Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2026 update adds spatial audio for $299, available now in US
Bose launched its QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) with spatial audio capabilities on June 12, 2024, making them available for purchase in the U.S. at $299 on Bose.com. According to the company, the updated earbuds feature Bose Immersive Audio technology that creates a surround sound experience with customizable modes and include enhanced noise cancellation and a wireless charging case.
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) incorporate Bose Immersive Audio technology, which delivers a spatial audio experience designed to place sound in front of the listener, creating a surround sound effect. According to Bose, the spatialized audio offers a wide sound stage comparable to listening to stereo speakers positioned at a “sweet spot.” The earbuds provide three spatial audio modes: Off, Still, which includes head tracking to maintain audio positioning when the head moves, and Motion, which adjusts audio dynamically as the user moves. A dedicated Cinema Mode spatializes video audio by balancing background sounds, aiming to replicate a theater-like experience.
Bose officials said this technology works with any content or source, enhancing both music and video playback.
The earbuds also feature advanced noise cancellation capabilities powered by Bose’s CustomTune technology. This system analyzes the unique shape of the wearer’s ear to optimize noise cancellation, which Bose claims is the best in-ear noise cancelling available. Enhanced microphones use SpeechClarity technology to filter out background noise and wind, improving call quality. According to product documentation, microphone improvements reduce floor noise and gain issues in quiet environments. Users can customize active noise cancellation (ANC) levels and switch between modes, such as a running mode, through the Bose app.
Bose has upgraded the earbuds’ physical design with the inclusion of a wireless charging case and introduced a new colorway alongside the software updates. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and multiple audio codecs, including AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless on compatible devices. Sound quality improvements are also noted, with the Bose Music app offering an equalizer for personalized sound adjustments. The default equalizer setting emphasizes a bass-heavy profile, according to app details.
Battery performance remains consistent with the previous generation, providing up to six hours of playback per charge and more than 27 hours total with the charging case, which supports USB-C charging. Bose sources confirmed the improved microphone system enhances call clarity, with effective rejection of background noise while capturing voices clearly.
The Bose app plays a central role in customizing the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ features. Users can toggle spatial audio on or off and adjust ANC levels. The app allows the creation of custom modes tailored to specific activities, such as running, and includes shortcuts to enable or disable features like Immersive Audio. Spatial audio options can be adjusted among Off, Still, and Motion settings to suit user preferences.
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are now available for purchase in the U.S. at $299 exclusively through Bose.com, according to the official Bose website. The launch on June 12, 2024, marks the first major update to the product line since the original model’s release. Reviews and product overviews characterize the update as primarily iterative, focusing on software enhancements and minor physical changes rather than a complete redesign.
Bose’s introduction of spatial audio technology follows broader industry trends toward immersive sound experiences in wireless earbuds. The company positions the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds as a premium offering within its lineup, emphasizing audio fidelity, noise cancellation, and user customization. Additional details and specifications are available on the official Bose website and through the Bose Music app.
