Did Bose’s update nerf the QC Ultra 2? And does that mean the Sony WH-1000 XM6 races ahead?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones latest updated has… let’s just say… ruffled a few feathers. Does this update mean that the Bose’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones lose the edge over competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6? We’ve received an official statement from Bose, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the controversy. Previously, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 was often preferred for its superior noise cancellation, but how do these changes impact its standing in the premium headphone market?

The Battle of the Flagships: Sound and Features

Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 continue to deliver excellent audio quality. The Sony WH-1000XM6 remains highly customizable, a feature Bose has not altered. Users will find an LDAC codec on Sony and an aptX suite on Bose, with the choice depending on their smartphone. Both headphones offer a wealth of extra features; Bose boasts its immersive mode, while Sony provides a background audio mode and cinema mode. Out of the box, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 offers excellent tuning and a ‘CustomTune’ feature to optimise the sound for your ear. Though Sony allows for more EQ and other sound related choices.

Noise Cancellation and Call Quality: Where Bose Shines

In terms of noise cancellation, both models are top-tier. However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 maintains a slight advantage due to its “active sense” technology, which effectively filters out noise peaks, offering superior hearing protection. For phone calls, both flagships perform well, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 surprisingly excels in more challenging conditions, a notable improvement over its previous generation. The Sony WH-1000XM6 does offer a convenient mute control directly from the headphones during calls, a feature absent on the Bose.

Design and Build: Durability and User Experience

The aesthetic of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, particularly its shiny elements, has been a point of contention for some, though its appearance tends to look new even after extended use. The Sony WH-1000XM6, while sleek and understated, can show grime and minor scratches, especially on the black model. A concerning development for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 is the emergence of creaking, which was not present initially, suggesting a potential build quality issue compared to the more robust Sony WH-1000XM6. Additionally, Bose ear pads are known to deteriorate over time. Regarding controls, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 features mostly physical buttons with a swipe gesture for volume, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 relies more on touch controls. Many users prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons, finding the swipe for volume on the Bose less intuitive.

Pricing and Value

Since their initial release, the prices for both headphones have fluctuated. The Sony WH-1000XM6 has seen prices between $400 and $460, currently settling at $400. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 has ranged from $400 to $450, now priced at $430. For the latest deals and pricing information, consider subscribing to our newsletter at dhrmy.nl/newsletter.

Firmware Updates: Sony’s Enhancements

The Sony WH-1000XM6 has received three significant firmware updates since its launch. Version 2.0.2 introduced quick access services, three new Bluetooth connection modes (quality, stability, low latency), additional voice control languages, USB-C moisture detection, and general performance and security enhancements. Update 2.1.0 primarily addressed fixes for the iPhone app and resolved audio dropouts. The latest 3.0.0 firmware update brought further features, including LE audio compatibility for head tracking, digital assistance, Gemini Live integration, and fast pair audio sharing, alongside more security announcements.

Bose QC Ultra 2 Firmware Update: A Mixed Bag

The recent Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 firmware update has introduced both welcome improvements and controversial removals. Previously, the headphones offered USB audio connectivity, but the microphone could not be selected for calls. The update now allows users to select the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 as both output and input for USB audio, enabling microphone use during calls or recordings, which is a significant functional enhancement.

However, the update removed several user-favorite voice announcements. Before the update, powering on the headphones would announce the battery percentage and the connected device (e.g., “battery 30%, Kevin’s iPhone”). The ability to cycle through connected devices by pressing the power button, accompanied by voice prompts like “Kevin’s iPhone, Oppo Find X9 Pro, ready to connect another device,” has also been removed. The option to assign battery level announcements to a long press on the volume strip in the app is gone, and the voice prompt settings for device readout and battery level are no longer available. The number of supported prompt languages has also been reduced.

On the positive side, the new ANC mode prompts are less intrusive and more pleasant to hear. The transition time between noise-cancelling modes has also been significantly reduced, which is a welcome improvement for a smoother user experience.

Bose’s Official Statement and Community Feedback

Following widespread user complaints, Bose issued an official statement:

“The recent software update was designed to streamline and modernize the user experience, reducing interruptions and helping people get to their music faster. We recognize that changes to how a product works can take some getting used to, and we believe the updated experiences will prove beneficial over time. While there are no plans to restore the previous functionality, we are listening closely to customer feedback.”

This last sentence offers a sliver of hope that Bose might reconsider some of the removed features if customer feedback remains strong.

Final Verdict: Personality vs. Features

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 has undeniably lost some of its “personality” with the removal of voice prompts for device names and the ability to cycle through devices directly from the headphones. These features, while seemingly minor, contributed to a unique user experience. However, the addition of microphone functionality over USB-C and 24-bit 48 kHz audio support are valuable enhancements for productivity and audio quality.

Despite the mixed bag of updates, the fundamental comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 remains a significant advantage over the Sony WH-1000XM6, which is known for its tighter clamp force. This comfort factor cannot be addressed by software updates. The comparison between these two top-tier headphones boils down to a choice between simplicity and smart features. Bose’s updates lean towards performance, while Sony continues to add more features and app functionalities. The impact of these updates on Bose’s standing in the market will be interesting to observe.

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