Bose QC Headphones Gen 2: Stuck in No-Man's-Land Price

Bose's QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen, launched recently, aim to carve out a niche at $359. These headphones offer solid active noise cancellation (ANC) that is effective against common noises like airplane engines and air conditioners, though it doesn't reach the levels of flagship competitors.

While the sound profile is improved over prior Bose models, with a more balanced default tuning, the midrange can still sound muted. Fortunately, the included 3-band EQ in the app allows for adjustments, boosting presence and settling frequencies between bass and treble.

The design incorporates more plastic than the premium Ultra Gen 2, but it still offers a comfortable fit. Connectivity includes USB-C for both audio and charging, supporting lossless audio up to 24-bit/48kHz. However, high-resolution wireless codec support like AptX Lossless or LDAC is absent.

Call quality remains a weak point for Bose, lagging behind most competitors with potential issues like added sibilance and sound compression in noisy environments. The pricing also places the QC Gen 2 in a difficult position, making them neither a budget option nor a clear flagship choice.

Compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Apple AirPods Max 2, which offer superior ANC, better call quality, and advanced features, the Bose QC Gen 2 struggle to justify their price point. Unless a user specifically desires the Bose brand, other options may offer more compelling value.