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I thought the Bose QuietComfort headphones already hit their peak – then I tried the newest model

oct / 2025

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How do you persuade your self to pay $400+ for a pair of headphones once they look and function nearly identically to the earlier technology? That is a query I hope to reply, and a query Bose hopes its second-generation flagship headphones will reply primarily based on their efficiency alone.

I spent two weeks working, touring, and lounging within the QuietComfort Extremely Headphones (Gen 2), which I am going to confer with because the QC Extremely 2, trying to find how Bose spent two years making them extra “extremely” than their predecessor. With out main upgrades to design, speaker drivers, or noise cancellation efficiency, I am going to should dig deep.

It is easy to place the Sony WH-1000XM6 as QC Extremely 2’s direct competitor, however I ponder: are the QC Extremely 2 competing with their predecessors as a lot as they’re with different manufacturers? Let’s discover out.

Similar look, smarter particulars

The QC Extremely 2’s defining theme is that it would not try to rewrite Bose’s legacy however somewhat tidies it up. They give the impression of being an identical to the primary technology, apart from the yokes, which swap a matte aluminum end for shiny polished metallic. 

The QC Extremely 2’s earcups are barely shallower than these of their predecessor, which may trigger match points for folks with bigger heads and ears. In any other case, the look, really feel, and match of the QC Extremely 2 do not deliver notable modifications, which is not essentially a nasty factor — if it ain’t broke, do not repair it.

Extra important upgrades lie within the smaller particulars, together with USB-C audio assist, out there at as much as 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz. Thus, the QC Extremely 2 is extra suited to gaming or extra devoted listening than the primary technology. Not like the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max, the QC Extremely 2 retains its 3.5mm headphone jack. And in contrast to the Sony XM6, you’ll be able to pay attention by means of the QC Extremely 2’s USB-C port whereas charging it.

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Though USB-C audio assist in 2025 feels extra like an expectation than a brand new function to have fun, it rounds out the QC Extremely 2’s audio capabilities.

Magnificence is within the ears of the beholder

The QC Extremely 2 have an ideal sound profile should you like an exaggerated bass response, barely decreased mids, and louder treble. It makes for an ideal replica of basslines and front-and-center vocals in pop tracks, resembling One Route’s “Stockholm Syndrome, and ’90s rap, like Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear.” 

Conversely, the QC Extremely 2 aren’t as sturdy with layered, ambient post-rock like Ben Howard’s “Time Is Dancing.” Songs with extra delicate musical textures aren’t as simple to listen to, however lowering the bass helps. Total, the QC Extremely 2’s tuning is hotter and extra spacious-sounding, delivering an prolonged, tighter bass response than the primary technology. Their sound must be enjoyable for most individuals.

Bose continues on with its model of spatial audio, Immersive Audio, and introduces a brand new spatial tuning for podcasts, TV reveals, films, and different dialogue-heavy media. The function works – you’ll be able to hear your media broaden round your head. Personally, I might somewhat that Bose embrace Dolby Atmos assist as an alternative.

Nonetheless the ANC gold commonplace

Bose’s advertising and marketing conveys to me that noise cancellation is now not thought to be a function of a pair of headphones — it is a way of life selection. Noise cancellation would not solely mute the world round you, however helps you create a personal listening area if you’re in public. 

Bose leans into this philosophy, as noise-canceling upgrades aren’t on the forefront of the headphones’ launch. Regardless of little fanfare round noise cancellation enhancements, the QC Extremely 2 are barely higher at canceling noise than their predecessor. Moreover, the QC Extremely 2’s ANC higher encompasses higher-pitched noises, resembling keyboard clicks, and lower-pitched noises, just like the rumble of an airplane engine, than the primary technology.

When the headphones’ energetic noise cancellation (ANC) is engaged, even when no audio is enjoying, there’s just about no noise flooring. That feat is extremely spectacular and on par with Sony’s WH-1000XM6. The distinction between Sony’s and Bose’s latest-gen ANC is negligible; you may have to search out one other class that will help you decide one model over the opposite.

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Bose additionally refined its AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation function, ActiveSense. This function maintains transparency mode and prompts noise cancellation when the atmosphere turns into too loud. ActiveSense is my favourite function on the QC Extremely Earbuds 2, and it really works simply as properly on the headphones. 

One of the best function is essentially the most sudden

To me, the standout function of the QC Extremely 2 pertains to its improved energy administration. Together with growing the battery life from 24 hours on the primary technology to 30 hours on the second, Bose additionally rendered its product’s energy button out of date.

You should use the headphones’ energy button to show them on and off, but it surely’s not obligatory. As a substitute, you’ll be able to take the headphones off your head and lay them flat — earcups up or down — and so they’ll instantly disconnect out of your gadgets, disable Bluetooth, and start conserving energy. Merely put them again on and so they’re able to go.

I really like this function as a result of energy buttons on headphones are the bane of my existence. For those who do not press the button lengthy sufficient, the headphones will not flip off, however should you press it for too lengthy, they’re going to enter pairing mode. It’s a must to time your lengthy press completely to get your headphones to cooperate.

Bose’s power-up was significantly complicated and malfunctioning, inflicting the corporate to ship the first-gen QC Extremely’s solely firmware replace to handle the problem particularly. To me, not needing to make use of the ability button in any respect is a lifesaver.

A companion app performed proper

Many headphone manufacturers are notoriously recognized for his or her lackluster companion apps. Glitchy options and boring person interfaces maintain me away from them. Bose’s app is the very best, providing a dependable, pleasing, and easy-to-use expertise. 

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The app highlights the QC Extremely 2’s improved customization options, providing customers the power to completely disable noise cancellation and the headphones’ contact management strip, one in all my least favourite options from the first-gen QC Extremely. Now you can utterly disable ANC, which was beforehand unimaginable with Bose’s headphones.

The one concern I’ve with Bose’s app is its restricted equalizer. As a substitute of permitting customers to regulate the headphones’ EQ by frequency bands, Bose solely presents will increase and reduces to basic bass, mids, and treble with out particular, granular, quantifiable measures.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Bose QC Extremely 2 ship delicate upgrades to the headphones’ noise cancellation, design, sound profile, energy administration, and person customization. They are not a very thrilling second-generation launch that pulls headlines. As a substitute, Bose doubles down on what it does finest, providing minor but significant refinements to handle its few blind spots.

If you have already got the first-gen QC Extremely, maintain them till the wheels fall off, or watch for what Bose does subsequent, which may very well be a bigger product overhaul. In case you have the Bose NC700, QuietComfort 35, or 45, and so they’re on the finish of their highway, the QC Extremely 2 could be a major improve for you.

Briefly, between Sony and Bose, Bose delivers a extra trendy design, much less cheap-feeling plastic construct supplies, a extra relaxed match, and USB-C audio. Nevertheless, Bose’s sound profile closely leans towards heat and softened treble to account for sturdy ANC processing and long-term listening periods, significantly when touring or working.

Sony’s sound profile can be heat, however its equalizer permits extra personalization. The WH-1000XM6 have a tighter bass response, clearer mids, sharper treble, and a extra spacious soundstage. Its sound is extra analytical, however it will probably change into fatiguing after just a few hours of listening. 

We awarded Bose’s newest flagship headphones an Editors’ Selection award for his or her enhancements over the earlier technology’s gaps, whereas refining their strengths. Total, the QC Extremely 2 ship helpful, on a regular basis options that their rivals do not, notably in energy administration, person customization, and USB-C audio assist.

Most significantly, Bose presents its most respected and premium options to all customers, no matter gadget technology or software program ecosystem.

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