Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2: The Smarter, Longer-Lasting Noise-Cancelling Headphones

In November 2025, Bose unveiled the second generation of its QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which are poised to challenge the market dominance of Apple's AirPods Max. While Bose has long been renowned for its exceptional noise cancellation and comfort, the latest QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones introduce a novel power-saving feature that may be the most significant improvement.

The QuietComfort Ultra 2 boast an impressive 30-hour battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, and an even more remarkable 45 hours without ANC. This represents a significant upgrade from the 24-hour battery life of the previous generation. However, it is Bose's implementation of a low-power mode that truly sets these headphones apart.

Unlike the AirPods Max, which require users to place the headphones in a case to enter a low-power state, the QuietComfort Ultra 2 can simply be laid flat – earcups facing up or down – to immediately begin conserving battery. This feature, coupled with the headphones' faster transition to low-power mode, means users are less likely to find themselves with drained batteries throughout the week.

The QuietComfort Ultra 2's power-saving capabilities are a game-changer, particularly for commuters, office workers, and frequent flyers who rely on their noise-cancelling headphones daily. Bose has managed to address a key weakness in its previous flagship models, solidifying the QuietComfort Ultra 2 as a compelling alternative to the AirPods Max.