Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones were lauded for their impressive noise cancellation and comfortable design upon release in 2023. But with the arrival of the second generation, shoppers are left wondering if upgrading is necessary. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide.
Sound Quality: A Subtle but Noticeable Refinement
While both generations deliver a balanced sound profile characteristic of Bose headphones, the second generation boasts a noticeable improvement in richness and overall fullness. Songs on the second-gen headphones felt more detailed and nuanced, particularly vocal harmonies. Although the difference might not be immediately apparent during casual listening, dedicated audiophiles will likely appreciate this subtle upgrade.
However, both models fall short when it comes to immersive audio (spatial audio). While Bose attempts to create a surrounding soundstage, it often sacrifices some of the detail that makes their headphones so beloved in favor of this spatial effect. The equalizer is also basic with only three bands, lacking the granular control offered by competitors.
Noise Cancellation: More Control, Not Necessarily More Effectiveness
Bose claims improved adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) in the second generation. While testing revealed excellent ANC performance from both models – effectively silencing external sounds in real-world scenarios – I didn’t detect a significant leap forward with the new model.
Where the second generation excels is user control. The companion app now features a dedicated noise control slider, allowing for easy adjustment from level one to ten. The first generation requires navigating through menus and creating custom listening modes for similar fine-tuning.
Comfort and Design: Minor Refinements on an Already Great Foundation
Visually, the two generations are nearly indistinguishable. The primary difference lies in a subtle change to the headband accent – shiny on the second gen versus brushed satin on the first. The second generation is also slightly heavier (0.02 pounds), but this barely noticeable.
Surprisingly, I found the second-gen headphones marginally more comfortable despite already thinking the first generation set the gold standard for earcup comfort. The ear foam feels slightly firmer yet retains a plushness that perfectly cradles your ears.
Both headphones pack into identical carrying cases.
Connectivity: Second Gen Rises Above its Predecessor’s Shortcomings
The first generation QuietComfort Ultras, while exceptional in many aspects, stumbled with their multipoint connection and wired playback options.
I frequently encountered lag and stuttering audio when switching between two paired devices on the first gen, which is unacceptable at this price point. Wired playback lacked the option for passive listening (hearing through the aux cable without powering on the headphones), adding an extra inconvenience.
The second generation addresses these issues head-on. Multipoint connection has been flawlessly stable during my testing period, and wired listening now offers both passive and active (powered) options. This means you can plug in using a 3.5mm audio jack for standard sound or opt to power on the headphones for lossless playback through a USB-C cable.
Moreover, the second generation connects faster upon powering on, eliminating previous delays and frustration.
Value: A Tight Race with an Easy Winner for Bargain Hunters
The first-generation QuietComfort Ultras launched at $429 and saw a recent price bump to $449 before dropping back down after the release of the second generation (which debuted at $449). Currently, the first-gen model sits around $329 with Black Friday discounts expected to push it even lower.
Given the relatively minor differences between the generations and the significant savings available on the older model, unless having those connectivity improvements is paramount, buying the first generation for under $350 is a compelling value proposition. The second generation offers polish and refinement but might not be worth the full price premium without specific needs in mind.
