Bose's new QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) bring ultra-level audio down to $359

Following a recent leak, Bose has officially launched the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), the first update to the base model in the QuietComfort line in a little over two years. The new pair brings several features down from the pricier QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, most notably Bose's Immersive Audio modes, while keeping the price at $359.

The redesign centers on comfort and fit. Bose has smoothed out the adjustable headband and added more soft synthetic-leather cushioning, along with optimized clamping force for a more secure, lightweight feel. The earcups have been reshaped for a cleaner look, and Bose has tucked "pops of color" inside them for a subtle two-tone effect, most visible in the three new limited-edition colorways: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Rosewood Mauve.

Standard Black and White Smoke options remain for buyers who want a more understated look. Physical controls carry over largely unchanged, with the right earcup handling playback, volume, and calls, and the left earcup housing the listening mode button plus a customizable shortcut for a voice assistant or Spotify Tap.

The bigger news is on the audio side. Bose TrueSpatial technology now brings Immersive Audio to the standard QuietComfort line for the first time, a feature previously reserved for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. That unlocks Still, Motion, and Cinema listening modes: Still Mode keeps sound anchored in place as you move your head, Motion Mode lets the soundstage follow your head movement, and Cinema Mode widens the soundstage for movies, TV, and podcasts while keeping dialogue clear.

The headphones keep Bose's SoundDesign digital signal processing and add lossless wired USB-C audio at up to 24-bit/48kHz for higher-quality playback over a cable. Active noise cancelation also gets an upgrade. Bose's QuietControl system now runs on a six-microphone array with updated adaptive feedforward controls designed to better compensate for gaps in the earcup seal, which should help noise cancelation hold up better for people who wear glasses or have long hair.

Aware Mode has been refined too, with an improved ActiveSense response meant to smooth out how noise cancelation reacts to sudden loud sounds, like a passing train. Users can still fine-tune noise cancelation levels or build custom listening modes through the Bose app, accessible via a dedicated action button on the left earcup.

Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, Google Fast Pair on Android, and two-way USB-C audio, and Bose includes a USB-C-to-3.5mm cable in the box for analog sources like in-flight entertainment systems. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours on a full charge, or 18 hours with Immersive Audio switched on, and a 15-minute quick charge adds roughly 2.5 hours of listening time. Bose says the headphones can keep playing while charging. The companion app also offers a three-band EQ, custom listening mode creation, paired device management, and firmware updates.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) open for pre-order on August 8, 2026, priced at $359, with shipping beginning August 13.