By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Bose noise cancelling over the ear headphones are a common pick for commuters, frequent flyers and anyone who wants to block out background noise without wearing earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) fit that profile: a closed, over-ear design with active noise cancelling, a built-in microphone, USB-C charging and a battery rated for up to 24 hours of playtime. This buyer is likely to appreciate the comfort-first build and the simple controls. Shoppers who want the highest level of noise reduction, advanced spatial audio processing or the longest battery life in the lineup may want to look at a higher tier, and anyone who only listens at a desk or in a quiet room may not need active cancelling at all.
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
Product Overview
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are wireless, closed-back, over-ear headphones built around Bose’s active noise cancelling system. The listing describes them as offering immersive audio, lossless audio support over USB-C, and up to 24 hours of play time on a charge. The black colorway is the standard finish, and the design follows the familiar QuietComfort silhouette with padded ear cups and a headband suited to all-day wear.
Within the broader Bose lineup, this model sits in the mid-range of the QuietComfort family. It is positioned below the QuietComfort Ultra line, which adds more advanced audio processing, and it shares its general purpose with earlier generations that many owners still use. If you are comparing it with older models, our guide to Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise Cancelling Headphones: Setup, Fit and Fixes (2026) covers how the QC45 fits and where it differs. For a fuller picture of the Ultra tier, see Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: Is It Worth It?.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the specifications named in the product listing. Where a detail was not stated there, we have left it out rather than estimate it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear, wireless |
| Noise cancelling | Active noise cancelling |
| Microphone | Built-in mic for calls |
| Audio | Immersive audio, lossless audio support |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours of play time |
| Color | Black |
Manufacturers typically specify battery life under moderate volume with noise cancelling switched on, and actual runtime varies with volume level, codec use and how often the cancelling is active. Owners often report that heavy use at high volume shortens the figure noticeably.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Active noise cancelling aimed at reducing steady background sounds such as engine hum and air conditioning.
- USB-C charging, which is convenient if you already carry USB-C cables for other devices.
- Battery rated for up to 24 hours, enough for several long travel days between charges.
- Built-in microphone for phone and video calls.
- Over-ear, padded design aimed at comfort during extended wear.
Cons
- Noise cancelling is not designed to block sudden or sharp sounds such as voices in an open office.
- Over-ear designs are larger than earbuds, which matters if you want something compact for a pocket or small bag.
- Owners often report that the clamping force feels firmer during the first few days of use.
- Lower-tier battery and feature set compared with the Ultra model if you want the most advanced processing.
Performance Analysis
Active noise cancelling works best on low, continuous sounds: airplane cabins, buses, HVAC systems and steady traffic. It does less against high-frequency sounds like keyboard clicks or conversation, and most owners find that these remain audible even with cancelling on. Based on the specifications and typical owner feedback patterns for this class of headphones, the QuietComfort 2nd Gen should be strong on the low-frequency rumble common in travel settings.
Audio quality is described in the listing as immersive, with lossless support over USB-C. Owners often report a balanced sound with a bass emphasis that some listeners like and others find heavy. Because the figures for frequency response and driver size were not included in the listing details we reviewed, we cannot state them here. Comfort and fit depend heavily on head size and clamp preference. Battery life of up to 24 hours is a manufacturer figure, and owners who play music at high volume often report shorter runtimes in practice.
For a broader view of how this class of product compares across brands, our roundup of 7 Best Headphones Over Ear Noise Cancellings for Travel and Daily Use (2026) is a useful reference point.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This model suits commuters and travelers who want a comfortable closed-back headphone with active cancelling, a microphone for calls and a battery that lasts through a full day. It also suits people who already own USB-C devices and want a single cable for charging. Buyers who want a headphone for a loud office, a gym or outdoor sports, where sound isolation from people speaking nearby matters more than steady-noise reduction, should look elsewhere. Those who want the most refined noise cancelling and advanced audio tuning should consider the higher-tier Ultra line. If you are choosing between Bose and another major brand, our comparison of Sony Versus Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Fits You Best (2026) walks through the trade-offs.
Buying Guide
When you shop for bose over the ear noise cancelling headphones, check a few practical points before you commit:
- Decide where you will use them. Planes and trains favor strong low-frequency cancelling. Offices favor better voice isolation, which is not the main strength of most over-ear models.
- Check the charging standard. USB-C is convenient, but confirm your cable and charger support it.
- Test the fit. Since clamp force varies by head shape, buy from a retailer with a clear return window if you can.
- Compare battery claims realistically. Expect shorter runtime at high volume and with cancelling always on.
- Confirm the colorway and model generation. Several Bose models look similar, so verify the exact listing before you buy.
Here are three well-known alternatives to consider, depending on your priorities:
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Twilight Blue limited edition): The same core design as the black 2nd Gen model, offered in a limited color. Choose this if the colorway matters to you and the specifications suit your needs.
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
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen): The higher tier in the lineup, with spatial audio and a longer rated battery life of up to 30 hours. A better fit for buyers who want the most advanced features.
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
For more options across price-conscious categories, see Good Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026) and 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Bose Picks for 2026.
FAQ
Are Bose over the ear noise cancelling headphones good for flights?
They are generally well suited to flights because active cancelling is strongest on steady low-frequency sounds like engine noise. Owners often report that announcements and sudden sounds still come through, so a volume boost may still be needed.
How long does the battery last on the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)?
The listing states up to 24 hours of play time. Real-world runtime depends on volume, codec and how often noise cancelling is active, so expect less at high volume.
Do these headphones have a microphone?
Yes, the listing includes a built-in microphone for calls and voice commands.
What cable do I need to charge them?
They charge over USB-C, so you will need a USB-C cable and a compatible power source.
Can I use them wired?
Wired use depends on the specific connection options included with the model. Check the listing and included accessories before you plan wired use. For context on wired designs, see Wired Over-Ear Headphones: Key Advantages and Uses.
Are they comfortable for long sessions?
The padded ear cups and headband are designed for extended wear, but comfort is personal. Owners often report an adjustment period for the clamp force, and fit depends on head size.
How do they compare with earlier QuietComfort models?
Newer generations generally add updated charging, battery and audio features. If you own an older model, our guide to Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones Noise Cancelling Review (2026) outlines what has changed across generations.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a sensible choice for buyers who want bose noise cancelling over the ear headphones with a comfortable closed-back design, USB-C charging and a battery rated for up to 24 hours. They fit travel, commuting and daily listening well. They are less suited to noisy offices or to buyers who want the most advanced audio processing. Check the specifications against your own use, and consult the retailer’s return policy if fit is uncertain.
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.
