Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Source

SoundGuys

Key Takeaways

• Persistent background static hiss is plainly audible during acoustic tracks and podcasts in quiet rooms.
• Plagued by chronic connection handoff bugs: one bud routinely stays silent out of the case, requiring multiple reseats.
• Bose companion app is sluggish and constantly claims 'No earbuds found', turning firmware flashes into nail-biting headaches.
• $300 MSRP yet microphone pickup in windy traffic remains muffled and compressed compared to cheaper rivals.

✅ Pros

• Crushingly powerful active noise cancelation leads the earbud category
• Stability fin bands ensure an airtight, immovable workout fit
• Authoritative, punchy bass presentation excels for hip-hop and EDM

❌ Cons

• Prominent noise floor hiss in quiet listening environments
• Chronic single-earbud dropout bugs plague daily removal from case
• Unreliable companion app disconnects and halts firmware updates
• Subpar wind rejection and compressed voice pickup on calls

📝 Verdict

"Unmatched raw noise cancellation ruined by constant Bluetooth dropouts, background hiss, and a garbage app."

Source

• Video: GEN 2 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - What Changed?
• Channel: Mike O'Brien | Type: Comparison review | Based on: YouTube transcript

Key points

• Claimed improvements to the microphones, ANC, sound quality and design, but they look almost identical; wireless charging has been added.
• A mesh has been added to the inner side of the ear tips.
• The microphones are noticeably better outdoors in noisy conditions; the first gen will get a firmware update.
• The noise floor is greatly improved but not entirely gone, and a faint hum can still be heard in the left ear.
• The price stays at US$299; if you don't need wireless charging, you can save US$70 by buying the first gen.

✅ Pros

• Still among the best earbuds on the market
• Improved microphones
• Wireless charging added

❌ Cons

• Small difference from the first gen
• Still a faint noise floor

📝 Verdict

First-gen owners definitely don't need to upgrade, but the second gen itself is a great pair of earbuds.

Source

• Video: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review: How are Bose’s new top buds for running?
• Channel: The Run Testers | Type: Running test | Based on: YouTube transcript

Key points

• Bose's top-of-the-line earbuds, with the best sound quality and noise cancellation.
• IPX4 sweat and rain resistance, and the reviewer has had no issues using them for running over a long period; touch controls work fine.
• Sound quality is excellent and punchy, suited to high-intensity training playlists.
• Wind noise is noticeable on a windy track; you have to keep ANC or transparency mode on all the time, which drains the battery faster.
• There's no ear-hook stability or convenience, but the fit is very good.

✅ Pros

• Secure fit
• Excellent sound quality
• Strong noise cancellation

❌ Cons

• Unremarkable battery life
• Noticeable wind noise
• IPX4 isn't fully waterproof

📝 Verdict

Everything is great except battery life, and for Bose fans they perform better than expected for running.

Source

• Video: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 Review - Worth the upgrade?
• Channel: SoundGuys | Type: Measurement review | Based on: YouTube transcript

Key points

• Carries over the stability fins, oval nozzles and chunky stem design.
• You need the Bose app to set modes and other features.
• Lab-tested battery life is 5 hours 34 minutes, slightly below the previous generation's 6 hours 11 minutes, though the difference isn't noticeable.
• Call quality is good, but background noise and wind noise still get picked up.
• Bose's consumer-oriented tuning doesn't match the Harman target or SoundGuys' preference curve.

✅ Pros

• Good noise cancellation
• Accessible tuning

❌ Cons

• Slightly lower battery life
• Average call performance in noisy environments
• Lacks anything new

📝 Verdict

At US$300 they're not the worst, but the reviewer would suggest cheaper options or ones with longer-lasting features.