QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), Desert Gold

Why it works as a gift

Earbuds are a gift she will use every day, which is why they need to be good ones. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are Bose's flagship in-ear model, with three listening modes: Quiet for full noise cancelling, Aware for letting the outside in, and Immersion, which pairs noise cancelling with Bose's spatial Immersive Audio. On a plane or train, that makes a long trip noticeably quieter.

The fit is the part that is easiest to get wrong as a gift, and Bose plans for it. The box has three sizes of eartips and three sizes of stability bands, nine combinations in all, so she can find a secure fit without a trip to the store. The case charges wirelessly or over USB-C and, by Bose's figures, holds up to three full charges on top of up to six hours from the buds (about four with Immersive Audio on). They are rated IPX4 against sweat and splashes and pair with two devices at once.

Desert Gold is what makes this feel chosen rather than ordered. Black earbuds are a utility purchase; a warm gold pair reads as a considered upgrade. Next to over-ear headphones at a similar budget, they are smaller, easier to carry in a handbag and better for someone who wears glasses or finds headbands tiring.

Who it’s for

• A woman who flies for work and wants something smaller than full headphones in her carry-on
• A commuter on a loud train or subway who listens to podcasts every morning
• A partner or friend working from a busy home or open office who needs to focus on calls
• A birthday gift for someone whose current earbuds are several years old and losing battery

Skip it if

• In-ear buds are uncomfortable for her or she only wears over-ear headphones
• She already owns recent premium noise-cancelling earbuds; the upgrade would be small
• She mainly works out hard outdoors; IPX4 covers sweat and splashes, not swimming
• She prefers a quiet, neutral look; the gold finish is noticeable

Giving it

• This listing ships through Walmart; Bose's own page currently shows other colors, so confirm the listing still says Desert Gold before you order
• Allow at least a week before a birthday or holiday, and check the retailer's return window in case the fit doesn't work for her
• A wireless charger is not in the box; if she doesn't own one, the included USB-A to USB-C cable charges the case from a USB-A port or adapter (no power adapter in the box)
• Pair them with the Fossil Leather Travel Jewelry Roll for a gift built around her next trip

The facts

Model

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), Desert Gold (896637-0040)

Modes

Quiet (full noise cancelling), Aware, and Immersion (noise cancelling with Immersive Audio)

Battery

Up to 6 hours per charge (about 4 with Immersive Audio); case holds up to three full charges

Charging

Wireless charging case (charger not included) or USB-C

In the box

Earbuds, three sizes of eartips and stability bands, wireless charging case, 12-inch USB-A to USB-C cable

Water resistance

IPX4

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Consider instead

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — Over-ear noise cancelling with much longer battery life for someone who prefers headphones
• Bose SoundLink Flex Speaker — A shared-listening gift for someone who doesn't like anything in her ears
• White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap — A softer travel gift at a similar budget for the same frequent flyer