Bose introduced its newest earbuds in June, however the QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds (2nd gen) ($299) gained’t arrive till early September. At this time, although, they’re obtainable for preorder, and I’ve spent the previous few weeks testing all the brand new options. This mannequin is an overhaul of the noise-canceling earbuds the corporate debuted in 2023 alongside its tackle spatial audio. Among the many upgrades, Bose has improved the lively noise cancellation (ANC) efficiency, enhanced name high quality and added wi-fi charging to the case. Two years later, the QuietComfort Extremely continues to be the best choice for these primarily involved with blocking distractions, and Bose’s tweaks make its greatest earbuds even higher.
What’s new on the QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds (2nd gen)?
The brand new QC Extremely Earbuds are at their greatest in Quiet mode. That is Bose’s choice for full noise cancellation with out spatial audio (or Immersive Audio, as the corporate calls it). Right here, there’s little doubt these are nonetheless the most effective noise-cancelling earbuds obtainable proper now. The primary-gen model achieved the identical feat, however Bose has gone a step additional to reinforce its ANC setup for this refresh.
Particularly, the corporate up to date the algorithm for its ActiveSense expertise in Conscious (transpancy) Mode. Now the QC Extremely Earbuds provide smoother modifications in ANC ranges to fight sudden spikes in ambient noise. This implies issues like sirens ought to now not drown out your music or podcast. Sadly, I wasn’t in a position to set off the retooled adaptive ANC with simulated police sirens from YouTube — the best choice on my quiet cul-de-sac — however I’ll report again if I discover any oddities right here.
Bose additionally upgraded name high quality on the QC Extremely Earbuds. The corporate says a brand new AI-powered setup, often called SpeechClarity, works with “the earbuds’ eight microphones, dynamic mixing and adaptive filters” to focus in your voice. Bose explains that it makes use of audio augmentation tech that was initially developed for listening to aids right here, which might cut back background noise like wind or the drone of an workplace. Throughout my exams, the revised system silenced a loud fan, rendering it utterly absent from my recordings. Nevertheless, total voice high quality suffers as you’ll sound a bit staticky when all of the audio processing kicks in.
Fortunately, you now not want an extra accent for wi-fi charging on the QC Extremely Earbuds. With the first-gen mannequin, you had to purchase a separate cowl to allow cable-free recharging. Bose has now constructed all of that into the case for the second-gen set, a welcome improve that basically ought to’ve been right here from the beginning. When the unique QC Extremely Earbuds debuted in 2023, wi-fi charging was definitely already the norm.
What’s nonetheless nice in regards to the QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds (2nd gen)?
Billy Steele for Engadget As I discussed, the general ANC efficiency of the QC Extremely Earbuds stays unmatched. In case you’re seeking to block out distractions, that is the best choice that also presents nice sound high quality. Bose even manages to cancel out human voices higher than most of its rivals, which is usually a battle for a lot of the competitors.
Audio high quality on these earbuds stays close to the highest of the heap. You gained’t discover as a lot element as Noble Audio’s FoKus Rex5 or Technics’ AZ100, however there’s nice readability right here nonetheless. Bose says the tuning was “barely refined” for improved bass response and smoother excessive frequencies. I observed that tracks with deep bass, like Deftones’ “locked membership,” are clearer on the low finish. In the meantime, treble-forward devices in songs like Miles Davis’ “Inexperienced Haze” sound crisper and cleaner than earlier than.
Regardless of their bigger dimension, this 12 months’s buds provide a surprisingly balanced and cozy match. Bose refreshed the ear suggestions for the QC Extremely Earbuds with a brand new guard to forestall wax construct up. Contact controls are nonetheless dependable, and you may disable them totally on this second-gen model.
What’s not so good in regards to the QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds (2nd gen)?
The largest gripe I’ve with the overhaul of the QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds is the shortage of enchancment to battery life. I used to be disenchanted to see that a greater runtime wasn’t a part of the upgrades once I learn the announcement in June, and I’m nonetheless not over it. On this mannequin, you’ll stand up to 6 hours of use with ANC turned on. Like earlier than, if you happen to hear with that spatial Immersive Audio enabled, that drops to 4 hours. A pair extra hours would’ve been good, sufficient to maintain the QC Extremely Earbuds in place for a full work day with out having to provide them a lunch break within the case.
Whereas the design doesn’t hassle me an excessive amount of, I do know the look of the QC Extremely Earbuds isn’t for everybody. There’s a little bit of a mini Bluetooth headset vibe happening right here, and the general dimension of the buds are on the bigger aspect when a lot of the competitors is racing to be the smallest. Like I mentioned, none of this impacts consolation or stability, and I’d guess many potential patrons are keen to dwell with the aesthetic in change for the kind of silence the QC Extremely Earbuds ship.
Wrap-up
The upgrades on the second-gen QC Extremely Earbuds don’t make for a wildly new product, however they do present sufficient for a notable enchancment over the earlier model. ANC and name efficiency are each enhanced, and although it’s late to the get together, the addition of built-in wi-fi charging is a welcome change. Different updates, just like the tuning tweaks and the power to show off contact controls, are quality-of-life modifications that undoubtedly enhance the general expertise. Bose has achieved all of this with out altering the value from the 2023 mannequin, which is a shocking alternative within the present financial local weather. Merely put, the QC Extremely Earbuds stay the best choice for wi-fi noise-cancelling earbuds, and that’s not more likely to change anytime quickly.
The Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds (2nd gen) can be found for preorder within the US at present, August 28. The overall on-sale date is scheduled for September 10.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen-review-still-a-noise-canceling-powerhouse-153017601.html?src=rss