By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Bose headphones with mic are a common choice for people who want noise cancellation, comfortable over-ear padding and a built-in microphone for calls, voice assistants and video meetings in a single pair. This roundup compares five current Bose over-ear models that include a mic, so you can match a pair to your daily routine rather than chasing a single “best” option. The selection focuses on the microphone and call setup, noise cancellation, battery life as stated by the manufacturer, charging method, comfort for longer sessions and how well each model fits common use cases like commuting, office work and travel.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for premium featuresBose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for all-day batteryBose QuietComfort Headphones (Twilight Blue Limited Edition)View on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickAmazon Renewed QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming HeadsetView on Amazon - 5
Best for color and styleBose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones (Cypress Green Limited Edition)View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Everyday calls and commuting | Active noise cancelling with USB-C charging |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) | Premium spatial audio and long listening | Spatial audio with a long rated battery life |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Twilight Blue) | Long travel days | Up to 24 hours of rated playtime |
| Amazon Renewed QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset | Budget-minded buyers and gaming chat | Noise cancelling with a boom-style mic in a renewed unit |
| Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones (Cypress Green) | Style-focused buyers who still want mic and ANC | Limited-edition color with deep bass tuning |
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) – Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
Best for: Everyday calls, commuting and a balanced mix of noise cancelling and battery life.
This is a good fit for someone who wants a dependable mic for calls and voice assistants without paying attention to premium extras. It suits office workers, students and commuters who move between noisy environments and quiet ones throughout the day.
Key specs
- Active over-ear noise cancelling
- Built-in microphone for calls
- USB-C charging
- Up to 24 hours of playtime as listed by the manufacturer
- Lossless audio and immersive audio mode, as named in the listing
Pros
- USB-C charging fits modern laptops and phone chargers
- Rated battery life covers a full workday or long flight
- Mic setup works for everyday calls and voice commands
Cons
- Lacks the premium spatial audio tuning of the Ultra model
- Over-ear design can feel warm during long sessions in hot rooms
Bottom line: A strong default choice if you want reliable calls and noise cancelling without stepping up to the premium tier.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)
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
Best for: Premium features, spatial audio and long listening sessions.
This model fits buyers who use headphones for music, video and calls and want the top feature set in the QuietComfort line. It is aimed at people who will use spatial audio regularly and want the longest rated battery life.
Key specs
- Spatial audio support
- Over-ear noise cancelling with built-in mic
- Up to 30 hours of playtime as listed by the manufacturer
Pros
- Spatial audio adds immersion for film and gaming
- Rated battery life is among the longest in this list
- Mic setup handles calls well for a headset of this class
Cons
- The premium feature set is wasted if you mostly take calls
- Heavier than the standard QuietComfort models
Bottom line: Best for listeners who want the full Bose feature set and will use spatial audio often.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Twilight Blue Limited Edition)
Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Twilight Blue – Limited Edition Color
Best for: Long travel days and all-day battery use.
This limited-edition color option uses the same core QuietComfort design as the standard model. It suits frequent travelers and people who want a distinctive finish while keeping mic and noise cancelling features.
Key specs
- Active over-ear noise cancelling
- Built-in mic
- USB-C charging
- Up to 24 hours of playtime as listed by the manufacturer
Pros
- Rated battery life suits long flights and workdays
- USB-C charging is convenient for travel
- Deep bass tuning suits bass-heavy listening
Cons
- Limited-edition availability can be inconsistent
- Lacks the spatial audio features of the Ultra model
Bottom line: A practical travel-oriented pick for buyers who want the standard QuietComfort feature set in a distinctive color.
Amazon Renewed QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset
Amazon Renewed QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset — Comfortable Noise Cancelling Headphones Black (Renewed)
Best for: Budget-minded buyers and gaming chat.
This renewed unit is aimed at shoppers who want noise cancelling and a boom-style mic for voice chat at a lower entry point. Because it is renewed, condition and included accessories can vary, so check the seller details before ordering.
Key specs
- Noise cancelling over-ear design
- Boom-style microphone for voice chat
- Renewed condition as listed
Pros
- Noise cancelling and mic in one headset
- Budget pick compared with newer full-price models
- Comfortable over-ear fit for gaming sessions
Cons
- Renewed condition means cosmetic wear may vary
- Older generation, so battery and charging may be dated
Bottom line: Worth considering if your budget is the main factor and you accept older hardware and renewed condition.
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones (Cypress Green Limited Edition)
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Cypress Green – Limited Edition
Best for: Style-focused buyers who still want mic and noise cancelling.
This limited-edition option pairs the QuietComfort mic and ANC setup with a distinctive color. It suits buyers who want their headphones to stand out while still handling calls and commuting noise.
Key specs
- Active over-ear noise cancelling
- Built-in mic for calls
- Deep bass tuning
- Up to 24 hours of playtime as listed by the manufacturer
Pros
- Distinctive limited-edition color
- Mic and noise cancelling cover everyday needs
- Rated battery life suits full days out
Cons
- Limited-edition stock may not be restocked
- Few feature differences from the standard model beyond color
Bottom line: A good pick if the finish matters as much as the mic and noise cancelling performance.
Buying Guide
Microphone Quality and Call Setup
Check whether the mic is described for calls, voice assistants or both. Bose over-ear models usually place the mic on the earcup or boom, and clear call audio depends on how close the mic sits to your mouth and how well the model handles wind and background noise. Test calls in a quiet room before relying on the headset for important meetings.
Good picks for this: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)
Noise Cancelling Performance
Active noise cancelling works best on steady low-frequency sounds like engine rumble, air conditioning and train noise. It does less for sudden voices or sharp sounds. If you commute or fly often, prioritize models with ANC described as active and check owner feedback on how well it works in your typical environment.
Good picks for this: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Twilight Blue Limited Edition), Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones (Cypress Green Limited Edition)
Battery Life and Charging
Manufacturers list playtime under specific conditions, usually with ANC on and at moderate volume. Real-world results often fall below the rated figure. USB-C charging is more convenient than older connectors because one cable works for many devices. Keep a short cable in your bag for emergency top-ups.
Good picks for this: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Fit and Comfort
Over-ear headphones with cushioned earcups and an adjustable headband are generally more comfortable for long sessions. Measure your head if you can, and check that the clamp force feels secure but not painful after 20 to 30 minutes. Glasses wearers should look for slimmer earcup designs to avoid pressure points.
Good picks for this: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), Amazon Renewed QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset
Use Case: Calls, Travel or Gaming
Match the model to your main use. For office calls, a reliable mic matters most. For gaming chat, check whether the mic is a boom style. For travel, battery life and charging speed matter more than premium audio features.
Good picks for this: Amazon Renewed QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset, Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Twilight Blue Limited Edition)
Durability and Build
Check the hinge, headband and earcup materials. Over-ear headphones carry more stress at the headband joint, so inspect how the frame moves before buying. Renewed units may show more wear, so review the seller’s condition notes carefully.
Good picks for this: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones (Cypress Green Limited Edition)
Care and Replacement Parts
Earpads wear out over time and can be replaced. Keep the case, cable and charging accessories together so you can use them if a part fails. Check the warranty terms before buying, especially for renewed or limited-edition units.
Good picks for this: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Twilight Blue Limited Edition)
FAQ
Do Bose QuietComfort headphones have a built-in mic?
Yes. The QuietComfort models listed here include a built-in microphone for calls and voice assistants. Check the product listing for the exact mic setup on any model you consider.
How do I know if the mic works well for calls?
Make a test call in a quiet room and ask the other person to rate your clarity. Then try a call outdoors or near traffic to see how wind and background noise affect the audio.
Are noise cancelling headphones safe for everyday use?
Noise cancelling itself is not harmful, but keeping volume at a moderate level protects your hearing. Consult a healthcare professional or audiologist if you have ongoing hearing concerns.
Can I use these headphones with a phone and laptop at the same time?
Many Bose models support multipoint Bluetooth connections, which allow pairing with two devices. Check the specific model’s manual for multipoint support.
How long do the rated battery times last in real use?
Manufacturers list playtime under specific test conditions. Real-world battery life often depends on volume, ANC use and temperature, so expect results to vary.
Is a renewed headset a good choice?
Renewed units can offer a lower entry point, but condition, accessories and warranty terms vary. Read the seller’s condition notes and check the return policy.
Are limited-edition colors different in performance?
Limited editions usually share the same core features as the standard model. The main difference is the finish, so compare specs rather than color alone.
Conclusion
For most people looking for Bose headphones with mic, the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) offer a balanced set of call features, noise cancelling and charging convenience. Buyers who want the full feature set and spatial audio should consider the QuietComfort Ultra model. Travelers who value long battery life may prefer the Twilight Blue edition, while budget shoppers can look at the renewed QuietComfort 35 Series 2 headset. Those who care most about finish can choose the Cypress Green limited edition. Match the model to your main use, check the mic setup and read the warranty terms before you buy.
Sources
- Rules and guidance on wireless devices and interference that may affect Bluetooth headset use (fcc.gov)
- Information on hearing health and safe listening levels for personal audio devices (nidcd.nih.gov)
- Consumer product safety guidance for battery-powered electronics (cpsc.gov)
Related reading
- Warranty for Bose Headphones: How to Check, Claim and Protect Yours
- Soundlink Around-ear Wireless Headphones Ii Bose Review (2026)
- Sony Versus Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Fits You Best (2026)
- Replacement Earpads for Bose Headphones: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
- Replacement Battery for Bose Headphones: 5 Best Picks Compared
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.
