Bose has released a second-generation version of its QuietComfort Headphones, refreshing the design and importing several features previously reserved for the pricier QuietComfort Ultra range. The headphones popularised active noise cancellation and remain a staple for travellers seeking comfort and reliable audio, and this update aims to keep the standard line competitive without moving upmarket on price.

Design changes include a smoother sliding headband, reshaped earcups with improved padding, and a relocated power/Bluetooth switch, now on the bottom edge of the left earcup rather than the outside of the right. New features include Immersive Audio (spatial sound upscaling), Cinema Mode for dialogue clarity, and CustomTune, which calibrates sound and noise cancellation to the listener's ears. ANC has also been enhanced via ActiveSense, which reacts to sudden noise spikes, and better seal compensation for glasses wearers, while ANC can now be switched off entirely via the app. The 3.5mm port has been dropped in favour of USB-C for both charging and wired listening (up to 24-bit/48kHz), with an adapter cable included for flights. Despite the upgrades, the price remains $359, the same as the outgoing model, undercutting the $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.