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Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 490 Pro: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Outstanding overall at around $359.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
  • Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
HearWiki score
85
79
Sound
8.2
8.6
Noise cancelling
9.4
-
Battery
6.5
-
Calls
6.7
-
Value
7.5
7.4
Price (USD)
$360
$430

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) adds USB-C.

  • QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)20262 yr newer
  • HD 490 Pro2024
What differsQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)HD 490 Pro

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)HD 490 Pro
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$360
$430
HearWiki score
85
79
Released
2026
2024
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
40 mm dynamic
38 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
38 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
5 Hz - 36.1 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
130 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
96 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
105
Bluetooth
5.4
-
Codecs
AAC, LDAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Battery life
24 h
-
Full charge time
180 min
-
Quick charge
15 min → 2.5 h
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Controls
-
none
Weight
236 g
260 g
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes
Microphones
6
-

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a refined over-ear wireless option that prioritizes all-day comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, with a noticeable bump in sound clarity over their predecessor. They pack a solid 24-hour battery, fast charging, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, and a lightweight 236g frame, though the premium price and limited EQ tweaks keep them from being a universal slam dunk. Overall, they're a strong pick for frequent travelers or office workers who value silence and ease of wear over cutting-edge extras.

  • Pro:Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear, improved sound quality with LDAC support
  • Con:High price tag for a modest upgrade
  • Con:Limited EQ controls in the companion app
  • Con:Immersive Audio feature is underwhelming

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone aimed at studio work, offering a neutral and accurate sound signature with strong comfort. It includes two pad options and is easy to drive from most devices, though its price is considered steep for what it delivers compared to some rivals. While praised for its balanced tuning and lightweight build, it doesn't universally outperform cheaper classics in sheer audio quality.

  • Pro:Very accurate and neutral sound reproduction
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Detachable cable with balanced option
  • Con:Expensive for its performance tier
  • Con:No built-in controls or wireless features
  • Con:May still benefit from an external amp in some setups

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)Sennheiser HD 490 Pro