Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones (Gen 2) Review (Driftwood Sand)
Summary: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2 produces gorgeous audio and aesthethics
4.5
Gorgeous audio
Bose has refined its flagship headphones with the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 that not only brings quality wireless audio but also five colours to choose from, including Black, Desert Gold, White Smoke, Midnight Violet and the truly stylish Driftwood Sand (reviewed), which will make heads turn. With that said, this new model takes everything the brand Bose is known for and elevates it with deeper immersion, smarter features and a design that feels as luxurious as it looks. As mentioned, the Driftwood Sand (and the Desert Gold) finish adds a modern and understated polish that makes these headphones stand out without being flashy.
Highlights
- Next‑gen Noise Cancellation – adaptive, world‑class ANC with Quiet, Aware and Immersion modes
- Bose Immersive Audio – spatialised sound that feels more natural and lifelike
- CustomTune™ Sound Calibration – personalises audio to your ears automatically
- Lossless USB‑C Audio – direct digital connection for high‑fidelity, low‑latency sound
- Crystal‑clear Calls – advanced mic system with noise‑reduction algorithms
- Multipoint Bluetooth – connect to two devices at once and switch seamlessly
- Long Battery Life – up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio on); 15‑min quick charge = 2.5 hrs
- Smart Power – auto on/off and low‑power mode when removed
- Premium Comfort & Design – plush ear cushions, padded headband, sleek finishes.
- Customisable Controls – physical buttons + touch strip, adjustable in the Bose Music app.
- Bose Music App Support – EQ, noise control, immersive modes, firmware updates
As you can see from the above highlights, the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones (Gen 2) boast a wealth of impressive features and work immediately out of the box, offering multipoint Bluetooth, USB‑C for lossless wired digital playback and even a 3.5mm analog input via the included 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable.
Box Contents
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Carry case
- USB-C to USB-C, 1 M (39.4″)
- 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable (43.4”)
- Safety Sheet
Gallery
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Setup? Almost non‑existent! I trialled the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones (Gen 2) on my Google Pixel, which immediately detected the headset thanks to fast pairing. However, to maximise this experience, you do need to install the Bose app, which allows you to fine‑tune your audio, including checking for the latest firmware updates. The app also keeps the settings simple, without providing too much choice because, at its core, Bose has already done the hard yards for you. I also tested these over‑the‑ear headphones via USB‑C through my laptop that, like Bluetooth, had no issues.
It’s all about audio… mostly. Like most Bose products, the sound quality is where the QC Ultra Gen 2 truly shines with excellent lows, mids and highs, including smooth bass. Bose Immersive Audio creates a sense of space that feels natural and cinematic, moving the sound in front of you rather than keeping it locked inside your head. Music gains depth and texture while films benefit from balanced dialogue, effects and background sound in a way that feels closer to a theatre experience.
The dimensions of the headphones measure 19.5 cm x 15.7 cm x 7.1 cm, with a weight of just 265 grams. The overall build quality is decent and while a combination of plastic, it does feel very sturdy.
Thankfully, the plush ear cushions and evenly balanced headband make long listening sessions effortless and to protect your investment, you simply fold the headphones into the included sturdy case.
With CustomTune technology adapting playback to the unique shape of your ears and USB‑C audio delivering lossless clarity, the result is a sound signature that feels both personal and precise. Watching Alien Earth via my laptop created that true cinematic experience and from a music perspective, the tracks fromTaylor Swift’s Life of a Show Girl, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend and Linkin Park’s From Zero all sounded spectacular, almost like having your own personal concert.
If you want to take your audio to a more immersive level, the noise cancellation works very well and is definitely one of the best I’ve heard. The QC Ultra Gen 2 blocks out the low hum of planes, the chatter of offices and the distractions of home life with ease. Switching to Aware Mode is seamless when you need to stay connected to your surroundings which also sounds more natural.
However, with noise cancellation enabled, it really turned off the sound around me and further, controls are intuitive, with simple taps and swipes for playback and volume. On the left earcup, there is the USB‑C port and a 2.5 mm audio port for unpowered listening, while the right earcup gives you access to a power and Bluetooth button, multifunction button and a touch‑sensitive strip for volume control. Also, like some other Bose products, it auto‑pauses when removing the headphones, which is a welcome touch. Plus, if you don’t use them, they enter a low‑power mode and by placing them on your head again, the audio resumes.
Battery life, while not groundbreaking, is generous with up to 30 hours of playback in standard mode and 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. A quick 15‑minute charge provides enough power for a couple of hours of listening, which is ideal for travel or commuting. It’s perfect for long flights or just chilling around the home if you want to do some serious work in the office and block out the sounds of your surroundings. Additionally, call quality is crisp thanks to noise‑rejecting microphones and AI‑driven background suppression. With that said, multipoint works a treat as it switches between devices flawlessly.
Final Thoughts?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones (Gen 2) is a complete package as it successfully combines world‑class noise cancellation with immersive audio, refined design and long‑lasting comfort. For anyone who wants headphones that silence the world and make every note feel alive, these are among the very best available today. Sure, it’s pricey; however, if you’re looking for one of the clearest audio experiences, it’s hard to look past the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2, and the Driftwood Sand colour is utterly delightful!
Recommended!
About the Author
Adrian Gunning Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.
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