Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), Black review

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a sealed in-ear, active-noise-cancelling model assessed here in the Black US configuration. Bose's useful version-specific changes include enhanced adaptive cancellation, improved voice pickup and a wireless-charging case. Its support specification lists up to six hours with Immersive Audio off and four with it on; the case stores up to 18 additional hours. This is a research-based review, not a listening, call, fit or cancellation test.

I have not worn or tested the earbuds. Published runtime is a maximum, not a prediction for an individual listener. Bose's fit tools and CustomTune description cannot establish that the supplied tips will seal your ears.

A sealed tip is a prerequisite, not a result

The Ultra 2's in-ear tips and stability bands are part of the fit system. Bose supplies three eartip sizes (small, medium and large) and three stability-band sizes (1, 2 and 3), with optional XS and XL tips and bands 0 and 4 available separately. That is more adjustability than a single universal tip, but it still does not guarantee a comfortable seal for every ear. Bose's QuietComfort approach combines a physical in-ear fit with active noise cancellation; if you dislike a tip in the canal, an open-ear product such as Ultra Open 2 is a different category of experience, not a like-for-like ANC alternative.

The second-generation name can also obscure case differences. Bose says the 2nd Gen adds wireless charging versus the prior-generation Ultra and revises the adaptive cancellation and voice pickup. The box contents list a wireless charging case, a 12-inch USB-C A-to-C cable and a safety sheet, plus the fit kit. A power adapter is not listed as included. The earbuds are IPX4-rated but the case is not water resistant. The IPX4 questionnaire requirement is therefore specifically earbuds-only; it does not imply the case can be exposed to rain or rinsing.

Noise control and listening modes

Bose lists Quiet, Aware and Immersion listening arrangements, and describes CustomTune as adapting sound and cancellation to ear shape and environment. That is the manufacturer's feature claim, not proof of a particular attenuation level or call outcome. Immersive Audio is the clearest documented battery tradeoff: up to six hours with it off and four hours with it on, before considering other settings and conditions. If you need an eight-hour uninterrupted ANC session, the published six-hour maximum does not qualify. If a shorter commute is your use case, the claim may be adequate on paper, but check whether the feature mix you plan to use corresponds to the figure.

The specification says the case can add up to 18 hours of stored use. A 20-minute quick charge is listed as up to two hours. Those are useful planning numbers, but calls, volume, the chosen mode, app settings, temperature and battery age can alter the actual result. Wireless case charging adds flexibility, while the included cable connects through USB-C; check whether you need a separate wall adapter or charging pad.

Codec and device questions

Bose lists Bluetooth 5.3 and SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive. The support note is clear that aptX Adaptive requires a compatible Snapdragon Sound source; it is not a universal high-resolution mode and these earbuds do not receive media over LE Audio. A standard SBC/AAC arrangement is the broadest choice to investigate, while aptX Adaptive depends on the Android source and software support. Bose's multipoint feature lets two source devices remain connected but only one stream plays at a time. These capabilities are represented as separate plans, not as an assumption that aptX, multipoint and a specific ANC battery maximum all operate simultaneously.

This model fits a shopper who requires a sealed design, ANC, adjustable tips/bands and the convenience of a wireless charging case, and whose own device supports the desired codec. It is less suitable when you need a documented eight-hour ANC run, a water-rated case, LE Audio media, or certainty about fit before trying it. The compact paper spec cannot replace an in-ear fit check.

Before choosing this generation

Check the “2nd Gen” label and Black finish on the package and case, rather than treating the predecessor as identical: the earlier case and firmware may differ. Confirm that your box contains the specified three tip sizes and three stability-band sizes, and budget for optional sizes only if the initial fit kit does not seal. Verify app and operating-system compatibility, especially if you want the Bose app or aptX Adaptive. Compare the 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds too: they have their own app and accessory kit, a different published battery claim, and their own wireless case. If cancellation is not essential, a non-ANC or open design may avoid paying for a feature that does not match your preference.

Finish references: QuietComfort Ultra 2

Bose's US product pages show four other finishes for this same second-generation family. The images identify color only; they do not add a separate performance finding or establish that every finish remains orderable. Each image shows the earbuds without the charging case, and the lighting may alter their apparent shade.

Sources: Bose's 2nd-generation launch announcement, official model specifications, the Black US product listing, and the 2nd Gen owner guide. The cited support source says the case is not water resistant and aptX Adaptive requires a compatible source.