I’ve long been a fan of Bose headphones and earbuds, even giving the brand’s open-ear design a chance.

Bose launched the previous generation of its standard QuietComfort Headphones in 2023. The brand followed those with the Ultra, a more luxe upgrade to the originals, but at the time, the Ultra was the only Bose headphone pair with spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience.

Not anymore. The newly released Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) bring that immersive audio experience to the standard QuietComfort line at a much lower price point.

The headphones are available in five colors, with the Dewdrop Mint shade commanding plenty of attention on e-tailers. I got them in my favorite shade from Bose, the pink Rosewood Mauve.

Colors: 6 | Battery life: Up to 24 hours; up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio | Noise-canceling: Yes, adjustable ANC with QuietControl | Case included: Yes | Weight: 0.507 pounds | Warranty: 1-year Bose limited warranty

My Review

First impressions

Starting with the basics, I love the case and foldable design. The Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen headphones are also extremely lightweight, weighing just over half a pound, so they feel like nothing when they’re on your head. That said, the earcups are a little smaller, which I was initially worried about, but surprisingly, I haven’t experienced any sound leakage.

To get these headphones working to your liking, especially if you’re a bit of an audiophile like me, you’ll need to download the Bose app and connect them through there. For some reason, I had to do this process a few times before the app finally registered the headphones.

Once you’re in, you can toggle noise cancellation, Aware Mode and the new Immersion Mode, which wasn’t previously available on the first-gen QuietComfort Headphones.

Sound quality

Immersion is my favorite part about Bose headphones, so I was excited that it was finally available on the standard QuietComfort line. Instead of feeling like the music is being piped directly into each ear, Immersion Mode opens up the soundstage and makes the audio feel like it’s extending beyond the headphones. Instruments and vocals seem to occupy more space around you, which makes the overall listening experience feel wider, fuller and more enveloping.

As for sound, while these headphones deliver some of the best noise cancellation I’ve experienced, which I had no doubts about considering Bose’s reputation, the standard stereo presentation can feel a little restrained for those who prefer a heavier, more energetic sound. The bass was an easy fix for me. I went into the EQ settings and turned it up to my liking.

Vocals generally sounded clear and full-bodied, but on busier tracks, I felt like the headphones lacked some separation and definition. When guitars, drums and vocals were all competing at once, the mix could sound slightly blended together and miss that extra punch I wanted. I’ve currently been listening to a lot of Voilà, and heavier pop-punk tracks just didn’t hit the way I needed them to on these headphones. On the flip side, more vocal-heavy tracks sounded beautiful, warm and full-toned.

Comfort and battery life

Sound aside, comfort is where these headphones really shine for me. They’re built for all-day wear, and not once did my ears complain about having a pair of headphones stuck to them for hours. People also stopped me in my tracks to ask about the headphones themselves, with many mesmerized by the striking design, which easily told me these function great as an accessory to any outfit.

You won’t be disappointed with battery life, either. They come with up to 24 hours of listening time, or about 18 hours with Immersive Audio turned on, so it’s enough to get you through a few days without springing for a recharge. I tend to wear my headphones for upwards of six hours a day, so these were a win in that regard.

Gen 1 vs. Gen 2

If you already own the first-generation QuietComfort Headphones, the 2nd Gen isn’t super different, but a few upgrades stand out.

The biggest is Immersive Audio. The original QuietComfort Headphones had Quiet, Aware and custom listening modes, while the 2nd Gen adds Bose’s TrueSpatial Technology along with Immersion and Cinema modes. Cinema Mode is designed specifically for video, widening the soundstage while keeping dialogue more prominent.

The 2nd Gen also supports lossless audio over USB-C, something you couldn’t get with the previous generation.

There are some physical changes as well. The 2nd Gen swaps the older earcup shape for a slimmer, pill-shaped design, along with a smoother sliding headband and slightly updated button placement. To me, those changes make the new pair feel a little more modern without sacrificing what made the QuietComfort line so comfortable in the first place.

Are Bose QuietComfort Headphones worth it?

I love my new Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), but probably for an entirely different reason than they’re intended for. While I use them on my commute because the noise cancellation is brilliant, they act as a lifestyle accessory for me almost as much as a traditional pair of headphones.

Since they’re so lightweight, they’re a great fit for travel, too, and I constantly use these when I’m on the go. Add that to the genuinely useful Immersive Audio upgrade, all-day comfort and design that people actually stop me to ask about, and I’ve found myself reaching for them far more often than I expected.

For listeners who prioritize massive bass or ultra-detailed mids, you may need to spend some time in the EQ to get the sound exactly where you want it. But if comfort, noise cancellation and an immersive listening experience are at the top of your list, the QuietComfort 2nd Gen makes a convincing case for itself.

This article was written by Nishka Dhawan, Commerce Reporter for the New York Post. Nishka reports on the latest tech launches, innovations and trends to separate the best new products from the “AI slop.” Taking the latest technology for a spin, Nishka tests home appliances and tech products that actually improve your life, from vacuums to headphones to gaming gadgets and more – all while finding the best deals and lowest prices. Before joining The Post in 2026, her work appeared in Rolling Stone, ABC, NBC Select, Reviewed and Digital Trends.