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While we are waiting for a rather large shipment of batterypacks for the upgraded Bluelink, we have taken a closer look at the new Bose Quietcomfort 2nd Generation (QC 2nd Gen).

We assume that this new headset from Bose is replacing for the previous versions (QC45) which came under a long list of names: QC45, Quietcomfort, QC SE and QC SC. All the same headset from our perspektive, but with a different case.

The real change with the introduction of the QC 2nd Gen, is the lack of the 2.5mm audio connector. 
Initially this might seem to be the end of line for using these recreational headsets as aviation headsets, but it is not. On the contrary! 
We are really happy to see the end of the 2.5mm connector on this Bose headset. Read more about this further down.

Pros: 

• The headset looks strong & well designed, although the buttons look a bit “cheap”.
• It has the mechanical on/off switch that we love; now moved to the bottom side of the left earcup.
• Mechanical keys are available for adjusting volume levels , play and pause (when connected to bluetooth), and a separate key for adjusting noise cancellation.
• Easy to use – and that is very important!
• Battery life with ANR & Bluetooth on is specified to 24hrs.
  We expect a much longer battery ife with ANR on and Bluetooth off (flight mode). This needs to be tested though (Bose do not specify anything here).
• The Avee microphone will now be on the right side of the headset. Positive for some and negative for some. Most of us would not worry too much.
• The ear-cups are slightly larger than the QC35/45 version; we are talking around 2mm all sides.
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Cons:

• The Bose 2nd Gen stops  working when the battery is flat.
  Not a real issue anymore because of the long battery life.
• The headset can not not play back the battery level when pressing any button.
  Meaning; remember to charge it before you fly!
  It will however play a warning tone when the battery is low.
• The cushions are the “old type” that are a pain to change (when you don’t know how to do it).
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The big surprise!
But what comes as a surprise and relief to us at Avee, is that the 2.5mm audio connector is not present on the Bose Quietcomfort 2nd Generation headset.

Analog WIRED audio from an external source (like a computer, phone or an Avee aviation kit), is however supported by a USB-C standard called USB-C Audio Adapter Accessory Mode.  

What this means
To make a long (and what could have been an incredibly interesting) story short, this  means that the Bose Quietcomfort 2nd Generation supports BOTH USB and analog interface via its USB C port !
And of course Bose have added a 1m adapter cable with the QQC 2nd gen kit to be able to plug your headset into the back of 28D when you are in the back seat of an aircraft. 

At Avee, we have lots of experience with the USB C connectors (we have used them on our Avees since our start in 2017), and we are really glad to see the 2.5mm connector go.
The USB C connector is a far better solution; more reliable, more sturdy (will we need the magnet connection ?) and easy to produce by machine.
The USB C connector only is really good news, and we expect Sony to go for the same solution in their next upgrades. 

Practically it means that we will be able to add the Bose Quetcomfort 2nd Generation to the list of headsets we support within a 6 to 8 weeks.
We do strongly belive the QC 2nd Gen will be very popular as an aviation headset.

Thank you Bose – and thank you USB Implementers Forum (the girls and guys who are defining the USB standard) !!!  

Update September 22nd:
The new  Bose® QuietComfort 2nd Generation (New September 2026 )
We will support the new  Bose® QuietComfort 2nd Generation with the USB C connector only. We are planning to release this product mid October 2026, but are coming back with the exact date.
We are currently designing the headset adapter for it, and will post images of as soon as we have something presentable.
Please note that if you plan to change your headset to the Bose QC 2nd Generation, and already have an Avee system; you will only need to get a new Avee headset adapter.

Update October 6th:
We have now got the Avee headset adapter circuitboard for Bose QuietComfort 2nd Generation, and can confirm that our electronics and the QC 2nd gen works like expected:

• Crystal clear audio from the Avee aircraft adapter is being pushed into the QC 2nd gen headset.
• We find it very easy to adjust the headset volume with the two mechanical keys on the headset
• The headset volume is automatically set to minimum when it is switched on. 
• The headset startup time is around 8-10 seconds.
• We do not get any annoying latency between our own voice and what we get back in the headset (sidetone).
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We are now finishing the design of the headset adapter itself, and we need acouple of weeks to do this job.
What we at this stage sees, is that it will be the tiniest adapter we ever made. And the easiest one to install and remove.

Revised release date for the Avee supporting the QuiectComfort 2nd Generation, will be around October 20th.