Bose has released the second generation of its standard QuietComfort Headphones, adding a feature previously reserved for the pricier QuietComfort Ultra line: immersive spatial audio.
The original QuietComfort Headphones launched in 2023, followed by the Ultra model, which until now was the only Bose headphone with spatial audio built in. The new QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) bring that same immersive listening technology to the standard line at a lower price point.
The headphones come in five colors, including a Dewdrop Mint shade and a pink Rosewood Mauve option. They weigh just over half a pound, fold into an included case, and offer up to 24 hours of battery life, or about 18 hours with Immersive Audio switched on.
Setup requires downloading the Bose app to connect the headphones and access settings for noise cancellation, Aware Mode and the new Immersion Mode. Immersion Mode widens the soundstage so that instruments and vocals feel like they extend beyond the headphones themselves rather than sitting directly in each ear, creating a fuller, more enveloping listening experience.
According to a hands-on review from the New York Post, noise cancellation on the new model is strong, consistent with Bose’s reputation, though the standard stereo sound can feel restrained for listeners who want heavier bass — an issue the reviewer said was easily fixed through the app’s EQ settings. Vocals came through clear and warm, but on busier tracks with competing guitars, drums and vocals, the mix could sound slightly blended and lack punch.
Comfort was highlighted as a strong point, with the reviewer reporting no discomfort even after hours of continuous wear, and noting that the design drew attention from people asking about the headphones as a style accessory.
What’s changed from the first generation
Compared with the original QuietComfort Headphones, which offered Quiet, Aware and custom listening modes, the 2nd Gen adds Bose’s TrueSpatial Technology along with new Immersion and Cinema modes. Cinema Mode is built for video playback, widening the soundstage while keeping dialogue clear. The new model also supports lossless audio over USB-C, a feature the earlier version lacked.
Physically, the earcups have been reshaped into a slimmer, pill-like design, and the headband now has a smoother sliding mechanism along with updated button placement.
The reviewer concluded that listeners chasing heavy bass or highly detailed mids may need to spend time adjusting the EQ, but for those prioritizing comfort, noise cancellation and an immersive sound experience, the new QuietComfort headphones represent a meaningful upgrade over the previous generation.
