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Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen: Two-minute overview
I have been wanting Bose to loosen up a bit for years the place its earbuds are involved and with the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen, the normally oh-so-serious audio heavyweight obtained the memo. Would you have a look at that ‘Deep Plum’ hue?
When organising the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen (strive saying that 3 times in fast succession after 5:30pm) you are prompted to rename them if you would like – and somebody on Bose’s payroll clearly had a jolly previous time developing with cheeky recommendations similar to “Cherry Wine”, “Burgundy Buds” or “Sonic Sangria”. You like to see it. (They’re additionally out there in black and white, naturally.)
However that is removed from the tip of the enjoyable occasions the place this explicit Bose classic is anxious. These buds are probably the most sonically exuberant hear I’ve heard to this point in the sort of type issue, a reality solely enhanced by their rock-solid, near-impenetrable lively noise cancellation (ANC), which you’ll usefully tweak on a slider when creating Bose’s massively profitable ‘Modes’ (extra on that later).
This time round, you additionally get wi-fi charging from the field and multi-point connectivity that works seamlessly, one thing the unique Ultras bizarrely lacked on their launch. A few of the best earbuds in the marketplace then? Oh completely.
However not everybody will likely be wholly proud of the replace. Should you had been anticipating an entire design overhaul from the inaugural late-2023 Ultras (which weren’t too dissimilar in design to the September 2022-issue QuietComfort Earbuds 2), you are still not getting that.
My colleague in Australia, Sharmishta Sarkar has been ready for a rework there for a while now – and to be clear, she means an alternative to wedging the buds in with stability bands as a result of these silicone equipment ultimately put on out (regardless that a complete of three, in numerous sizes and separate from the interchangeable suggestions, has been supplied within the field). Anybody who wished Bose to take its smaller QuietComfort Earbuds 2024 design and Extremely-fy it for 2025 (are you on the market?) can even be upset.
I’m not upset. The ovoid nozzle truly slips fortunately into my bijou ear canal and serves up thrilling, expansive audio that nixes extra low-level fixed noise than the rest I’ve examined in the marketplace. And with the (admittedly incremental, however nonetheless welcome) upgrades Bose has given me within the QuietComfort Earbuds Extremely 2nd Gen, I will be totally recommending them to anybody who’ll let me for a while.
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen overview: Worth and launch date
- Launched on June 12, 2025
- Priced $299 / £299 / AU$450
- Accessible in black, off-white and ‘deep plum’ (pictured)
Key issues to notice right here: they’re newe,r and whereas they don’t seem to be cheaper, they’re additionally no more costly than what’s gone earlier than them. Bose has generously carried over the unique Extremely Earbuds’ 2023 launch value (which was the identical as the costs listed above) to 2025 and ignored inflation, though now you can discover the older set for nearer $220 / £199 / AU$399.
Why point out this? As a result of if the deep plum restricted colorway and wi-fi charging as normal do not matter to you, you would possibly assume the good cash goes on the older set. I truly disagree, as you may see, however there’s positively a case to be made for it…
By way of direct competitors, your rivals on the stage are in fact AirPods Pro 2 which might be yours for round $50 / £70 lower than the Bose (although usually drop to being less expensive), the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 (that are pricier, at $399 / £349 / AU$599), or the Technics EAH-AZ100 that are nearly the identical value because the Bose relying on the place you reside, at $299 / £259 / AU$478.
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen overview: Specs
|
Drivers |
9.3mm dynamic |
|
Energetic noise cancellation |
Sure, plus Immersive audio and ‘Modes’ |
|
Battery life |
6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (complete) |
|
Weight |
7.7g per bud |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
|
Waterproofing |
IPX4 |
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen overview: Options
- As much as 24 hours of battery (as much as 6 from the buds)
- Glorious and helpful Modes choices
- Possibility to change off on-ear controls
By way of a number of clicks inside the Bose companion app, Bose has added (drumroll)… the power to change off on-ear controls with this iteration. Why you’d need to change off the capability to scroll via your listening modes (you possibly can customise the long-press perform too, in the event you’d slightly use it to change supply gadgets manually, entry your voice assistant or deploy a hotline to Spotify), stroke the stem to change quantity or faucet to pause and play your tracks is unusual to me – however if you wish to, now you can. And also you could not earlier than.
Now: Modes. It is not new, however I used to be an enormous fan of the characteristic within the authentic Extremely Earbuds and I nonetheless like it now. What are these Modes? Basically, you possibly can mix nonetheless a lot of Bose’s wonderful ANC or ambient passthrough you need on a slider – though take be aware, the solo slider begins at full transparency or consciousness and goes via to most ANC – together with Immersive Audio.
You may choose whether or not you need Immersive Audio on or off, ‘Nonetheless’ (so you possibly can transfer your head round your supply machine and really feel the totally different sounds being piped into every ear accordingly) or in ‘Movement’ (which signifies that whichever manner you flip your head, the three-dimensional immersive soundstage is not going to change).
There are three presets from the field: Quiet (max ANC, Immersive Audio off); Conscious (max Ambient passthrough, Immersive Audio off); and Immersion (max ANC, Immersive Audio set to ‘Movement’). I created a fourth preset: Work. Right here, I set ANC to 75% and choose ‘Nonetheless’ underneath Immersive Audio. This fashion, all however crucial noises are gone at my desk, and stated desk is my mounted audio supply – so I am much less tempted to depart it!
The factor is, if these profiles did not do precisely what they promised to do, you’d say they had been surplus to necessities. However as a result of they genuinely improve the listening expertise higher than any related options presently supplied by rivals (for me, it is higher than JBL Spatial Sound, for instance), they’re emphatically value utilizing and celebrating.
On the ANC, Bose says there are new AI algorithms included this time, for higher filtering of sudden noise spikes through its ActiveSense system. What I can let you know is that I’ve by no means heard simpler ANC in a set of noise-cancelling earbuds. Higher than the outgoing mannequin? Sure. I even missed my very own doorbell whereas testing (which meant an additional journey to gather my subsequent overview product) – and my music was not loud.
Picture 1 of 4
It is not all nice information: your Bluetooth model remains to be 5.3 (when 6.0 now exists) and though you get Snapdragon Sound once more, which implies aptX Adaptive is on the menu in addition to aptX Lossless, you have nonetheless obtained to be utilizing an Android non-Samsung machine with a suitable Qualcomm chip (see our aptX explainer for more on that difficult enterprise).
None of that’s Bose’s fault, in fact, nevertheless it is a roundabout manner of claiming that LDAC would’ve been an ideal addition this time round – particularly when cheaper choices such because the Nothing Ear (a) proudly supply it.
Additionally, the three-tab EQ graph is comparatively fundamental in comparison with some flagship choices and there aren’t any listening exams to enhance sure frequencies to create your individual ‘Personi-Fi’ sort profile – which is a characteristic of the JBL Live Beam 3, for instance.
Nevertheless, that does not imply there is no sonic tailoring in any respect within the QCUE 2 – simply that you just may not concentrate on it. CustomTune is a characteristic that truly made its debut within the QuietComfort Earbuds 2, nevertheless it’s value noting nonetheless, as a result of I feel it is a massive a part of what makes the sound and ANC so efficient.
Mainly, that thwomph sound in every ear once you put them on? It is not performative. What’s occurring is that this take a look at sound travels via your ear’s distinctive canals, bounces again to the buds nestled inside them and is picked up by the microphones.
Then, Bose’s CustomTune tech will get to work, doubtlessly amplifying some frequencies whereas pulling again a contact others, relying on the structure of your auricles. It is simply that you do not take an lively half on this take a look at, in the best way you do with lengthier exams supplied by the Nothing Ear, for instance.
Battery life? It is tremendous, however not distinctive. In my exams, I managed to get the promised six hours from them with my ‘Work’ mode deployed, however not a minute extra – and that is largely as a result of I discovered (not like many rivals) they’re in a position to play comparatively loud and I used to be in a position to hear at slightly below 45% quantity at my desk.
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen overview: Sound high quality
- Loud, zealous, crisp and expansive audio
- Glorious throughout the entire frequency vary
- Immersive Audio is superbly dealt with
Let’s take the superb ANC efficiency as learn (scroll again in the event you missed that). Sonically, the QCUE 2nd Gen are additionally a uncommon deal with throughout the frequencies, with a layered and expansive soundstage that permits bass registers ample house to rumble and clack, midrange vocals and devices to sound textured and absolutely realized, and treble trills to soar unaffected above all of it.
Should you love a thought of hip-hop album (and I actually do) you may discover a lot to rejoice right here. I cue up OutKast’s Stankonia and thru the Bose buds Gasoline Desires is an emotive romp crammed with guitar kerrangs, drum fills and sonic articles lesser earbuds can not unearth. Large Boi sounds further indignant; Andre 3000’s playful Georgian twang is simply that bit extra noticeable.
Switching to Ozzy Osbourne’s Bark on the Moon (thanks, Ozzy), the complicated layers of laughter, driving guitars and bass are faithfully captured and held dutifully in a cohesive however energetic combine – and when that guitar glances from left to proper via the soundstages, it whooshes previous every ear like a Tokyo bullet prepare.
For element, they’re additionally superb, and whereas there’ll all the time be that previous argument about built-in, impartial hi-fi sound versus enjoyable and pleasure, for me, Bose has completely aced the sonic remedy right here.
For element and neutrality, you may get just a bit extra from the aforementioned Technics EAH-AZ100, however for bass influence and zeal, the Bose buds take it. And there is so little in it this time round, I can not dock any stars.
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen overview: Design
- Glorious mics for call-handling
- On-ear contact controls work very nicely
- Successful ‘deep plum’ end
As talked about (and pictured), the earbuds and case are extraordinarily just like the older mannequin by way of measurement, form and driver array. What I did not point out earlier than is that there’s a small distinction to the construct, and it is the addition of one thing Bose calls an embedded ear wax guard, to stop any of the stuff produced naturally by our ears (let’s not be bizarre; a wholesome physique creates ear wax) discovering its manner past the casework and into the driving force housings.
I can not say I had this problem with the older set, however having seen a number of Reddit threads that point out it, it is a wise addition from Bose.
Bose additionally guarantees improved voice pickup from the 4 mics per bud and thus improved name high quality this time round, and I feel the corporate has made good on that declare. It was a sore level within the older set, and this time callers felt I sounded a lot clearer and extra current.
It’s also possible to tweak how a lot of your individual voice you would like to listen to within the app (one thing rival Technics calls ‘Sidetone’) and it’s useful in the event you desire to listen to a bit of extra of your dulcet tones in calls, to keep away from shouting at your recipient.
Within the Bose app, there is a match take a look at to work out whether or not you have obtained the right suggestions and fins fitted, and though it is fast and comparatively rudimentary (I handed first time with the pre-fitted choices, no problem) I did discover the buds safe and comfy throughout my testing.
Mainly, in the event you’ve preferred the match of Bose’s flagship earbuds to this point, it is extra of the identical right here. OK, in immediately’s cash the charging case could possibly be thought of a contact on the massive aspect. For me it is no biggie, since its flat underside means it sits fortunately in my hand and in my bag with out problem.
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen overview: worth
- Merely the perfect ANC earbuds in the marketplace
- …however not the most cost effective
Worth is an odd factor to quantify right here, since it truly is horses for programs. I preserve coming again to this: there will likely be these on the market who merely need the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the marketplace, that additionally do nice issues with their music. That is that pair of earbuds.
No, they’re probably not absolutely the best earbuds for small ears (though to make clear: I had no problem with fallouts and I’ve bijou ears, however they do protrude greater than rivals) nor do they ask you varied questions on what you are listening to and once you cease listening to sure frequencies to create sound profiles.
If you wish to take an lively half in augmentation, you may be higher served by AirPods Pro 2 or Nothing Ear. That stated, not everybody needs this – and for me, the general sound high quality right here is so good I would not contact it anyway.
Ought to I purchase the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
Glorious ANC and now, wi-fi charging. Each perk is class-leading |
4.5/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Immersive audio is wildly enjoyable and fascinating however even with all profiles off, the sound is zealous and highly effective |
5/5 |
|
Design |
A case of ‘it wasn’t damaged, so we did not repair it’ however the added wax guard is a pleasant contact |
4.5/5 |
|
Worth |
Merely the perfect earbuds for ANC in the marketplace – and that is value paying for |
5/5 |
Purchase them if…
Don’t purchase them if…
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen overview: Additionally take into account
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
Technics EAH-AZ100 |
Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Drivers |
10mm |
10mm free-edge dynamic |
10mm Neodymium dynamic |
|
Energetic noise cancellation |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
|
Battery life |
6 hours (earbuds, ANC off; 4 hours with it on) case not specified |
12 hours (earbuds, ANC off); 17 hours (charging case) |
11 hours per cost; as much as 39 hours with the case |
|
Weight |
7.7g per bud |
5.9g per bud |
4.7g per earbud |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless / Adaptive |
Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC and LC3 compatibility |
5.4 with LDAC and aptX Lossless |
|
Waterproofing |
IPX4 earbuds solely |
IPX4 earbuds solely |
IPX5 earbuds solely |
How I examined the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen
- Examined for 2 weeks
- Examined at dwelling, strolling alongside a crowded seashore and on a packed prepare
I used the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2nd Gen for 2 weeks when scripting this overview, and my testing concerned listening to music, podcasts and watching streamed motion pictures from varied gadgets – together with Android and Apple sources.
I listened at dwelling when working and taking calls, throughout a number of beach-combing walks and on a busy commuter prepare – and let me let you know, with these as my musical companion, it was no hardship.
I have been testing audio merchandise full-time since 2019, firstly over at our sister publication What Hello-Fi? as a workers author (locked in our hi-fi testing facility for 2 years, I used to be), then as senior author at TechRadar and, since early 2024, audio editor. My background as knowledgeable dancer is what drives me to seek for trustworthy timing, precision, readability and good quaint enjoyable in recorded music.
- First reviewed in July 2025.