Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: The Ultimate Noise-Canceling Earbuds of 2025
Introduction
The race to create the best noise‑canceling earbuds has never been fiercer. In 2025, global demand for headphones is skyrocketing: market analysts project the headphones market to reach $45.26 billion by 2025electroiq.com, and within that, the noise‑cancelling segment alone is forecast to hit about $15.8 billionelectroiq.com. Consumers want immersive audio without distraction, and manufacturers are innovating rapidly. Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II stand out for pushing the boundaries of active noise cancellation (ANC), customising sound to individual ears and delivering a premium experience that rivals many over‑ear headsets.
This article explains what makes the QuietComfort Earbuds II the ultimate noise‑canceling earbuds of 2025. We place the earbuds in market context, demystify ANC technology, provide step‑by‑step setup guidance, discuss performance and real‑world use, and compare them with competitors. Throughout, we cite reputable sources and link to related FrediTech articles for deeper reading.
Market context and why noise cancellation matters
Growth of the headphone and noise‑cancelling market
The headphone industry’s growth underlines why companies invest heavily in ANC. According to Statista and Coherent Market Insights, the global headphones market is projected to reach roughly $45.26 billion by 2025electroiq.com, while the noise‑cancelling headphone market alone is expected to reach $15.8 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1 % between 2024 and 2033. Surveys show that sound quality (75 %) and comfort (71 %) are the most valued features when purchasing headphoneselectroiq.com. Wireless earphones are also dominant: 65 % of people prefer wireless earphones, making premium true‑wireless earbuds a crucial product category.
How active noise‑cancelling works
Understanding the technology behind ANC helps explain why QuietComfort Earbuds II excel. Active noise‑cancelling systems use small microphones to capture ambient noise, run the signal through a processing algorithm, and then create an “anti‑noise” waveform that is the exact opposite phase of the unwanted soundsoundcore.com. When this anti‑noise combines with the original noise, the two waves cancel each other out (destructive interference), dramatically reducing perceived external sound. The system continuously monitors the environment and adjusts the anti‑noise in real time. Passive noise isolation (PNI) relies on physical barriers such as ear tips or ear cups to block sound; ANC is most effective for low‑frequency noise, while PNI excels at mid‑ and high‑frequency sounds. Many premium earbuds, including the QuietComfort Earbuds II, use hybrid systems combining ANC and PNI for superior isolationsoundcore.com.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II at a glance
Key specifications and features
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Release year |
2022 (continues to be Bose’s flagship noise‑cancelling earbuds in
2025) |
|
Noise cancellation |
Proprietary active noise‑cancelling
with CustomTune™ technology that adapts to your ear’s unique
shape and a Quiet Mode that delivers “pure bliss”
with reduced background noise. |
|
Transparency/aware
mode |
Aware Mode lets
ambient sound in for situational awareness and uses ActiveSense™
technology to quieten sudden loud noises. |
|
Fit and comfort |
Comes with soft silicone
ear tips and stability bands in three sizes. A Fit Test in
the Bose Music app helps optimise the seal. |
|
Sound
personalisation |
CustomTune technology automatically
sends a chime into your ear canal, measures the unique acoustic response and
adjusts both ANC and audio for a personalised sound. An adjustable EQ in
the Bose Music app lets you modify bass, mids and trebleboseapac.com. |
|
Call quality |
Multiple microphones focus on your
voice and filter out ambient noise, so callers hear you clearly. |
|
Battery life |
Up to six hours of listening on a full charge, with the
charging case providing three additional full charges (total
24 hours). A 20‑minute quick charge yields about two hours of
playbackassets.bose.com. |
|
Water resistance |
IPX4 water‑resistant; safe for
sweat and light rain (though not fully waterproof). |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3; supports the Bose Music app for device
management. The earbuds can store up to six devices but do not
support multi‑point simultaneous connectionsnoisyworld.org. |
|
Colours |
Triple Black, Soapstone,
Midnight Blue, and Eclipse Gray (availability varies by region). |
CustomTune: sound tailored to you
A standout feature is CustomTune™ technology, which aims to ensure you hear exactly what Bose intended. When you insert the earbuds, they emit a short chime that bounces off your ear canal. Built‑in microphones record the response, and the earbuds instantly optimise ANC and audio to fit your ear’s acoustic propertiesboseapac.com. This process takes place every time you wear them, so the sound remains tailored even if the fit changes slightly.
Fit and comfort
Comfort is critical for all‑day use. The QuietComfort Earbuds II include soft ear tips and stability bands in three sizes, allowing you to mix and match for a secure fitboseapac.com. The Fit Test in the Bose Music app helps verify the seal, ensuring optimum noise isolation. Independent reviewer NoisyWorld found the ear tips comfortable enough to wear all day and noted that Bose also offers extra‑small and extra‑large tips if the default set doesn’t fitnoisyworld.org.
Noise cancellation modes
The earbuds provide two primary modes:
- Quiet Mode – maximum noise cancellation for immersive listening. Bose’s proprietary ANC technology dramatically reduces ambient noise, offering “pure bliss” according to the official product overviewboseapac.com.
- Aware Mode with ActiveSense™ – allows outside sounds in so you stay aware of your surroundings. ActiveSense detects sudden loud sounds (e.g., horns or announcements) and gently suppresses them.
Users can further fine‑tune the ANC level via the Bose Music app. Independent testing found that ANC is adjustable across 11 levels and users can store custom presets for different situations.
Sound quality
NoisyWorld’s reviewer describes the sound character as emphasised bass with clear mids and detailed treble, delivering an engaging listen across genresnoisyworld.org. Vocals stay forward in the mix without sounding harsh. Bose’s CustomTune and adjustable EQ let users tweak the profile to taste.
Call quality
Bose integrates multiple microphones to improve phone calls. The microphones filter out ambient noise and focus on your voice. Reviewers note that call quality is good in quiet and moderately noisy environments but can suffer when you’re standing next to heavy traffic.
Battery and charging
Battery life remains a strong point: the earbuds last up to six hours per charge and the charging case provides three extra charges, for a total of about 24 hours of listening. If you’re caught short, a 20‑minute quick charge delivers around two hours of playbackassets.bose.com. This longevity makes them suitable for cross‑continental flights or full workdays.
Step‑by‑step: setting up and using QuietComfort Earbuds II
1. Pair the earbuds with your device
- Open the charging case with both earbuds inside. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light slowly blinks blue, indicating pairing mode.
- Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone, tablet or computer and select “Bose QCII Earbuds” from the list of available devices. You can also set up the earbuds using the Bose Music app, which helps manage connections and updatesassets.bose.com.
- Once paired, the status light turns solid blue. The earbuds remember the last six devices but can connect to only one at a timeassets.bose.com. To switch devices, reconnect through Bluetooth settings or the app.
2. Achieve the perfect fit
- Try different combinations of ear tips and stability bands until the earbuds feel secure. The package includes three sizes; extra‑small and extra‑large options are available separately.
- Use the Fit Test in the Bose Music app to ensure a proper seal. A good seal is vital for optimal ANC and bass response.
3. Personalise your sound
- In the Bose Music app, choose between Quiet Mode and Aware Mode. You can adjust the level of noise cancellation on a sliding scale and create additional custom modes (e.g., “Walk”) that mimic filtered earplugsnoisyworld.org.
- Explore CustomTune. Each time you insert the earbuds, they emit a chime and calibrate ANC and audio to your ears. You don’t need to do anything extra—just allow the chime to play.
- Fine‑tune the EQ settings (bass, mid and treble) in the app to suit your music preferencesboseapac.com.
4. Manage calls
To answer a call, tap either earbud’s touch surface. The microphones focus on your voice and suppress ambient noise for clear conversationsboseapac.com. Use the app to adjust call settings.
5. Check battery and charge
- Earbud battery – when you remove the earbuds from the case and insert them, a voice prompt announces the remaining battery level.
- Charging case – the front LED glows white (full or partial charge) or amber (needs charging). A solid amber light indicates the case is charging.
- Charge the earbuds by placing them in the case; the case can fully charge the earbuds three times before it needs recharging.
- A 20‑minute quick charge delivers about two hours of playback, while a full charge takes roughly one hour.
6. Maintain and store properly
- Store the earbuds in the charging case when not in use to preserve battery life.
- Clean the ear tips and stability bands with mild detergent and water; rinse and dry thoroughly before reattachingassets.bose.com.
- Wipe the earbud nozzles and charging contacts with a dry cotton swab to prevent corrosion.
Performance and real‑world use
Noise‑cancellation performance
Independent testing confirms that the QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver exceptional noise reduction. NoisyWorld’s reviewer remarked that these earbuds cancel noise extremely well without causing ear canal pressure or discomfortnoisyworld.org. The ability to adjust ANC in 11 steps and save personal presets allows users to tailor isolation to different environments—from a quiet office to a bustling street. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for people sensitive to pressure changes or those who need partial awareness while walking.
Sound quality and listening experience
The sound signature emphasises strong but controlled bass, clear mids and non‑fatiguing treblenoisyworld.org. Vocals remain present without being overwhelmed by bass, making the earbuds suitable for diverse music genres. Compared with earlier Bose earbuds, reviewers note improved clarity and separation. With CustomTune, each listener receives a personalised tonal balance, and the adjustable EQ offers further customisationboseapac.com.
Comfort and fit for long sessions
Comfort directly affects whether you’ll wear earbuds throughout the day. Reviewers report that the QuietComfort Earbuds II are comfortable for extended listening and remain secure during everyday activities. For users with large or small ear canals, Bose provides optional extra‑large (XL) or extra‑small (XS) tips, ensuring almost everyone can achieve a good fit. However, some users experience thumping noises when running or joggingnoisyworld.org; for vigorous workouts, other earbuds designed specifically for sports may be more suitable.
Call quality and connectivity
In real‑world tests, call quality is good to very good in quiet or moderately noisy environments. Along very busy streets, callers may hear too much background noise. The lack of multi‑point connectivity means you need to switch manually between devices, but the earbuds remember the last six devices, so reconnection is straightforwardnoisyworld.org.
Personalised and innovative features
CustomTune technology
As described earlier, CustomTune calibrates sound and ANC to your unique ear shape by sending a chime and measuring the echoboseapac.com. This ensures the earbuds compensate for individual ear canal differences, giving each listener consistent bass response and balanced tonality.
ActiveSense and Aware Mode
The Aware Mode promotes safety by letting ambient sounds pass through. Integrated ActiveSense technology listens for sudden loud noises and immediately reduces them to a manageable levelboseapac.com. This feature is helpful when walking near traffic or waiting for announcements at an airport.
Adjustable EQ and Bose Music app
The Bose Music app unlocks deeper control: you can adjust the EQ across bass, mids and trebleboseapac.com, select different ANC levels, and even assign shortcut gestures to each earbud. The app also handles firmware updates and provides access to guides and support. While there’s no multi‑point pairing, the app makes it easy to manage multiple devices.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Class‑leading noise cancellation: Multiple reviewers rank the QuietComfort Earbuds II at the top of the true‑wireless ANC field. Bose’s proprietary ANC, along with CustomTune and ActiveSense, delivers unmatched isolation.boseapac.com
- Personalised sound: CustomTune technology tailors both ANC and audio to your ears, and adjustable EQ lets you refine the signature further.
- Comfortable fit with multiple tip sizes: Soft ear tips and stability bands in various sizes, plus optional extra‑large and extra‑small tips, ensure a secure, comfortable fitnoisyworld.org.
- Decent battery life and quick charging: Six hours per charge, 24‑hour total with case, and two hours from a 20‑minute quick chargeassets.bose.com.
- Clear call quality in moderate environments: Microphones focus on your voice and reduce ambient noise.
Limitations
- No multi‑point connectivity: The earbuds can store multiple devices but cannot remain connected to two at once.
- Call quality suffers in extremely noisy environments: People on the other end may struggle to hear you on busy streetsnoisyworld.org.
- Not ideal for running: Some users experience thumping noises when jogging; athletes might prefer Bose’s Sport Earbuds or other sport‑focused models.
- Premium price: These earbuds are among the most expensive in the market. However, discounts occasionally bring the price closer to competitors.
Buying considerations and competitive landscape in 2025
When deciding whether to purchase the QuietComfort Earbuds II, consider your priorities:
- Do you prioritise noise cancellation above all else? If so, the QC Earbuds II remain the benchmark. Even Sony’s flagship over‑ear headphones require bulkier designs to match Bose’s level of isolation. FrediTech’s review of the Sony WH‑1000XM6—a premium over‑ear headset—notes that while Sony’s noise cancelling is excellent, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra still offers slightly more aggressive ANCfreditech.com. For a deeper dive into premium ANC headphones, see FrediTech’s article “Bose QuietComfort Ultra: The Ultimate Guide to Premium Noise‑Canceling Headphones.”freditech.com
- Are you deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem? Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 integrate seamlessly with iOS devices, support spatial audio and offer multi‑point connectivity. FrediTech’s comprehensive review covers their strengths and weaknessesfreditech.com. Bose’s earbuds work across platforms but do not offer the same level of ecosystem integration.
- Do you need multi‑point pairing or best‑in‑class call quality? Sony’s WF‑1000XM5 (released in 2023) and updated 2025 models may offer multi‑point pairing and slightly better microphones. However, they lack CustomTune’s personalised tuning.
- Budget: If price is a concern, consider mid‑range ANC earbuds such as Soundcore’s Liberty 4 NC, which claim to reduce ambient noise by up to 98.5 % with adaptive ANCsoundcore.com. You lose some premium features, but the price is far lower.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II remain the gold standard for true‑wireless noise‑cancelling earbuds in 2025. They combine world‑class ANC, personalised CustomTune audio, comfortable fit, good call quality and long battery life. While they lack multi‑point connectivity and carry a premium price tag, the features and performance justify the investment for users who demand the best noise isolation and tailored audio experience. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a remote worker who needs to block out distractions, or simply a music lover wanting to immerse yourself in sound, the QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver a level of control and customisation that few competitors match. For readers interested in over‑ear alternatives, FrediTech’s reviews of the Sony WH‑1000XM6 and comparisons with the WH‑1000XM5 provide additional context.
FAQ
Are the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II worth it in 2025?
If premium noise cancellation and personalised sound are top priorities, then yes. The QC Earbuds II remain among the best ANC earbuds, featuring CustomTune technology and adjustable EQboseapac.comboseapac.com. However, budget‑conscious buyers or those needing multi‑point pairing might consider alternatives.
How long does the battery last and how quickly can I recharge them?
The earbuds provide up to six hours of playback per charge, and the case supplies three additional full charges. A 20‑minute quick charge yields about two hours of listeningassets.bose.com.
What is CustomTune technology?
CustomTune sends a short chime into your ear canal to measure its unique shape. The earbuds then calibrate both ANC and audio to deliver a sound profile tailored to your earsboseapac.com.
Do the QuietComfort Earbuds II support wireless charging?
The standard case charges via USB‑C. Bose offers an optional wireless charging case, but it may not be included in all regions.
Are the earbuds water‑resistant?
Yes. They carry an IPX4 rating, which protects against sweat and light rain but not full immersion.
Can I adjust the level of noise cancellation?
Yes. Using the Bose Music app, you can choose between Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and custom modes. The ANC level is adjustable across 11 stepsnoisyworld.org.
Do they support multi‑point pairing?
No. The earbuds store up to six devices but can connect to only one at a timenoisyworld.org.
Are they suitable for workouts?
While the earbuds are IPX4‑rated, some users report thumping noises when runningnoisyworld.org. For intense workouts, you might prefer Bose’s Sport Earbuds or other sports‑focused models.
How do they compare to AirPods Pro 2?
AirPods Pro 2 offer seamless integration with Apple devices and spatial audio features. However, the QuietComfort Earbuds II generally deliver superior noise cancellation and personalised tuning. FrediTech’s AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) review provides a thorough comparisonfreditech.com.
What colours are available?
Depending on your region, the earbuds come in Triple Black, Soapstone, Midnight Blue and Eclipse Grayboseapac.com.
Additional Resource for further reading
-
Bose QuietComfort Ultra: The Ultimate Guide to Premium Noise‑Cancelling Headphones – Learn how Bose’s over‑ear flagship compares to its earbud counterpart and discover the benefits of Immersive Audiofreditech.com.
-
Sony WH‑1000XM6 Headphones Review – The New Benchmark for Noise‑Cancelling in 2025 – FrediTech’s detailed review of Sony’s latest over‑ear flagshipfreditech.com.
-
Sony WH‑1000XM6 vs WH‑1000XM5 Comparison – A comparative guide to Sony’s two top ANC headphones modelsfreditech.com.
-
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): A Comprehensive Review – Explore Apple’s flagship earbuds and see how they stack upfreditech.com.
-
How active noise cancelling works – External guide explaining the principles of ANC and comparing active vs passive noise isolationsoundcore.com.
Author credentials
Wiredu Fred – Technology journalist and founder of FrediTech. With more than a decade of experience reviewing audio devices and consumer electronics, Fred specialises in translating complex technology into clear, actionable advice. His work has been featured on FrediTech, where he leads a team of reviewers covering smartphones, wearables and audio gear.
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