The catch
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
Charging over USB-C does not give you digital USB audio.
Side by side
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort 2: Standard runtime stays at 24h, QC2 adds USB audio
Quick verdict
QuietComfort 2 is the one for music played directly over USB-C or for Bose Immersive Audio. The 2023 QuietComfort fits if Bluetooth and analog cover your needs and its offer is better. A 24-hour standard playback claim and passive analog carry over to both.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Zero is the standard battery upgrade
In the standard listening mode, both state up to 24 hours.
Where this comes from
Each of Bose QuietComfort 2023 and QuietComfort 2 claims up to 24 hours in standard noise-canceling operation. That gives 24 minus 24 = 0 additional rated hours.
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.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
- Why pick it
- Bluetooth and an analog cable are all you need.
- The offer on the older exact model is noticeably lower.
- The catch
- Charging over USB-C does not give you digital USB audio.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Why pick it
- Digital USB audio with no extra adapter is what you are after.
- The newer Immersive Audio mode appeals to you.
- 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.
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What this page compares
Bose QuietComfort 2023 and QuietComfort 2 compared on USB audio, weight and battery modes. A passive cable fallback for travel stays on both.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I want my laptop to play through USB-C
Digital USB audio is found only on QuietComfort 2.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
- Not suitable
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Better fit
I am already happy with my QuietComfort on flights
ANC, folding and passive analog are all still on the older model. The stated standard playback duration does not improve in the new generation.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
- Good
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Good
I want to leave the new spatial mode on constantly
It comes with QuietComfort 2, but plan around the 18-hour figure.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
- Not suitable
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Good
I need music once the battery is dead
Passive analog is supported by both. Bring the right cable for each generation.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
- Similar
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
Zero is the standard battery upgrade
In the standard listening mode, both state up to 24 hours.
How we worked this out
Each of Bose QuietComfort 2023 and QuietComfort 2 claims up to 24 hours in standard noise-canceling operation. That gives 24 minus 24 = 0 additional rated hours.
The travel calculation shifts because of the new listening mode
QuietComfort 2 claims six hours less for Immersive Audio than in standard operation.
How we worked this out
In standard operation QuietComfort 2 claims 24 hours, and with Immersive Audio it claims 18 hours. The gap is 24 minus 18 = 6 hours. Six divided by 24 = 25%.
The new port brings an added path and keeps the passive backup
Bluetooth, USB digital and passive analog are all on QuietComfort 2. The 2023 model has Bluetooth and passive analog.
How we worked this out
Three verified paths against two. The newer analog path is made possible by the included USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable.
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 (2023)
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Bose QuietComfort 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 (2023)
QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
This folding pair keeps noise modes simple and has an analog fallback that works even when the battery is flat. If you also want digital audio over USB-C, go with the newer QuietComfort 2.
- Best for
- Easy travel headphones that work on a dead battery
Facts we checked
- With noise cancellation, Bose rates playback at up to 24 hours.
- The manufacturer gives the weight as 0.520 lb, approximately 236 g.
- With the supplied analog cable, audio can play even when the battery is depleted.
- Quiet and Aware modes and two-device Bluetooth multipoint are supported.
Option B
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.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ANC playback claim | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours | Standard mode gains nothing in battery. |
| Immersive Audio claim | Not a feature of this model | Up to 18 hours | A shorter battery figure of its own comes with the new mode. |
| Digital USB audio | No | Yes, up to 24-bit/48 kHz input | For a desk connection, this is the most useful upgrade. |
| Passive analog | Yes | Yes | With a depleted battery, both can still play basic analog audio. |
| Analog cable type | 2.5-to-3.5 mm | Supplied USB-C-to-3.5 mm | The new port looks similar but changes which replacement cable you need. |
| Approximate weight | 236 g | 230 g | About 6 g is saved by the newer pair. |
| Multipoint and folding | Both supported | Both supported | Upgrading is not needed for these travel basics. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
- Compared with the Ultra 2's 30-hour figure, Bose's ANC rating of 24 hours is lower.
With Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- With Immersive Audio on, the stated runtime falls from 24 hours to 18 hours.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick QuietComfort 2 for music directly over USB-C or Bose Immersive Audio. Pick the 2023 QuietComfort when Bluetooth and analog meet your needs and its offer is better. Both keep a 24-hour standard playback claim and passive analog.
Spend on the connection you will use
When the headphones sit next to a USB-C laptop for most of the day, the new digital input is a meaningful upgrade. When they stay on a phone over Bluetooth, a lower offer on the older model could be worth more than a feature you never touch.
The backup cable is still worth having
Unlike the Ultra models, both support passive analog. QuietComfort 2 sends that analog connection through its supplied USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable, so keep the cable in the travel case instead of assuming a generic charge cable can do the same job.
Immersive Audio costs you something
The 18-hour claim shows what you give up. A listening mode is gained, but with it enabled you should not plan a long trip around the 24-hour number. Nor does the feature guarantee better sound for every recording or listener.
What this page can’t tell you
- The weights here are rounded conversions of the pound figures Bose publishes.
- How long the battery lasts varies with settings, volume and usage.
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 3 of the 60 models checked meet every need here: “I go back and forth between laptop and phone”, “I want music even with a dead battery”, “I want a pair that weighs 250 g or less”, and “My bag has no space left”.
3 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 music even with a dead battery”, “I want a pair that weighs 250 g or less”, and “My bag has no space left”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) |
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| Bose QuietComfort 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 (2023)
Bluetooth and an analog cable are all you need.
See price & reviews on AmazonBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Digital USB audio with no extra adapter is what you are after.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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