Bose introduced its entry-level QuietComfort headphones just two and a half years ago and it remains one of the best options at its price range. With how competitive the category is, though, it’s no surprise the model is now getting an update in the form of the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).
Boasting refreshed looks, greater comfort, and a few technological updates, the headphones offer a definite improvement over the last generation both inside and out. Are the updates significant enough to upgrade, though? That will depend on what exactly you’re looking for in a pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) appears to retain the same drivers and base hardware as the original, although there are some notable improvements. For instance, it has an updated noise canceling algorithm that uses six microphones to run adaptive feedforward controls that can effectively shut out noises even when you wear glasses, hats, or anything else that potentially affects the headphones’ acoustic seal. Basically, it’s designed to simulate a perfect seal even if the headphones aren’t able to physically achieve it. They also updated the ANC’s Aware Mode, smoothing out its response to sudden noise spikes, which now softens jarring noises instead of simply chopping it off like in the previous version. Naturally, it retains all previous ANC features, so it should still have one of the best noise canceling tech in the category.
The mot compelling upgrade, though, is the Truespatial technology, which gives it a new Immersive Audio listening mode that uses side-to-side head tracking to make it sound like the audio is coming from a fixed location in the room. If you’re moving around, you can dial down the tracking to keep the sweet spot consistent while you listen on the go. It also adds a Cinema Mode meant to simulate a theater-like experience that adds layered and nuanced sounds to movies and shows. According to the outfit, it achieves this by spatializing and balancing various sounds to ensure dialogue remains clear and centered the entire time.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) also gets updated background noise filtering for voice pickup on the mic, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear during phone calls. Battery life is rated for up to 24 hours, although using the Truespatial tech cuts that down to 18 hours. You can recharge fast, though, with a 15-minute quick charge giving you an additional 2.5 hours of playback. In case your battery drains, they offer two wired listening options via a 3.5mm jack and a USB-C port. According to the outfit, using USB-C allows you to listen to lossless input up to 24-bit/48kHz and deliver voice output up to 24-bit/16kHz.
On the styling front, the headphone boasts updated pill-shaped earcups and a sliding headband, with numerous colorful selections for those who don’t want the plain old black and gray designs. Other features include Bluetooth LE 5.4 with multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair on Android, and a three band EQ available from the app.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) is available now, priced at $359. The first-gen drops down to $229 if you’d rather get a more economical option.
