What’s new in the Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen?
Bose’s latest true wireless offering, the Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen, aims to keep the brand at the forefront of noise-canceling performance while addressing everyday usability. The standout feature remains Bose’s reputation for industry-leading ANC, but the second generation also brings design tweaks, improved fit options, and software refinements that impact comfort, transparency, and battery life.
Design and comfort: a chunky silhouette that fights for stability
One of the first things you notice is the “chunkier” chassis compared with some rivals. Bose trades svelte lines for a sturdier build that feels robust in hand and on the ear. The larger body isn’t a cosmetic flourish—Bose has reworked the internal acoustics and battery layout to sustain all-day listening without sacrificing comfort. The included tips and fins offer several fit options, helping users find a secure seal for reliable noise isolation. For some, the bulk may take a bit to adapt to, especially if you’re upgrading from a compact prior generation or from a different brand pair.
Active noise cancellation: still the benchmark
As expected from Bose, ANC remains the headline feature. The Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen demonstrate excellent suppression of low-frequency rumble—think cabin buzz, airplane engines, and city commutes. What’s notable this time is the balance between noise canceling and natural sound in pass-through modes. When you switch to transparency, voices and ambient sounds come through with surprising clarity, which is ideal for street listening or quick situational awareness without removing the buds. The ANC performance rivals leading competitors and often edges ahead for certain continuous noise profiles, reinforcing Bose’s position as a go-to for travelers and commuters.
Sound quality: clear, balanced, and versatile
Sound is a core part of the Bose identity, and the Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen deliver a refined, balanced sound signature. The bass is present and controlled, the mids stay forward for vocal clarity, and the highs stay crisp without harshness at higher volumes. The accompanying app offers EQ presets and a customizable listening profile, enabling users to tailor the experience for podcasts, playlists, or cinematic scores. For critical listening, the soundstage feels open enough to avoid a congested feel that sometimes plagues smaller earbuds.
Battery life and charging: all-day endurance in practice
Battery life on these earbuds is designed to handle long sessions between charges. With ANC engaged, you can expect a solid day of listening, with the case providing additional recharges to cover extended travel or workdays. Quick-charge capabilities are handy when you’re pressed for time. The charging case itself is compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag, though the overall footprint is slightly larger due to the chunky earbud body. USB-C charging keeps things simple for most users, and wireless charging remains a welcome convenience.
Controls, connectivity, and software
The Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen use touch or press-based controls that respond with reassuring tactile feedback. The microphone system for calls and voice assistants performs well in typical conditions, though like many true wireless buds, performance can vary with wind and highly reflective surfaces. Bluetooth 5.x ensures stable connections with most smartphones, laptops, and tablets. The Bose Music app offers firmware updates, feature toggles, and an adjustable ANC/transparency slider to fine-tune the listening experience. For travelers who switch devices often, the multi-point pairing keeps devices switched smoothly.
Who should consider the Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen?
If you’re after best-in-class noise cancellation, premium build quality, and a Bose-tuned sound that emphasizes natural listening, these earbuds are a strong candidate. The chunkier design may not appeal to everyone, particularly if you prefer ultra-compact forms, but comfort and stability are improved for active use and extended listening sessions. As with any premium product, the value is most evident when ANC and sound quality align with your daily listening habits, travel routine, and device ecosystem.
Bottom line
The Bose Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen reaffirm Bose’s strengths in noise cancellation and balanced sound, while embracing a bolder form factor. If you prize effective ANC, clear calls, and adaptable comfort, these earbuds deserve serious consideration—even in a market crowded with capable rivals.
