Muting stars

Some of the best noise-cancelling buds in the business are back for a second go, a little earlier than expected. Has this low-key update made a real difference?

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It wasn't all that long ago that Bose gave its flagship wireless in-ears an Ultra overhaul, so this new version feels a little premature.

But rather than a full followup, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are more like an album re-release, with a few bonus tracks adding appeal to what was already a five-star listen.

You can still expect impactful audio, a soundstage-expanding Immersive Audio mode, and an almost supernatural ability to silence the outside world. Only now the noise-cancelling copes better with sudden loud sounds, and its mics have been tuned for clearer calls.

The ear-tips have also been redesigned to stop yucky wax buildup, while keeping the overall design largely intact. They're still chunky, but you won't notice once they're in. Wireless charging is also finally the norm, rather than an option. Is that enough to see off the increasingly strong competition for another year or two?

Lock the week

Rubber stability bands (1) keep each bud locked in place once you twist them into your ears, without compromising comfort. You can then get your sweat on without worrying they're going to fall out. The IPX4 rating also means they'll shrug off water splashes and rain showers.