Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) bring spatial audio to the core range
Bose's refreshed QuietComfort Headphones gain TrueSpatial immersive audio, adaptive noise cancelling and lossless USB-C playback, with Australian pricing held at A$549.95.
Bose has updated the QuietComfort Headphones, the more affordable sibling to its flagship QuietComfort Ultra, and in the process has brought across the feature that used to justify the Ultra's premium. Announced on 6 August 2026, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) gain Bose's immersive spatial audio, a new adaptive noise-cancelling system and lossless playback over USB-C. In Australia, the price stays at A$549.95.
Immersive audio moves down the range
The big addition is Bose TrueSpatial Technology, which powers three immersive audio modes: Still, Motion and Cinema. In Bose's words, "Bose Immersive Audio delivers a virtualized 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." Because it works on any source, you do not need specially mixed tracks to hear the effect.
As iTWire noted in its Australian launch coverage, this is technology Bose had kept inside the more expensive Ultra range for three years, so its arrival at this price point makes the standard QC a far more compelling buy.
Noise cancelling and sound
Noise cancelling has been reworked and renamed QuietControl. A six-microphone system uses adaptive feedforward control to compensate for gaps in the ear-cup seal, which is useful if you wear glasses or have thick hair, two situations where over-ear headphones tend to leak outside noise.
Plug in over USB-C and the headphones play lossless audio at up to 24-bit/48kHz. USB-C audio also works in both directions, so the headphones can be used for calls and video meetings over a cable. Wireless connection is via Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, so you can stay connected to a phone and laptop at once, and Android users get Google Fast Pair. The design has been refreshed too, with oval ear cups and plush cushioning, and iTWire reports a weight of about 230g.
Aware Mode, which lets outside sound in, gets an improved ActiveSense response. Physical buttons remain on the ear cups: the right cup handles play and pause, volume and calls, while the left switches listening modes. The Bose app adds a three-band EQ, custom listening modes, configurable shortcuts and Spotify Tap.
Battery life
Bose rates the battery at up to 24 hours, or 18 hours with immersive audio switched on. A 15-minute quick charge provides around 2.5 hours of playback.
Price and availability
- Australian price: A$549.95 (US$359)
- Colours: Black and White Smoke, plus limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve
- Availability: on sale now through Bose and selected retailers, with shipping from 13 August 2026
