Bose has introduced its second-generation QuietComfort headphones, marking the first hardware update to its popular entry-level noise-canceling line in three years, as reported by Engadget. The new wireless headphones carry a price tag of $359, representing a small price bump from the original version’s $349 debut nearly three years ago, according to The Verge.
Bose Announces Second-Generation QuietComfort Headphones
The updated headphones will be available for preorder starting August 8, with official shipments and store arrivals scheduled for August 13, as noted by Bloomberg.com. Buyers can choose from standard black and white smoke colorways alongside three limited-edition options: eucalyptus green, dewdrop mint, and rosewood mauve, according to Rolling Stone.
Revamped Industrial Design and Improved Fit
The second-generation model brings a substantial design overhaul to the product line. The refreshed aesthetic features a sliding headband with smooth, adjustable sliders, more plush synthetic leather cushioning, and pill-shaped, oval earcups designed to create a more seamless profile and modern look, as detailed by CNET.
The physical controls have also been rearranged to be more intuitive while retaining physical buttons instead of touch controls, according to Forbes. Furthermore, the six-microphone active noise cancellation system has been engineered to better compensate for gaps in the earcup seal, which significantly improves noise cancellation performance for individuals who wear glasses or struggle to achieve a perfect seal due to hair or hats, as highlighted by 9to5toys.
Upgraded Audio Features and Immersive Sound
Under the hood, the new headphones inherit several advanced features previously exclusive to the higher-end QuietComfort Ultra series. Most notably, they incorporate Bose Immersive Audio powered by TrueSpatial technology, utilizing built-in motion sensors for head tracking to create a virtualized 3D soundstage. The spatial audio suite includes Still and Motion modes, alongside Cinema Mode, which is specifically designed to keep dialogue clear and centered while watching TV shows, movies, or listening to podcasts.
Connectivity and wired capabilities have also expanded. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between two devices, alongside Google Fast Pair for Android users. For wired listening, the system supports two-way USB-C audio, enabling wired lossless audio playback up to 24-bit/48kHz while simultaneously delivering a clearer voice signal for videoconferencing applications like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Active Noise Cancellation and Battery Performance
The upgraded active noise cancellation algorithm features a refined Aware Mode with an enhanced ActiveSense response that reacts more naturally to sudden, loud spikes of noise—such as a passing train or vehicle—by smoothing out the transition. Users can also manually adjust or completely turn off noise cancellation using the Bose App.
Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours of playback with noise cancellation turned on, or up to 18 hours when using Immersive Audio features. A 15-minute quick-charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playback, and the headphones can continue to be used while actively charging via USB-C.