Bose’s updated QuietComfort headphones play nicer with glasses

Long a name synonymous with noise-cancelling headphones, Bose has launched the 2nd Gen version of its core QuietComfort range, tweaking the design, adding more listening modes, and improving ANC performance.

Bose described the new model as getting a “refreshed industrial design”, along with the brand’s ‘TrueSpatial’ technology. At $549.95 in Australia, the new QuietComfort is the same RRP as the previous model (some colours are currently discounted to $299.95 at the time of writing.

Wireless by design, the QuietComfort 2nd Gen also supports wired USB-C playback, enabling lossless quality 24-bit audio. Naturally, you’d need to find music in a lossless format to truly benefit, which is available through some streaming services, like Apple Music and Spotify.

Bose has also introduced three ‘Immersive Audio’ modes to the new headphones. ‘Still Mode’ keeps the audio in a fixed position, while ‘Motion Mode’ follows the wearer’s head movement. There’s also a ‘Cinema Mode’ designed for movies, TV shows, and podcasts, which is meant to produce a wider soundstage while retaining dialogue clarity.

Image: Bose.

True to the name of the headphones, there are also improvements to what Bose calls its ‘QuietControl’ noise cancellation technology. Using a six-microphone system, the QuietComfort 2nd Gen blocks out external noise, with tweaks to compensate for gaps in the ear cup seal caused by wearing glasses or hats. Bose also claims that the ANC better adjusts to loud noises when in Aware Mode, bringing down the sound more smoothly.

With the redesign, the Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen has more oval-shaped ear cups compared to its predecessor, part of several subtle changes aimed at improving the headphones’ fit. It also uses a soft leatherette material in the headband. Importantly for physical control lovers, each earcup has buttons.

Bose puts the QuietComfort 2nd Gen’s battery life at around 24 hours in normal listening. That number drops to 18 hours when using the Immersive Audio features.

Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen release date

Pre-orders for Bose’s new headphones open on 7 August for MyBose members, and 8 August everywhere else. They’ll launch on 13 August in a choice of five colours: Black or White Smoke, plus the limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Rosewood Mauve.

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