Bose has announced a major update to its best-selling QuietComfort headphones. Now in their second generation, the Bose QC Headphones have received a refreshed industrial design with new and modern styling.

New to the QuietComfort headphones is the addition of Bose TrueSpatial technology, offering three Bose Immersive Audio listening modes — Still, Motion and Cinema — that were previously exclusive to the brand’s QuietComfort Ultra series.

Bose Immersive Audio delivers a virtualized stereo sound from any audio source by placing the listener directly in the “sweet spot” as if they were listening to a pair of stereo loudspeakers. Still Mode keeps audio in place in the room, even when the listener’s head moves from left to right.

Motion Mode allows the audio to follow the listener’s head movement and is ideal for staying immersed while listening on the go. Finally, Cinema Mode spatializes and balances background sound and other audio effects to deliver a theater-like experience when watching video content or listening to podcasts. The result is a wider soundstage and crisp dialogue that’s clear and centered.

The new QuietComfort Headphones also retain Bose’s proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing, while introducing lossless playback via wired USB-C audio with a maximum resolution of 24-bit/48kHz.

Featuring Bose’s 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.

Bose says that listeners who wear glasses — or those who struggle 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 is designed to better compensate for gaps in the earcup seal, helping to maintain effective noise cancellation even when the fit is less than perfect.

Additionally, the new QuietComfort Headphones now feature an enhanced ActiveSense response in Aware Mode. This applies just the right amount of noise cancellation more smoothly and naturally 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 using the Bose App. Custom Modes can also be created, so users can find an individual balance between noise canceling and acoustic transparency. This can be quickly cycled through using the action button on the left earcup.

The new QuietComfort headphones have an updated headband design featuring smooth and adjustable sliders with soft synthetic leather cushioning that gently rests on the wearer’s head. Bose says the clamping force has been optimized to provide a secure fit and lightweight feel, while new and oval-shaped earcups create a more seamless profile and updated look.

Hidden pops of color inside the earcups introduce a two-tone design that complements the headphones. Initially, Bose is launching three limited-edition colorways: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve.

Physical buttons on the earcups provide easy access and feel with controls that let the user adjust settings 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.

The new headphones are powered by Bluetooth Core 5.4 with support for Multipoint connectivity, so users can seamlessly switch between two connected devices, making it easy to move between music, calls, and more. Android users can also take advantage of Google Fast Pair.

Additional flexibility comes from new and 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 use with analog sources, including in-flight entertainment systems.

Battery life of the new headphones is designed to offer up to 24 hours of listening time or 18 hours with immersive audio switched on. The battery can be charged while in use and a 15-minute quick charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playback.

Through the Bose App, users can personalize their experience with an adjustable three-band EQ, custom listening modes and shortcut function configuration, while accessing Bluetooth device management, firmware updates and other settings.

Pricing and Availability:

The new Bose QC Headphones will open for preorder for MyBose members beginning August 6. 2026 from the Bose website. The price is $359 / £299.95 / €349.95. Shipping starts on August 13, 2026.