Bose QuietComfort 2 Challenges $449 Ultra With Smarter ANC at $359
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Aug 19
Bose QuietComfort 2 Challenges $449 Ultra With Smarter ANC at $359
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Aug 19
Summary
$359 QuietComfort Headphones 2 deliver enough upgrades in noise processing, design and premium features that Bose's $449 Ultra 2 can feel unnecessary for many buyers.
ActiveSense adaptive ANC and improved microphones sharpen transparency mode, voice isolation and real-world noise handling, even though raw cancellation strength and battery life stay unchanged from the prior model.
Bose also brings Immersive Audio down from pricier models and redesigns the headphones with new earcups and controls, but drops the 3.5mm jack in favor of USB-C audio.
The Ultra 2 still keeps clear extras — 30-hour battery life, 10 microphones, aptX support, wear detection and a more premium build — yet the review says those are mostly nice-to-haves for casual listeners.
Against Sony, JBL and Sennheiser rivals, the new model stands out for comfort, smooth ANC and build quality, though its 24-hour battery life looks weak for the price.