By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
The bose quietcomfort ultra over ear headphones are a premium wireless option for listeners who want strong noise cancelling, spatial audio and long battery life in a comfortable over-ear design. They suit people who commute, fly, work in open offices or spend long hours listening and want one pair that handles all of it. They are less compelling for anyone who mostly listens at a desk with no background noise, wants a lightweight pair for workouts, or needs a headset built around a specific phone ecosystem. Those buyers may get more value from a simpler model or a different brand’s offering.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Black
Product Overview
This listing is for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, second generation, in black. It is a closed-back, over-ear wireless headphone with active noise cancelling, a built-in microphone and spatial audio support. Bose positions the QuietComfort Ultra line as its top tier of consumer noise-cancelling headphones, sitting above the standard QuietComfort models in terms of audio processing and feature set. The “2nd Gen” label indicates a revised version of the original QuietComfort Ultra design, and the listing states up to 30 hours of playtime, which is a useful figure for travel and long workdays.
The headphones are built for everyday carrying and frequent use rather than studio work. The ear cushions are padded and the headband is adjustable, which is typical for this class. If you plan to use them for many hours in a row, the fit and clamping force will matter more than any single spec, so it is worth reading the fit notes later in this review.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the features stated in the listing name and the core specifications that Bose publishes for this product category. Where a number is not confirmed by the listing text, it is left out rather than estimated.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, 2nd Gen |
| Style | Over-ear, closed-back |
| Connectivity | Wireless Bluetooth |
| Noise cancelling | Active noise cancelling (ANC) |
| Spatial audio | Yes, as stated in the product name |
| Microphone | Built-in mic for calls and voice input |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours of playtime (manufacturer figure) |
| Color | Black |
Two points are worth clarifying. First, “spatial audio” is a processing mode that simulates a wider soundstage; it works best with content mixed for it and is a matter of taste, so it should not be the main reason to buy. Second, the 30-hour figure is a manufacturer-stated maximum that usually assumes moderate volume and a particular noise cancelling setting. Real-world results vary with volume, ANC level and temperature.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong noise cancelling designed to reduce steady background sounds such as engines, fans and air conditioning.
- Long stated battery life, which suits travel and full workdays without frequent charging.
- Over-ear closed-back design that many listeners find more isolating than on-ear models.
- Built-in microphone for calls, voice assistants and video meetings.
- Spatial audio option for listeners who enjoy wider, more immersive sound on compatible content.
- Established brand with a wide service and accessory ecosystem, including replacement ear cushions.
Cons
- Premium positioning means the purchase is a significant commitment compared with mainstream headphones.
- Over-ear designs are heavier than earbuds and can feel warm during long sessions in hot environments.
- Noise cancelling is strongest on low, steady sounds; sudden voices or sharp noises are reduced less.
- Spatial audio and advanced features depend on device support and settings, which can add setup steps.
- Battery and clamping feel can vary by head size, so fit is a personal factor to test before committing.
Performance Analysis
Because this review is based on manufacturer specifications and patterns in owner feedback rather than personal testing, the analysis focuses on what the design and feature set are generally reported to do well and where owners most often report trade-offs.
Noise cancelling. Owners of the QuietComfort Ultra family commonly report that active noise cancelling is effective on consistent low-frequency sound, such as airplane cabin hum, train rumble and HVAC noise. Performance on speech and sudden noises is more limited, which is typical for ANC headphones in general. The seal of the ear cushions matters a great deal here; a poor seal, often caused by glasses arms or an incorrect headband fit, reduces the effect noticeably.
Battery life. The 30-hour figure is a useful planning number. Owners generally find that real use runs shorter when ANC is on at higher levels and volume is raised, so it is sensible to assume a comfortable working range rather than the maximum. Charging habits matter less than they do with smaller earbuds, since a long stated runtime covers most single-day use.
Comfort. Over-ear headphones often perform well on comfort over multi-hour use, but two factors recur in owner discussions: clamping force for some head shapes, and heat build-up in warm rooms with the cushions sealed. Replaceable ear cushions, which Bose sells separately for this family, are a practical way to address feel and longevity.
Sound and spatial audio. Most owners who use the spatial audio mode describe it as an enjoyable option for films and music that support it, while many listeners keep it off for standard stereo tracks. Sound tuning is a personal preference, and the best approach is to compare modes on familiar material.
Calls and microphone. The built-in microphone is intended for voice calls and assistant commands. In noisy environments, call quality depends on distance from the mouth and on the wind or ambient noise present. Quiet rooms generally produce the clearest results.
Who Should Buy This Product?
These headphones are a good fit for frequent travelers, commuters on loud trains or buses, remote workers in shared spaces, and listeners who want a single pair for home, office and the road. They also suit people who value a closed-back over-ear design for isolation and who will use the battery range for several days between charges.
They are less suitable for people who need the lightest possible pair for running or gym use, buyers who mainly use wired connections for critical listening, or anyone who wants to spend less and is satisfied with a standard noise-cancelling model. If you rarely face noisy environments, a simpler option may deliver most of the everyday benefit for less commitment.
Buying Guide
Before buying any premium over-ear pair, check these points. Start with your main listening environment: if most of your use is on flights or in loud offices, the noise cancelling deserves priority. Next, test the fit by wearing the headphones with your usual glasses or hat, since a poor seal reduces ANC more than most specifications suggest. Check whether your phone, laptop or TV supports the spatial audio and Bluetooth codecs you plan to use. Finally, confirm the return policy and warranty terms at the point of purchase.
If you want to compare the broader Bose lineup before deciding, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: Is It Worth It? guide covers the same family from a different angle, and Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Ultra: Which One Fits Your Needs? helps you decide whether the Ultra tier is worth the step up.
Here are three well-known alternatives to weigh against this model:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 1 (certified renewed): a previous-generation option that can offer a similar core experience. Review the renewed condition and warranty carefully.
BoseBluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime (Certified Renewed) QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 1, Lunar Blue
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen with 20W wall charger bundle: the same headphone with an accessory package, useful if you need an additional charger for home or travel.
Bose (2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time + 20W Wall Charger (Black)
For a broader look at over-ear design choices, see How to Choose Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: A Buyer’s Guide and Over-Ear vs On-Ear Headphones.
FAQ
Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra over ear headphones good for flights?
Owners commonly report that active noise cancelling works well on the steady drone of aircraft engines. Pairing with an in-flight entertainment system or using a wired cable where supported can also help, but check airline and device guidance first.
How long do they last on one charge?
The listing states up to 30 hours of playtime. Expect less with noise cancelling at high levels and higher volume, and plan for a shorter practical range.
Do they support spatial audio?
Yes, the product name includes spatial audio. Its effect depends on the content and device settings, so compare modes on your own music and films.
Are they comfortable for long sessions?
Comfort is common to praise for over-ear designs, but clamping force and heat are the usual concerns. Try them on for an extended period when possible, and consider replacement cushions if feel changes over time.
Can I use them with a wired connection?
Check the included accessories and the product page for cable options before purchase, as wired use depends on the specific kit contents.
Do they have a built-in microphone?
Yes. The built-in microphone supports calls and voice assistant commands, with the clearest results in quiet rooms.
Is the 2nd Gen model worth choosing over the first generation?
The 2nd Gen is the newer design, so it is generally the safer choice for warranty and current features. A renewed first-generation unit may suit buyers who prioritize a lower overall cost, but compare condition and terms carefully.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra over ear headphones (2nd Gen) are a well-rounded premium choice for people who need strong noise cancelling, long battery life and an over-ear fit for travel, commuting and shared workspaces. Their main strengths are steady ANC on low-frequency noise, a generous stated runtime and a flexible feature set. The trade-offs are weight, possible heat over long sessions and a premium commitment. If those trade-offs fit your routine, this is a solid option; if not, the alternatives above are worth comparing before you buy. Consult the return policy and check the fit in person where you can.
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About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
