The catch
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
The supplied USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable is the one to use, since not every charging cable can carry analog audio.
Side by side
Bose QuietComfort 2 vs QuietComfort Ultra 2 Compared: With a flat battery, QC2 keeps playing over a cable
Quick verdict
QuietComfort 2 gives you lower weight and an analog cable that keeps working on a depleted battery. QuietComfort Ultra 2 gives you longer rated playback and its Ultra listening modes. Digital USB audio is now supported on both.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Rated standard time is one quarter longer on Ultra
Against the standard model’s 24-hour claim, thirty hours is 25% higher.
Where this comes from
In standard Quiet or Aware operation, QuietComfort Ultra 2 claims 30 hours. In its standard operation, QuietComfort 2 claims 24 hours. The calculation is (30 minus 24) divided by 24 times 100 = 25%.
The catch
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Unlike the standard QuietComfort models, it cannot play analog audio without power.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Why pick it
- A genuine analog fallback with the power off is required.
- The frame of approximately 230 g suits you better.
- The catch
- The supplied USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable is the one to use, since not every charging cable can carry analog audio.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Why pick it
- You are after the longer 30-hour standard playback claim.
- Ultra’s CustomTune and Cinema features are specifically what you want.
- The catch
- Unlike the standard QuietComfort models, it cannot play analog audio without power.
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What this page compares
Passive analog backup and lower weight belong to QuietComfort 2, while Ultra 2 has the longer playback claim. Weigh the Bose options against your real travel routine.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I forget to charge before heading out
A passive analog source still works with QuietComfort 2. Ultra 2 needs headphone power even when the cable is used.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Better fit
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Caution
I want the Bose with the longest playback here
In both ordinary and Immersive Audio modes, Ultra 2 has the higher figure.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Good
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Better fit
At my desk I want music over USB-C
It works on both, so USB by itself is no reason to choose Ultra 2.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Good
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Good
I am looking to cut headset weight
By Bose’s published figures, QuietComfort 2 weighs approximately 34 g less.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Better fit
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Rated standard time is one quarter longer on Ultra
Against the standard model’s 24-hour claim, thirty hours is 25% higher.
How we worked this out
In standard Quiet or Aware operation, QuietComfort Ultra 2 claims 30 hours. In its standard operation, QuietComfort 2 claims 24 hours. The calculation is (30 minus 24) divided by 24 times 100 = 25%.
The longer claim comes at about 34 g
Compared with Ultra 2, QuietComfort 2 weighs about 12.9% less.
How we worked this out
12.9% = (264 − 230) ÷ 264 × 100, using rounded manufacturer weights.
With an empty battery, the apparent advantage flips
On paper Ultra 2 lasts longer, yet standard QuietComfort 2 is the one with a usable analog fallback once the battery is depleted.
How we worked this out
Rated battery is 30 against 24 hours. Ultra 2 lacks passive analog and QuietComfort 2 has it.
Plug in your setup
Which headphones suit the way you listen?
Start with how you listen. Charging over USB is not the same as playing audio over USB, and some headphones need power even on a cable. These answers are placeholders until you apply your own.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Battery figures are maker claims for the stated mode. They do not reflect measured travel time. Volume, codec, calls and battery age all change runtime. Closed earcups can still leak some sound. Weight alone does not predict comfort. USB audio needs a compatible source and cable. This check does not judge sound quality, mic quality or amplifier power.
Option A
Bose, QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
A very flexible travel pick, since it handles USB audio at a desk, Bluetooth on the train and passive analog playback with an empty battery. Ultra 2 is the one with the longer battery claim.
- Best for
- USB-C audio and an airplane cable that needs no battery
Facts we checked
- USB audio input is supported up to 24-bit, 48 kHz.
- Immersive Audio lowers the rating to 18 hours from up to 24.
- With a depleted battery, the included analog audio cable works in passive mode.
- The manufacturer gives the weight as 0.507 lb, approximately 230 g.
Option B
Bose, QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Ultra 2 beats the original Ultra on USB-C listening and on its longer 30-hour Quiet-mode claim. If analog playback has to keep working with a completely flat battery, pick QuietComfort 2 instead.
- Best for
- Direct USB-C audio and longer playback from Bose
Facts we checked
- In Quiet or Aware mode the rating is up to 30 hours, and with Immersive Audio it is 23 hours.
- Digital USB-C audio is supported, as is listening while charging.
- The headphones weigh approximately 264 g.
- Two-device Bluetooth multipoint is supported.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | About 230 g | About 264 g | Standard QuietComfort 2 weighs approximately 34 g less. |
| Standard playback claim | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | Six rated hours are added by Ultra 2. |
| Immersive Audio claim | Up to 18 hours | Up to 23 hours | If spatial processing stays on, compare 18 and 23. |
| Digital USB audio | Supported | Supported | The Ultra model is no longer needed for USB alone. |
| Powered-off analog | Supported | Not supported | What separates them here is hard compatibility and not a preference score. |
| Analog-source cable | USB-C-to-3.5 mm | 2.5-to-3.5 mm | Replacement cables differ by generation. |
| Two-device multipoint and folding | Supported | Supported | The basic phone-and-laptop travel routine is covered by both. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- With Immersive Audio on, the stated runtime falls from 24 hours to 18 hours.
With Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- A separate 23-hour battery claim applies to Immersive Audio.
Decision guide
How to decide
For lower weight and an analog cable that still works on a depleted battery, pick QuietComfort 2. For longer rated playback and Ultra listening modes, pick QuietComfort Ultra 2. Digital USB audio is supported on both now.
A long battery and a useful backup are different things
How often you need a charger depends on the rating, and a longer one cuts that down. Passive analog handles another problem, which is what you do when there is no charge left at all. Ultra 2 comes out ahead on the first, and standard QuietComfort 2 comes out ahead on the second. Do not bury either fact in a generic overall score.
Both now have USB audio
USB used to be framed as an Ultra-only benefit in older Bose comparisons, but QuietComfort 2 supports it as well. If all your desk needs is a digital cable from a compatible laptop, either one passes, and weight, battery mode, fit and price decide the rest.
Compare the mode you will keep switched on
In standard mode the figures are 24 and 30 hours, and with Immersive Audio they fall to 18 and 23. If you keep that mode on, do not plan a long itinerary around the larger numbers.
What this page can’t tell you
- Weight gaps are rounded and approximate.
- No measured winner on ANC or call quality is named here.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 2 of the 60 models checked meet every need here: “I go back and forth between laptop and phone”, “I want to get audio over a USB-C cable”, “I want music even with a dead battery”, and “I want a pair that weighs 250 g or less”.
2 models fit, out of 60 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I go back and forth between laptop and phone”, “I want to get audio over a USB-C cable”, “I want music even with a dead battery”, and “I want a pair that weighs 250 g or less”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) |
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| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
A genuine analog fallback with the power off is required.
See price & reviews on AmazonBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
You are after the longer 30-hour standard playback claim.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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