6 August 2026 – Today, Bose announced the next generation of its iconic noise cancelling headphones, the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). Introducing a refreshed industrial design that brings a modern new look to one of the brand's most recognisable products, the headphones pair legendary noise cancellation and renowned comfort with proprietary Bose technologies for a more immersive listening experience.
The new QC Headphones will open for preorder for My Bose members beginning 6 August on Bose.co.uk for £299.95 and will start shipping on 13 August. Available in Black, White Smoke, or three new limited-edition colours: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve.
Immersive listening, elevated
New to the QuietComfort Headphones is the addition of Bose TrueSpatial technology, enabling three Bose Immersive Audio listening modes previously exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra series: Still, Motion, and Cinema.
Bose Immersive Audio delivers a virtualised stereo sound listening experience from any audio source, placing the listener directly in the "sweet spot" as if they were listening to a 2.0 out-loud system. Still Mode keeps audio in place in the room, even as the listener’s head moves from left to right. Motion Mode lets the audio follow the movement of the listener’s head, and is best for staying immersed when listening on the go. Cinema Mode spatialises and balances background sound and other audio effects to deliver a theatre-like experience when watching video content or listening to podcasts, widening the soundstage and keeping dialogue crisp, clear and centred.
The new QuietComfort Headphones also retain Bose’s high-quality sound and proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing while introducing lossless playback via wired USB-C audio up to 24bit/48kHz.
The latest in legendary quiet
Featuring Bose’s world-renowned noise cancellation technology, now referred to as QuietControl, the new QuietComfort Headphones have several refinements over the first-generation model in their active noise cancellation performance.
Listeners who wear glasses — or those who have historically struggled to achieve a perfect seal with the earcups due to hair or hats — will notice a marked improvement in noise cancellation, thanks to new adaptive feedforward controls. The headphones’ six-microphone system now better compensates for gaps in the earcup seal, helping to maintain effective noise cancellation even when the fit isn’t perfect.
Additionally, the new QuietComfort Headphones feature an enhanced ActiveSense response in Aware Mode, applying the right amount of noise cancellation in a smoother and more natural way to soften sudden noise spikes, such as a passing train. For a more traditional listening experience, noise cancellation can be manually adjusted, or completely turned off, via the Bose App. Custom Modes can also be created to find the right individual balance between noise cancelling and acoustic transparency and can be quickly cycled through using the action button on the headphones’ left earcup.
Refined design for comfort and style
The new QuietComfort Headphones have an updated headband design featuring smooth, adjustable sliders and even more plush, soft synthetic leather cushioning that gently rests on the head for a contoured silhouette. Clamping force has been optimised to provide a secure fit and lightweight feel, and new oval-shaped earcups add to the effect of creating a more seamless profile and modern look.
Hidden pops of colour inside the earcups introduce a fresh two-tone design that complements the headphones' modern aesthetic. Launching with three limited-edition colourways, QuietComfort Headphones become an even bolder expression of personal style.
Eucalyptus Green is calm and nature inspired with a joyful shade of yellow inside, designed to complement modern colour trends in both men’s and women’s fashion. Dewdrop Mint, a nostalgic 90s throwback reminiscent of poolside mint ice cream, is energising yet refreshing at the same time with an added accent of teal earcups. Rosewood Mauve is a rich bloom of Munstead Wood English roses, as a deep mauve is paired with a vibrant fuchsia pink for a lush, expressive aesthetic.
Controls, connectivity, and convenience
The headphones have physical buttons that are conveniently placed on the earcups for easy access and feel, allowing the user to make adjustments without needing to take out their phone or device each time. Buttons on the right earcup provide primary controls such as play/pause, volume, call answer/hang up, and more; the left earcup has a dedicated button to adjust the listening mode and activate shortcuts to the source device’s voice assistant or Spotify Tap.
Bluetooth® Core 5.4 with Multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between two connected devices, making it easy to move between music, calls, and more. Android users can also take advantage of Google Fast Pair for simplified setup.
Additional flexibility comes through expanded USB-C functionality. Two-way USB-C audio enables high-quality listening as well as Clear voice input for calls and videoconferencing apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. A USB-C to 3.5 mm cable is also included for compatibility with analogue sources, including in-flight entertainment systems.
Battery life is designed to keep up with the day, offering up to 24 hours of listening time (18 hours with immersive audio)*, with the ability to charge while wearing, so audio doesn’t have to stop when the battery runs low. If it does, a 15-minute quick-charge yields up to 2.5 hours** of playback.
Through the Bose App, users can further personalise their experience with an adjustable three-band EQ, custom listening modes and shortcut function configuration, while accessing Bluetooth device management, firmware updates and more.
About Bose Corporation
Bose Corporation is a global leader in audio innovation, driven by a singular belief: sound has the power to transform the way people connect with the world. For more than 60 years, Bose has combined pioneering research, engineering excellence, and a deep understanding of human perception to create products and technologies that deliver extraordinary experiences. Through its portfolio of iconic brands, including Bose, McIntosh, and Sonus faber, the company offers premium and luxury audio solutions for the home, on the go, and in the car. Bose also collaborates with leading companies across industries, extending its audio expertise and technologies into new products, platforms and applications beyond its own brands.
Guided by a relentless spirit of innovation and a passion for what sound makes possible, Bose continues to advance the science and art of sound while expanding its impact on everyday life. From music and entertainment to communication, wellness, and emerging applications, Bose is creating new ways for people around the world to feel more connected, inspired, and engaged through the power of sound.
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