Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review

Our verdict

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) make most sense when the noise around you is spoiling your listening. Their active noise cancelling reduces background sound on journeys and in busy workplaces, while a secure fit helps keep them in place as you move. Calls are another strength in the published tests. You can stay connected to a phone and laptop at once, and the case charges on a wireless pad or by USB-C. The UK RRP reference is £299.95; the Amazon button here selects Deep Plum with the wireless-charging case. This is a research-based review. We have assessed Bose’s information and independent tests, but have not worn or tested the earbuds ourselves.

Buy it if

You want to hear less background noise on a commute or flight
You move between a phone and laptop during the day
You want a secure fit for walking or exercise

Skip it if

You need a full working day of listening without a charging break
Large earbuds have been uncomfortable for you before
You want detailed control over the sound settings

Everyday use

A noisy commute

Noise cancelling is the main attraction when train or office noise keeps pulling your attention away from music. Plan a charging break on a long journey; these are not earbuds to choose for all-day listening from one charge.

Calls during a busy day

The published call tests report clear voices and useful background-noise suppression. Keep expectations sensible in difficult surroundings: that evidence does not establish perfect calls in every street, office or wind condition.

Moving between work and your phone

Multipoint keeps two devices connected at once. That is useful when you use a laptop for work and a phone for music or calls. The Bose app lets you manage the connected devices.

The details, in plain English

Turning down the noise around you

Active noise cancelling works to reduce the background sound reaching your ears. That is the main reason to choose these earbuds for a commute or busy workplace, and the independent tests agree it is a strength. Use Quiet mode when you want more isolation, or Aware mode when you need to hear more of your surroundings. The fit matters too: take time with the included tips and stability bands before judging how well the noise cancelling works.

Music and calls

The sound has plenty of bass and a lively character, which suits listeners who want music to feel full and energetic. Immersive Audio is Bose’s optional spatial sound mode, intended to make the presentation feel wider. It is worth trying with your own music rather than assuming every track will benefit. The published call tests are positive about voice clarity and background-noise suppression, although processing can make a voice sound slightly artificial.

Getting a comfortable fit

Three sizes of ear tips and stability bands are included. The bands help hold the earpieces steady while walking or exercising. Their IPX4 rating covers splashes; it does not make them suitable for swimming. The earpieces themselves are large. Fit divided the reviewers: TechRadar’s tester was comfortable despite having small ears, while SoundGuys advised against them for smaller ears. Check the retailer’s returns terms before committing. Seat them carefully in the case too, as poorly positioned bands can stop the charging contacts meeting.

Planning your charging breaks

SoundGuys measured 5 hours 34 minutes from one charge. Bose claims up to six hours with Immersive Audio off, or four with it on, and about three extra charges from the case. For a long working day, expect to put the earbuds away for a top-up. The case takes USB-C or Qi wireless charging; a wireless pad and mains charger are not included. Bose says a 20-minute charge provides up to two hours of listening.

Switching devices and adjusting the sound

Multipoint keeps two devices connected, which helps when moving between a laptop and phone. The Bose app manages those connections, listening modes and touch controls. Its three-band equaliser adjusts broad bass, middle and treble ranges, with less control than a more detailed equaliser. The aptX Adaptive audio format needs a compatible Android phone; do not assume a recent Samsung supports it. Bose lists security support until at least 30 June 2029, measured from launch rather than purchase.

UK version, package and buying details

The Amazon button selects the second-generation earbuds in Deep Plum, model 896637-0030, with the wireless-charging case. The UK manufacturer RRP reference is £299.95. A USB-A to USB-C cable is included; a mains charger and wireless charging pad are not. The listing states a two-year manufacturer warranty. Check Amazon’s own returns and checkout terms: Bose’s direct-store promotions and 30-day direct-buy return policy should not be assumed to apply. Other colours use different listings. No current Amazon price is reproduced here.

Strengths and drawbacks

What it does well

Strong noise cancelling makes noisy journeys easier to listen through
Full-bodied sound gives music plenty of weight
Stability bands help keep the earbuds secure as you move
Connecting to two devices helps when switching between work and a phone
The case charges wirelessly or by USB-C

What to watch out for

Battery life needs a case top-up during a long working day
Immersive Audio reduces Bose’s battery claim to four hours
The large earpieces may not suit smaller ears
The three-band equaliser gives limited control over the sound
Higher-quality aptX Adaptive audio requires a compatible Android phone

Choose around the part of daily use that matters most. Noise cancelling is a strong reason to shortlist these earbuds. For long stretches without a break, battery life deserves equal attention. Fit is personal, and a detailed equaliser may matter more if you like adjusting the sound. The related reviews below give you other options to consider; we have not tested them side by side.

Alternatives we have reviewed

Product	Our verdict	Price	Buy
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (this one)	A good fit for noisy journeys and busy workplaces, with strong noise cancelling, a secure fit and full-bodied sound.	£299.95RRP · Deep Plum, 2nd Gen, wireless charging case, RRP recorded 31 Oct 2026	Check price
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2	Worth considering as secure-fitting workout earbuds with noise cancelling, if you accept a large case and a limited heart-rate feature.	£249.99RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price
Apple AirPods Pro 3	The most convenient high-end earbuds for iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling, instant pairing and Find My built in.	£219RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation	A light, comfortable choice for iPhone owners who dislike rubber ear tips and want some help with steady travel noise, as long as you accept weaker noise cancelling and shorter battery life than the AirPods Pro 2.	£179RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price

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Where our findings come from

We have not worn or tested these earbuds ourselves. This research-based review combines Bose’s exact UK second-generation product information and security-support statement with the independent tests linked below. The measured battery result and differing fit experiences remain attributed in the copy. Results concern the reviewers’ samples and software, not UKTechExpert testing. The Deep Plum Amazon listing, model 896637-0030, and default Amazon seller were checked on 31 October 2026. Sellers can change; checkout and delivery to an address were not tested.