Bose QC Ultra Headphones: Gen 1 vs Gen 2, which offers better value for money?

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Bose launched the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in 2023, successor to Headphones 700focusing on a new foldable design and spatial audio. Less than two years later, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) arrives, claiming to discreetly improve each attribute. The confrontation is tight: is the careful optimization of Gen 2 enough to surpass the already successful experience of its predecessor?

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Design, comfort and ergonomics: the total absence of risk-taking

The first generation of QuietComfort Ultra Headphones marked a return to basics by adopting a more conventional design, taking inspiration from QC45 rather than the Headphones 700, whose main flaw was its non-foldable design. The Gen 2 uses this formula identically, retaining its compact shells and its flexible headband which adapts to all body shapes. With a weight of 252 g, the two helmets are absolute benchmarks in terms of comfort and lightness.

The only aesthetic change on the Gen 2 is a slightly flashier finish, with mirror-polished metal hinges and slide system. A sticking point inherited by both models is the perceived fragility and potential squeaks linked to the resistance-free folding system.

Both generations share the same controls (physical buttons and touch slider for volume), the same supported Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive) and a latency that is too high for video games (around 250 ms). However, Gen 2 brings some accessory optimizations, but welcome for ergonomics. The power-up time goes from 10 to 7 seconds (which is still very long) and USB-C wired audio is available for lossless reproduction from any source. Gen 2 also replaces the automatic shutdown of its predecessor with a low-consumption intelligent standby mode, which promises immediate reconnection and better standby time. Spatial audio with head movement is also making its debut, complementing the static version of the first generation.

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Subtly better sound balance for Gen 2

The sound signature of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones adopts a clear and very defined profile, but with a strong emphasis on the upper midrange, which makes listening a little too sharp. The bass, although precise, lacked explosiveness.

The Gen 2 maintains the same energy, which can still be a little tiring at high volume, but achieves an overall more balanced signature. Bose slightly attenuated the midrange and treble while enhancing the bass. The result is a slightly less shrill sound and a more measured edge, without compromising on clarity. In short, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) offer a welcome rebalancing compared to that of its big brother, which makes listening more pleasant over time.

Strong competitors on the essentials

On all the following characteristics, the improvements brought by Gen 2 are practically anecdotal.

Both headsets are benchmarks in active noise reduction, plunging the user into a bubble of silence. Gen 2 maintains this excellence while slightly improving attenuation in high-pitched sounds (hissing, clicking), and reducing the background noise generated. The common weak point remains a sensitivity to sudden pressure changes (like the slamming of a subway door), as on the previous model. Likewise, Transparency mode and the hands-free kit are indeed evolving towards more naturalness, but once again timidly.

Finally, autonomy is clearly in favor of the Gen 2, which reaches an impressive endurance of almost 39 hours with ANC (compared to around 29 hours for the first generation), exceeding the market average.

The verdict: the quality-price equation

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) is undoubtedly the most complete and accomplished version, correcting the ergonomic frustrations of the first model (USB-C audio, battery life, power-up time) and refining the sound. It is the choice of technical perfection. However, faced with a high launch price for the Gen 2 (€450) and the absence of real technological development, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, now offered at a much lower price, represent the best value for money.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer the essentials of the Bose experience: formidable RBA, unrivaled comfort and excellent hands-free kit, for a cost of around €300. For the user who favors insulation and comfort at a reasonable price, the Gen 1 remains the most judicious option. Gen 2 is only really necessary for those who demand the best autonomy and USB-C audio, the sound evolution being only subtle.