TechRadar100
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a top-tier choice for those prioritizing noise cancellation and engaging, powerful sound.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
12 expert reviews#1 in wireless earbudsChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) has a critic score of 88 out of 100 from 12 professional reviews, and 12 of them recommend it. It ranks #1 of 5 wireless earbuds we score. Critics praise its noise cancelling and sound quality. The most common complaint is battery life.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best noise cancelling
Our verdict
All 12 reviewers who tested Bose's second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds recommend them, mostly for the best noise cancelling in any earbud and clear calls. Battery life is only average, and some testers found them bulky in the ear.
The catch: Average battery life, and bulky in the ear.
Critic agreement: Medium
Scores run from 78 to 100
6 of these 12 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
Expert Reviews100
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are an excellent refinement of their predecessor, offering industry-leading noise cancellation and a comfortable fit.
ZDNET90
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a top-tier choice for users prioritizing comfort, effective noise cancellation, and high-quality spatial audio, despite some minor connectivity bugs.
Android Central90
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a top-tier choice that excels in comfort, fit, and sound quality, making them the current benchmark for wireless earbuds despite their premium price and average battery life.
Digital Trends90
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are a top-tier choice for noise cancellation and comfort, offering a highly enjoyable sound profile.
What Hi-Fi?90est.
The 2nd Gen earbuds are a refined improvement over their predecessors, offering superior noise cancellation, better call quality, and the addition of wireless charging while maintaining excellent sound performance.
9to5Toys85est.
The 2nd Gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer refined noise cancellation, improved call quality, and subtle audio enhancements, maintaining their status as a top-tier choice despite stagnant battery life.
Business Insider85est.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are an excellent, top-tier choice for noise cancellation and sound quality, though they offer only minor refinements over the previous generation.
Popular Science85est.
The 2nd Gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer refined noise cancellation, improved sound tuning, and convenient new features like wireless charging.
CNN Underscored79est.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer industry-leading noise cancellation and excellent sound quality, but they are held back by a bulky, uncomfortable fit and mediocre battery life for the price.
RTINGS.com79est.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer industry-leading noise cancellation and a comfortable fit, though they are held back by a high price point and some software inconsistencies.
TechGearLab78
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) offers exceptional sound quality and top-tier noise cancellation, but these strengths are undermined by a bulky, uncomfortable design and disappointing battery life.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Noise cancelling11 of 12
Sound quality9 of 12
Comfort4 of 12
What critics dislike most
Battery life10 of 12
Size and weight6 of 12
Price5 of 12
Alternatives
Not sure about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
Photo coming
Best sound
Sony WF-1000XM687
14 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
For iPhone owners
Apple AirPods Pro 386
14 reviews · agreement mediumPhoto coming
For Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro81
11 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
Open-fit pick
Apple AirPods 480
15 reviews · agreement lowCommon questions
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) worth it?
Most critics think so: 12 of 12 recommend it. Average battery life, and bulky in the ear.
What do critics dislike about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
Battery life (10 of 12 reviews), Size and weight (6 of 12 reviews), Price (5 of 12 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
The Sony WF-1000XM6 (critic score 87), best sound.