Bose QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen vs 2023: Which Should You Buy?
The 2nd Gen is a meaningful feature and behavior upgrade, not a universal comfort upgrade. Pay the premium when USB-C audio, the extra modes, and the newer ANC/mic behavior solve a real workflow; choose the 2023 model when passive analog playback and its established build profile matter more, using the live product cards to decide whether the premium is justified.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-09-25
Source checked 2026-09-26 00:27 UTC
Products compared
Product A · ASIN B0CCZ26B5V
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
Last observed offer
$359.00
Per listed package.
Offer eligibility must be confirmed on Amazon.
Checked 2026-10-19 19:44 UTC. Price and availability may change.
Product B · ASIN B0GXW9C8QC
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
Last observed offer
$359.00
Per listed package.
Offer eligibility must be confirmed on Amazon.
Checked 2026-10-19 19:44 UTC. Price and availability may change.
Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
The buying question
Does the 2nd Gen earn its extra cost through a more useful fit, USB-C audio, listening modes, ANC and call improvements, or is the 2023 model the better value?
The 2nd Gen adds USB-C digital audio, Immersive Audio modes and measured improvements in isolation and microphone handling, while the 2023 model retains passive analog playback and an established build profile; the live price card determines whether the difference is enough to justify the premium.
Quick verdict
Choose Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black if
- You need passive analog playback and the live product card does not justify paying for unused 2nd Gen features.
- You want passive analog playback available if the battery is depleted.
- You prefer the 2023 model's established build and do not need USB-C digital audio or Immersive Audio.
Choose Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black if
- You need lossless USB-C audio and two-way USB-C voice input for computer calls.
- You will use Immersion or Cinema modes and the updated Aware/ActiveSense behavior.
- Your travel or office calls benefit from the 2nd Gen's independently measured improvement in isolation and background-noise handling.
When the recommendation changes
- The current product cards show a materially smaller or larger price gap than the short price window observed during research.
- You need passive analog playback after the battery is empty; the 2023 model is the safer fit for that requirement.
- Your calls happen in loud outdoor or transit environments, where independent tests still report limitations on both microphones.
The differences that matter
Headband Fit And Long Wear
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
RTINGS describes the 2023 model as comfortable and well-built, but notes it can fall off with moderate movement; Bose describes a plush earcup and steel-reinforced headband.[4, 1]
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
RTINGS describes the 2nd Gen as very light and amazingly comfortable, with limited stability for vigorous exercise; Bose adds a wider sliding headband and more synthetic-leather cushioning.[5, 2]
What this changes: Both are strong long-wear candidates, but neither is a secure sports headset. The 2nd Gen's redesigned headband may suit buyers who want more adjustment, while the independent tests do not establish a universal comfort winner.[4, 5, 1, 2]
USB C Digital Audio And Wired Fallback
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
The 2023 model charges over USB-C but its audio connection is analog through the included 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable with in-line mic; independent testing reports that the USB-C port does not carry audio.[1, 6]
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
The 2nd Gen supports two-way USB-C audio, lossless input up to 24-bit/48 kHz and voice output up to 24-bit/16 kHz; the included USB-C to 3.5 mm cable also supports analog sources.[2, 7, 5]
What this changes: This is the clearest upgrade case: laptop users who want one USB-C cable for audio and calls gain a capability the 2023 model does not provide. The 2023 model remains preferable if passive analog playback after battery depletion is essential.[1, 6, 2, 7]
ANC And Call Quality
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
RTINGS found outstanding noise isolation for aircraft rumble and train chatter, but rated the microphone mediocre because background noise often interferes with intelligibility.[4]
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
RTINGS found exceptional noise isolation and reported that the 2nd Gen improves real-world isolation and background-noise voice clarity over the original, while loud environments can still overwhelm the microphone.[5]
What this changes: The independent bilateral test supports a qualified 2nd Gen advantage for noisy travel and office calls, but not a promise of clear calls in a subway or strong wind. ANC and call gains are useful reasons to upgrade only when those conditions matter.[4, 5]
Listening Modes And Immersive Audio
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
The 2023 model provides Quiet, Aware and Custom modes with adjustable EQ and no Bose Immersive Audio.[1, 3]
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
The 2nd Gen adds TrueSpatial Immersive Audio, Immersion and Cinema modes, plus ANR-off control and updated ActiveSense in Aware mode.[2, 3]
What this changes: The extra modes justify the upgrade for buyers who watch video or want spatialized music; they add little value if you mainly use Quiet or Aware mode for commuting.[1, 2, 3]
Best for your routine
USB-C laptop audio and video calls
Best fit: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Only the 2nd Gen provides USB-C audio and voice input, making it the direct fit for a one-cable computer workflow.
Travel or office listening where ANC matters
Best fit: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black
RTINGS reports exceptional isolation for the 2nd Gen and a qualified improvement over the original in real-world noise, while the microphone limitation remains visible.
Basic long-wear listening without new wired features
Best fit: Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Both models retain the core QuietComfort comfort and ANC feature set. Use the live product cards to decide whether the 2nd Gen premium is justified for your routine; choose A when passive analog fallback and its established build profile matter more.
Passive listening after the battery is empty
Best fit: Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
The 2023 model has an analog wired path documented by Bose and independent testing, while the 2nd Gen's wired audio requires the powered USB-C path according to RTINGS.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
The 2nd Gen premium should buy a real USB-C computer workflow, the additional immersive modes, and a qualified improvement in ANC and microphone handling; it is difficult to justify for Quiet/Aware listening alone.
Current catalog prices and the observed short history are dynamic. Use the live product cards to judge the present gap; this evidence window cannot support a definite Buy Now or Wait recommendation.
Is the upgrade worth it?
Worth considering if
- USB-C laptop audio and calls
- video watchers who will use Cinema mode
- travelers who value the measured isolation and background-noise improvement
Skip the upgrade if
- you mostly use Quiet or Aware over Bluetooth
- you require passive analog playback after battery depletion
- the live premium is large enough that the added modes and wired workflow will go unused
Limitations
- No Pickoryx hands-on testing was performed.
- RTINGS measurements are independent lab results for the named model pages; they do not establish every listener's comfort or ANC experience.
- The 2nd Gen is new, so long-term durability and reliability evidence is not established here.
- Price observations cover a short tracking window and are not a 30-, 90- or 365-day low; use the live catalog cards for current offers.
- The exact black Amazon ASIN and Bose model numbers were identity-checked, but retailer bundle contents can change and should be checked at purchase.
Questions shoppers ask
Does the 2023 Bose QuietComfort support USB-C audio?
No. Its USB-C port is for charging; wired audio uses the included analog cable. The 2nd Gen adds two-way USB-C audio.
Is the Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen more comfortable?
It is not a universal win. Both models test as comfortable for long listening; the 2nd Gen changes the headband and cup design, while independent testing still reports limited stability for vigorous movement.
Is the 2nd Gen ANC and microphone better?
RTINGS reports a qualified improvement in isolation and background-noise voice clarity over the original, but loud environments can still overwhelm the 2nd Gen microphone.
Should a 2023 owner upgrade?
Upgrade when USB-C audio/calls, Immersive or Cinema modes, or the newer ANC and call behavior solve a real need. Use the live product cards to assess the current premium; keep the 2023 model when passive analog fallback matters or the added features would go unused.
Methodology and sources
Compared the exact 884367-0100 and 895491-0100 configurations across headband fit, USB-C and analog wired paths, listening modes, ANC and microphone behavior, then interpreted the dynamic price gap without a timing claim.
Automation checked the assigned snapshot and product identities, organized source and claim references, and ran deterministic contract validation; it did not test either headset.
View 7 sources
- 1.Shop QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones | BoseBose · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-26 00:20 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Features and product comparison: Official US product page documents Quiet/Aware/Custom modes, 24-hour battery, analog audio cable with in-line mic, steel-reinforced headband and no Immersive Audio for the 2023 model.
- 2.Shop QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | BoseBose · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-26 00:21 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Technical Specifications, FAQ and product comparison: Official US black product page documents six microphones, refreshed headband, TrueSpatial, modes, USB-C audio, 24-bit/48 kHz lossless input, 24-bit/16 kHz voice output and 24-hour battery.
- 3.Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Gen 1: What's new?Bose · Official support · Source checked 2026-09-26 00:22 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Side-by-side comparison: Bose's generation comparison identifies the original's Quiet/Aware/Custom and analog wired path, and the 2nd Gen's TrueSpatial, Immersion/Cinema, updated ActiveSense, USB lossless audio and revised design.
- 4.Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless ReviewRTINGS · Independent testing · Source checked 2026-09-26 00:23 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Our Verdict, Travel, Office Work, Noise Isolation, Microphone: RTINGS controlled review describes the 2023 model as comfortable with outstanding noise isolation, over 26 hours in its test, but mediocre microphone handling and limited stability under movement.
- 5.Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) ReviewRTINGS · Independent testing · Source checked 2026-09-26 00:24 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Our Verdict, Travel, Office Work, Wired Gaming, Noise Isolation, Microphone and Compared To: RTINGS controlled review describes exceptional isolation, long-wear comfort, a decent microphone with loud-environment limits, USB-C audio and mic support, and a qualified improvement over the 2023 model.
- 6.Bose QuietComfort Headphones reviewSoundGuys · Independent testing · Source checked 2026-09-26 00:25 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- How do the Bose QuietComfort Headphones connect?: SoundGuys' hands-on review says the 2023 model supports Bluetooth and 3.5 mm wired audio, while its USB-C port does not support USB-C audio.
- 7.I tested the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) and they're a legit upgradeSoundGuys · Independent testing · Source checked 2026-09-26 00:26 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Wired connectivity and microphone demos: SoundGuys tested the 2nd Gen for one week and reports USB-C audio while charging, lossless input up to 24-bit/48 kHz, voice output up to 24-bit/16 kHz and real-world microphone samples.