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Esquire’s review of Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort headphones praises their noise cancellation, comfort and sound, while noting weaker call quality and missing features. The reviewer calls the $359 model a sensible Bose purchase for many shoppers, but says owners of the 2023 version have limited reason to upgrade.
Esquire’s review of Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort headphones describes them as a sensible value in the company’s range, praising their noise cancellation, comfort and sound at a listed price of $359. The assessment is a reviewer’s judgment, not evidence that the headphones are objectively the best value across the market; the review also points to drawbacks including call quality and features reserved for pricier rivals.
The reviewer found the over-ear headphones comfortable during extended use, including while wearing glasses, and said their noise cancellation handled sounds such as an airplane engine and air conditioning. Bose says a six-microphone system helps address gaps in the ear-cup seal caused by glasses arms. The reviewer said the performance in testing supported that claim. Bose also says it tuned the clamping force for a secure, lighter fit.
The updated model weighs 230 grams, about 10 grams less than its predecessor, according to the review. It has additional crown padding, replaceable ear pads, foldable hinges and physical controls. The reviewer described the default sound as warm and balanced, with some extra emphasis on bass, and said the app’s equalizer allowed adjustment. The review also reports Immersive Audio, Bluetooth 5.4 and lossless audio over a USB-C cable as additions to this generation.
The review lists the QuietComfort Ultra at $449, roughly $90 above the standard model, and says the Ultra offers a more premium build, stronger noise cancellation, wireless high-resolution audio through AptX Lossless and a slightly richer sound. The standard model lacks wireless high-resolution audio and automatic pausing when removed. Its call quality, while described as improved over older Bose headphones, was judged weaker than Sony and Apple alternatives. Esquire’s report also discloses that it may earn a commission from product links.
What Buyers Get for $359
The review is useful to shoppers comparing premium noise-canceling headphones because it separates core performance from higher-priced extras. The reviewer’s case for the standard QuietComfort model rests on everyday factors—comfort, effective noise reduction, sound and physical controls—rather than on having every feature available in the category.
That recommendation has limits. At $359, the standard model sits close to more expensive alternatives that may be discounted, including the QuietComfort Ultra and Sony and Apple models cited by Esquire. Whether it is the best purchase depends on current prices and which features matter to a buyer. Call quality, wireless high-resolution playback and automatic pausing may weigh against it for some users.
Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen headphones
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How It Differs From Earlier Bose Models
Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort headphones follow the 2023 QuietComfort model and sit below the company’s QuietComfort Ultra in its lineup. The review says the new version retains much of the earlier model’s experience, including 24-hour battery life, comfort, sound and noise cancellation, while adding Immersive Audio, USB-C lossless playback, Bluetooth 5.4 and a revised fit intended to work better for glasses wearers.
Esquire says the price rose from $349 to $359. The updated model removes the 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of USB-C. The reviewer advises people who own the 2023 headphones not to upgrade unless they specifically want spatial audio or wired lossless playback, and notes that the earlier pair may be available on sale for as little as $150. That sale price is a reported offer, not a guaranteed current price.
““the most sensible pair Bose has made in a while””
— Esquire reviewer
noise cancelling over-ear headphones
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Limits of the Review’s Value Claim
“Best value on the market” is the framing supplied with the source material, not a conclusion established by comparative testing across every competing headphone. Esquire’s review makes a favorable case for Bose’s standard model but also identifies alternatives and says prices can vary with sales. The source does not provide a full side-by-side test, a consistent set of competing prices or a market-wide value ranking.
The material does not state the review’s publication date or confirm whether the listed prices and sale offers remain current. It also does not establish how the headphones perform across a broader range of callers, listening environments or head sizes. The reviewer says the revised model is slightly smaller and may feel tight for people with larger heads; that fit concern is not quantified.
wireless headphones with Bluetooth 5.4
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Check Prices and Fit Before Buying
Shoppers can compare the current price of the second-generation QuietComfort headphones with Bose’s Ultra model, competing Sony and Apple headphones, and any remaining discount on the 2023 QuietComfort. The review’s recommendation is most relevant to buyers who prioritize comfort and noise cancellation over wireless high-resolution audio or call performance.
For existing owners, the main decision is whether the newer additions—particularly Immersive Audio and wired USB-C lossless playback—justify replacing a working pair. Bose’s listed features and prices may change, and the source provides no future product or pricing announcement. A purchase decision should therefore be based on current listings and the buyer’s fit and feature needs.
best value noise cancelling headphones
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Key Questions
What is the price of Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort headphones?
Esquire’s review lists them at $359. The source does not confirm whether that price is still current.
What does the review praise most?
The reviewer highlights noise cancellation, extended-wear comfort and sound quality, including a comfortable fit while wearing glasses.
Should owners of the 2023 QuietComfort headphones upgrade?
Esquire advises most owners to keep their current pair. It says an upgrade may make sense for people who specifically want Immersive Audio or wired lossless playback over USB-C.
What are the main drawbacks?
The review says call quality trails Sony and Apple, playback does not automatically pause when the headphones are removed, and wireless high-resolution audio is unavailable on this model.
Does the review prove these are the best-value headphones on the market?
No. It is a favorable Esquire product review, not a market-wide comparison establishing an objective best-value ranking. Prices, discounts and individual feature needs can change which model is the better buy.
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