the sequel

Bose to Release Second Generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in Summer — Here’s What We Know

The earbuds don't look too different, but Bose promises improved call quality, wireless charging, and enhanced ANC, without a price hike

By Jonathan Zavaleta

Jonathan Zavaleta

Contact Jonathan Zavaleta by Email

View all posts by Jonathan Zavaleta

June 12, 2025

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

woman holding bose quietcomfort ultra 2 earbuds

Bose

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

The arms race for the noise-canceling crown continues to heat up. After Sony released its excellent WH-1000XM6 headphones in May, Bose is following up its QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. Announced today, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (second gen) will be available in black, white smoke, or deep plum, with a release date slated for “later this summer,” on Bose.com, according to the brand.

In addition to the earbuds, Bose is releasing two new speakers: the SoundLink Plus, a new model, and the second-generation SoundLink Micro. Preorders will be available on June 12 for the SoundLink Plus. The SoundLink Micro will also be available later in the summer. The SoundLink Plus will retail for $269, while the Micro will be available for $129.

Bose stuck to a tried-and-true formula for the new earbuds, with the QC Ultra II earbuds retaining the same design as the first generation. The good news is that Bose also didn’t raise the price. At $300, they’re an expensive pair of earbuds, but they’re the same retail price as the original QC Ultra earbuds.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra II earbuds in “Deep Plum” Bose

The brand made some small improvements to the earbuds, seemingly seeking to address common complaints. The capacitive tap and swipe controls can now be turned off entirely to prevent accidental touches. Bose also finally caught up to the competition, adding wireless charging to the case. Previously, users had to buy a separate wireless charging case for the QC Ultra earbuds.

Bose also claims to have made improvements in active noise-canceling, thanks to an updated AI algorithm that improves ActiveSense when in Aware Mode. “Changes in noise cancellation levels are now smoother than before … preventing audio content from being drowned out,” according to Bose.

The biggest improvement we hope to see is in call quality, which is underwhelming on the QC Ultras compared to the best earbuds for phone calls. Bose claims the new “AI-powered noise suppression system” will improve call quality, reducing background distractions for clearer calls.

In the meantime, a few Bose products are on sale, which you can check out below.

Bose Announces Second-Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

$399.00 $449.00 11% off

Buy Now at bose

Buy Now On Amazon

The QuietComfort Ultra headphones feature a high-end, streamlined design, complemented by top-tier noise cancellation and exceptional audio performance.

Bose Announces Second-Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

$249.00 $300.00 17% off

Buy Now at bose

Buy Now On Amazon

Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds are pricey for a pair of earbuds, particularly one without noise canceling, but they’re one of our favorite open-ear earbuds, and they’re better for $50 off.

Bose Announces Second-Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

$249.00 $349.00 29% off

Buy Now at bose

Buy Now On Amazon

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the more affordable alternative to the QuietComfort Ultras, and they’re actually better in some ways. Right now, they’re $100 off.

In this article:

More News

Read more

Top stories newsletter

A Cultural Force That Transcends Generations

Enter your Email

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services.