October 16, 2025 – Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones have landed as the comfort king of 2025, earning rave reviews from The Guardian and ZDNET for unmatched ANC and all-day wear. At $429, these over-ears block 35dB of rumble – edging Sony’s WH-1000XM6 – while protein leather cups hug without pressure, ideal for 12-hour flights or commutes.
Fresh off Guardian’s October 14 hands-on, the Ultra 2 refines the 2023 model with Immersive Audio 2.0 for spatial sound. ZDNET’s 22-hour test confirms: “Bose perfected ANC – then iterated.” For US travelers or EU audiophiles, it’s a $429 upgrade path.
Gadget Tech Zone unpacks scores, rivals, and why it rules skies.
Guardian’s October 14 Review: Ultra 2’s Comfort and ANC Leap
The Guardian’s Rhiannon Williams calls the Ultra 2 “the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones” yet. At 253g, protein leather cups breathe better than Sony’s XM6 (250g but clampier).
ANC hits 35dB hybrid – mics + passive isolation – crushing plane hum and subway roar. Immersive Audio 2.0 simulates head-tracking for movies.
Battery: 24 hours ANC on. 15-min charge = 2.5 hours.
Diving deeper, CustomTune calibrates to your ears on first use.
ZDNET’s 22-Hour Test: Bose’s ANC Perfection Iterated
ZDNET’s Matt Miller tested 22 hours straight. “Bose perfected ANC – then made it comfier.”
35mm TriPort drivers deliver bass-heavy sound. aptX Adaptive cuts lag for Netflix.
Vs XM5: 5% better isolation, lighter clamp.
Side by side, Ultra 2 wins calls – clearer mics.
Benchmark Scores: Ultra 2 vs Rivals From Guardian/ZDNET, here’s the clash.
| Headphones | Price | ANC (dB) | Battery (ANC) | Weight | Codecs | Comfort Score (Guardian) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QC Ultra 2 | $429 | 35 | 24 hrs | 253g | aptX Adaptive | 9.5/10 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | $399 | 40 | 30 hrs | 250g | LDAC | 8.5/10 |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | $349 | 32 | 60 hrs | 293g | aptX | 8/10 |
Ultra 2 balances best. ZDNET: “Fits like a glove.”
Design and Features: Plush Meets Powerful
At 253g, Ultra 2 feels featherlight. Protein leather breathes; glasses-friendly.
Fold-flat for bags. Hard case zips secure.
Immersive Audio 2.0 tracks head for 3D podcasts. App EQ fine-tunes.
Against Sony: Bose wins calls (less wind noise). Sennheiser lags bass.
Market Buzz: Deals and Rival Reactions
Amazon $50 off Ultra 2 ($379). ZDNET tips bundle with case.
Sony counters with XM6 firmware. Guardian: “Bose leads comfort.”
EU? Bose complies CE. US: 1-year warranty.
Ultra 2’s 2025 Throne: Comfort Conquers
Guardian/ZDNET crown Bose QC Ultra 2 comfort king. 35dB ANC + 24 hours rule.
Gadget Tech Zone: Worth $429? Yes for flyers. Rival fave? Comment!
