Bose's Second-Gen QuietComfort Headphones Bring Ultra Features at $359

The QuietComfort line is the model that popularized active noise cancellation, and Bose rebranded earlier versions to the QuietComfort Headphones a few years ago, according to Engadget. The review describes the older models as travel-oriented headphones that offered relief on flights and decent audio quality rather than standout design.

Engadget reports that the second-gen QuietComfort Headphones have an updated headband that slides smoothly and refined earcups with improved ear pads for better cushioning. Bose moved the power and Bluetooth pairing switch from the outside of the right earcup to the bottom edge of the left earcup. The review says the change does not really affect the experience but gives the headphones a cleaner look on both sides.

For features, Bose brought Immersive Audio to the regular QuietComfort Headphones for the first time. Engadget describes it as Bose's take on spatial audio that does not rely on specially created content and instead upscales movies, shows or music as needed. Cinema Mode, which enhances dialogue without constraining the wide soundstage of Immersive Audio, is also included. CustomTune calibrates audio and noise cancellation to the acoustic properties of the user's ears, similar to room calibration for a soundbar. The headphones support lossless audio over USB-C at up to 24-bit/48kHz and can charge while in use with a cable. Bose removed the 3.5mm port found on the previous model, leaving USB-C as the only wired connection. A USB-C to 3.5mm cable is included for in-flight entertainment systems, or users can buy a $30 accessory such as AirFly for wireless use.

The new model also improves active noise cancellation with ActiveSense. According to the review, ActiveSense automatically applies noise cancellation when the headphones detect sudden spikes of noise while in Aware, or transparency, mode. Bose says ActiveSense now responds more naturally to brief disruptions before returning to ambient sound mode. The ANC system can better compensate for changes in the earcup seal caused by glasses, and users can disable ANC entirely in the Bose app.

Engadget praises Bose for refining the QuietComfort Headphones without raising the price. The second-gen version costs $359, the same as the previous installment at its debut, and gives Bose fans a less expensive alternative to the $449 second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The review says ANC remains a trademark strength. The headphones perform well against constant noise sources such as fans and respectably lower the volume of human voices on TV and in real life. They do not completely silence a chatty neighbor, but they consistently reduce the distraction.

On sound quality, Engadget concedes that the second-gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are Bose's best option, but says the regular QuietComfort Headphones are no slouch. The review describes the tuning as balanced, with adequate low-end thump when a song demands it, citing Nine Inch Noize's Vessel. Even without Immersive Audio active, the review says, the headphones provide plenty of fine detail in the texture and grit of the synthesizers on that track.