QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen

"The sound quality is good, it doesn’t feel quite as clear and completely lacks the detail the Technics and Sony have."

While some find the sound quality good, especially with EQ, many describe it as muddy, lacking detail, or overly bass-heavy compared to competitors.

"The Bose are more comfortable than the Sonys, hands down. They have less clamping force on my head, and their ear cups are much deeper."

Comfort is overwhelmingly praised, with users frequently citing it as a major advantage and suitable for all-day wear.

"Both headphones are rated at 30 hours of battery life, and I believe this to be accurate."

Battery life is generally considered adequate and improved over previous generations, though not class-leading compared to some competitors.

"The build quality is great, as is the design. I love the polished metal of the yolks."

The build quality is frequently described as premium, with positive mentions of materials and design, though some minor squeaking or hinge concerns are noted.

"I found that both perform well, but excel in different settings. In a quiet environment, the Bose provides clearer sound quality."

Call quality receives mixed to negative feedback, with users reporting issues in noisy environments and a processed sound, though some find it adequate in quiet settings.

"The immersive is cool but nothing I would use regularly over the default mode probably."

Features like immersive audio are often criticized, and connectivity can be problematic with multiple devices, though the app is generally seen as functional.

"The stock sound of the QC Ultra 2 is much more tonally balanced, with a pleasing sound profile that emphasizes beautiful, rich mids, while having an impactful but clean bass, and smooth treble."

The sound is described as crisp, detailed, and enjoyable with deep bass, though some find the midrange subdued and the overall profile more consumer-friendly than neutral.

"The QC Ultra has the recipe for success: lightweight, plush cushioning, and minimal clamping force."

Users overwhelmingly praise the headphones for their lightweight design, plush padding, and comfortable fit, making them suitable for extended wear.

"While the last-gen model had a relatively short battery life of 24 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, the new pair offers 30 hours of battery life."

Battery life has improved to 30 hours, which is considered good and on par with competitors, though not class-leading.

"But the earcups and exterior of the headband do use plastic to save weight, and feels a bit cheaper to the touch."

The build is described as solid with a mix of plastic and metal, but some reviewers note it doesn't feel as premium as higher-priced competitors.

"Making calls is a lovely experience with the 2nd Gen. No matter how busy or chaotic the environment, voices remain front and center with a loud and clear presence."

Call quality is generally good, with clear voices, though some minor distortion or background noise can occasionally be present.

"The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.) headphone was provided by the manufacturer and I thank them for that. You can get it from Bose and virtually everywhere."

Features like USB-C lossless audio, improved Bluetooth multipoint, and immersive audio are well-received, though the app's EQ is considered basic.

"Some reviewers say that they sound great and the mids and highs are crystal clear and others say they sound muddy."

Opinions on sound quality are mixed, with some finding it superb and better than competitors, while others describe it as muddy or lacking definition, especially without proper EQ.

"Bose are the better option because it does everything pretty good while they are comfortable so you can wear them for many hours"

Comfort is overwhelmingly cited as a major strength, with users frequently highlighting the ability to wear them for extended periods without discomfort, even over competitors.

"I would have liked to see a section in the review that covers usability and practicality for different scenarios - like having a zoom call, talking outside, talking on the train, listening to music on the train or flight, connecting and switching between devices, charging etc etc"

Battery life is not a frequently discussed topic among the provided reviews, leaving its performance largely unaddressed.

"I'm a Sony fan. However, I recently had to replace my XM5 due to a broken plastic arm (close to the hinge). After seeing the aluminum arms on the Bose I decided to go with that model."

Build quality is generally seen as good, with positive comments on aesthetics and materials, though some users express concern about long-term durability based on past experiences.

"I wish Bose would fix the microphone during calls most people tell me they hear excessive noise when I am on a call if I am in a noisy environment"

Call quality receives mixed feedback; some users report clear calls with good noise suppression, while others are told by people on the other end that excessive noise is heard.

"I highly recommend against buying. sorry but im thinking about returning these. they released an update and removed the feature where u could switch through all paired devices with the click on power button."

While some features like USB-C audio are appreciated, users are frustrated by the removal of essential controls via updates and persistent connectivity issues, alongside a lack of advanced EQ.