Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Noise Cancelling Earbuds (International Version)

The 2nd generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are not a redesign; they close a few specific gaps in the first generation. The case now charges wirelessly, calls get AI background noise suppression, and ActiveSense has been improved. The sound story is unchanged — CustomTune plus Immersive Audio — so if you are choosing between the two generations, the decision really comes down to charging and call handling.

Key features

What the 2nd generation adds

Compared with the first generation, this model adds five things: wireless charging, AI-based background noise suppression for call quality, improved ActiveSense adaptive noise cancellation, case battery level reporting in the Bose app, and the option to disable touch controls from the app. Everything else carries over, including CustomTune, the listening modes and Immersive Audio. If you take a lot of calls outdoors or already own a wireless charging pad, those are the reasons to pick this one.

SpeechClarity and Cinema Mode

SpeechClarity is Bose's AI-based processing that filters background noise out of your outgoing voice so the person on the other end hears you more clearly. Cinema Mode is a preset that uses Bose TrueSpatial to turn stereo audio into a theatre-like, immersive presentation, which is most useful for films and series. Both are enabled from the Bose app with no extra setup.

Battery, charging and the wireless case

The earbuds play for up to 6 hours, or up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on, and the case holds three complete charging cycles. A full charge takes about 2 hours, and a 20-minute quick charge returns up to 2 hours of playback. The case has a USB-C port and also supports wireless charging, though you need to supply a compatible third-party charger.

Connection and build

Bluetooth is version 5.3 with a stated range of 30 feet (about 9 m). Each earbud measures roughly 30 x 12.4 x 25 mm and weighs about 7 g; the case is roughly 66 x 60 x 27 mm and about 60 g. Materials are PC-ABS plastic, silicone and metal, and water resistance is IPX4, unchanged from the previous generation.

Specifications

Who it's for

• Listeners who want Bose-grade cancellation and would rather drop the case on a pad than plug in a cable.
• Anyone who takes calls on the street, in an MTR concourse or in a busy restaurant and needs SpeechClarity to clean up the background.
• People who watch more than they listen and want Cinema Mode's video-oriented spatial preset.
• Who it isn't for: if you already own the first generation, rarely take calls and do not use wireless charging, the upgrade is narrow — the core sound and cancellation technology is the same in both.

Warranty and delivery

International version · 10-day exchange for faulty units · 100% brand new · viewing by appointment at our Kwun Tong shop. Full terms on the warranty policy page.

Non-TV items ship by SF Express freight-collect (the customer pays the shipping fee), or you can collect at the Kwun Tong shop free of charge, 11:00–19:00. For any other courier arrangement, or delivery to Macau, message us on WhatsApp. Full terms on the shipping policy page.

FAQ

Is battery life better than the first generation? No. Both generations are rated up to 6 hours, or up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio, and both cases hold three full charges. What changed is how you refill the case: wireless charging is now supported, and the app reports the case's remaining battery instead of leaving you to guess.

Which wireless charging pad should I use? No pad is supplied, so you need a compatible third-party charger. Most standard Qi pads work, but check the pad's coil placement and output before buying, as small pads or ones with a tight alignment window can be fiddly with a case this size. Charging over USB-C always remains an option.

Can I turn off the touch controls? Yes. The 2nd generation adds a setting in the Bose app to disable touch controls entirely, which helps if you keep triggering them when adjusting your hair or a mask. This option is exclusive to the 2nd generation and is not available on the first.

Related products and guides

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Noise Cancelling Earbuds — the previous generation, fewer features
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen (over-ear) — the over-ear version
• All headphones and earbuds
• Parallel import vs licensed goods: the full guide
• Warranty policy (10-day exchange for headphones, cameras, mics)
• Shipping policy