon

16. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Immersive Audio drain the battery faster?

A bit, yes. With Immersive Audio switched on, you’ll get around 4 hours of playback instead of the usual 6. It’s expected, since spatial processing uses more power.

Q: Is the wireless charging case actually useful day-to-day?

If you already keep a Qi wireless charging pad on your desk or nightstand, absolutely. Just drop the case, and it tops up automatically—no cables, no fumbling.

Q: Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds support high-res audio on Android?

Yes. They support AptX Adaptive and are Snapdragon Sound certified, giving Android users access to higher-quality, low-latency audio when paired with compatible phones.

Q: How do I get the best seal for noise cancellation and bass?

Test every combination of ear tips and stability bands. A proper seal is the key to getting the strongest active noise cancellation, deeper bass, and overall better sound. Even a small adjustment can make a huge difference.

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Buy on Amazon Worldwide | Buy on Amazon India

17.   Final Thoughts

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are still the easiest recommendation when someone says, “I just want the outside world to shut up for a bit.” They nail the basics – incredible active noise cancellation, comfortable fit, clear calls – then add thoughtful extras like a head-tracked immersive audio earbuds experience and proper Bluetooth multipoint.

They’re not the longest-lasting or the absolute cheapest premium wireless earbuds 2025, but for real-world silence and comfort, they’re tough to beat.

Ready for proper quiet? Grab the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in Black, White Smoke, or Moonstone Blue right here on Amazon.

Used them already? Drop a comment and tell us how they handle your commute or flight – we read every single one and reply when we can. Got a question about fit, settings, or anything else? Ask away – happy to help you get the most out of them.

For Readers in India

Prefer buying locally? Here’s the official listing for the latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Spatial Audio:

–−   Buy on Amazon India

***Disclaimer***

This blog post contains unique insights and personal opinions. As such, it should not be interpreted as the official stance of any companies, manufacturers, or other entities we mention or with whom we are affiliated. While we strive for accuracy, information is subject to change. Always verify details independently before making decisions based on our content.

Comments reflect the opinions of their respective authors and not those of our team. We are not liable for any consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Please seek professional advice where necessary.

Note: All product names, logos, and brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Any company, product, or service names used in our articles are for identification and educational purposes only. The use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

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