Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 620S: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 620S: 58% of 93 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 474 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

35%of 474 owners recommend
35% recommend · 23% neutral · 42% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptional comfort for long sessions, owners repeatedly say they "disappear" on your head and can be worn for hours or all day, often rated more comfortable than the Sony XM6, Bose QC45, and even AirPods Max
  • Best-in-class active noise cancelling, especially for steady low-frequency noise like airplane engines, HVAC, and trains
  • Rich, detailed sound with punchy bass that many say sounds great right out of the box without needing EQ
Owners complain about
  • A persistent white-noise/hissing sound from the ANC circuit that owners describe as annoying during quiet moments, calls, and pauses in audio
  • A firmware update stripped out features many relied on, including cycling between paired Bluetooth devices via the headphone button, multipoint switching, and battery-percentage announcements on power-up
  • Creaking, popping, or clicking noises from the hinges and headband, plus a jarring "thump" when the adaptive ANC reacts to sudden noises like a door slamming
Full owner report →

Sennheiser HD 620S

58%of 93 owners recommend
58% recommend · 24% neutral · 18% don't
Owners praise
  • Surprisingly wide, spacious soundstage for a closed-back design, with several owners saying it rivals or beats open-back headphones in this regard
  • Excellent comfort and passive isolation, with soft, deep ear cups and padding many describe as some of the best they've worn
  • Outperforms other closed-backs owners have compared it to, including the DT770, FT1, HDB630, and Noire X
Owners complain about
  • Treble can be harsh, bright, or metallic-sounding, especially in the upper registers and vocals
  • Getting a proper seal and comfortable fit is finicky for some, including a protruding headband anchor piece pressing into the ear cup area
  • Bass can feel weak, anemic, or lacking low-end extension, particularly noticeable for movies and sub-bass-heavy content
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if
  • ✓Frequent travelers who want top-tier ANC and all-day comfort on long flights
  • ✓Glasses wearers and long-session listeners who prioritize a soft, low-clamp fit
  • ✓Upgraders from Bose QC35/QC45 who value premium build over Sony's plastic feel
  • ✓Listeners who want strong out-of-the-box sound without needing an EQ
Skip it if
  • People who make lots of calls, since mic and call quality draw frequent complaints
  • Anyone needing to fully disable ANC, since wind noise and hiss bother some owners
Get the Sennheiser HD 620S if
  • ✓Gamers wanting a closed-back with wide soundstage for competitive FPS
  • ✓Office/WFH users needing strong passive isolation from surrounding noise
  • ✓Sennheiser 6XX/650 fans wanting similar tonality in a closed-back
  • ✓Listeners willing to apply EQ to unlock the headphone's full detail
Skip it if
  • People with fit issues who can't get a proper seal for bass
  • Bass-heads or movie watchers wanting deep sub-bass rumble

What Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) owners say

“My ultra used daily for over a year is still working great. Had some firmware issue at the start but currently it is Ok. Good anc, great sound and sturdy.”
— GrumpyBitFlipper on Reddit
“I come from the xm5 earbuds and just bought the QC Ultra 2nd gen’s because even though I loved the Sony’s, I don’t like wearing them knowing there’s too much toxic chemicals in them.”
— therealpurpledolpin on Reddit
“but not the Ultras (not worth the price increase imo)”
— xolavenderwitch on Reddit

What Sennheiser HD 620S owners say

“Just got my 620s yesterday, I like it, which is saying a lot for a closed back. I think it’s easily one of the best closed back headphones not only in the price range, just in general.”
— MoonWun_ on Reddit
“Crazy enough, the HD800s and the HD620s share the top spot in my endgame headphones. And the price difference is over €1,000. I just can’t believe what the HD620s deliver for €279.”
— No-Desk-1808 on Reddit
“I think technically the 620s but the design of the ear cups means they have this bit that protrudes into the ear cups (I think the anchor for the headband) and it’s quite uncomfortable (at least for me).”
— gussic on Reddit

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 620S: frequently asked questions

Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sennheiser HD 620S better?

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 620S: 58% of 93 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 474 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Who should get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?

Owners point the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) at frequent travelers who want top-tier ANC and all-day comfort on long flights, and glasses wearers and long-session listeners who prioritize a soft, low-clamp fit.

Who should get the Sennheiser HD 620S?

Owners point the Sennheiser HD 620S at gamers wanting a closed-back with wide soundstage for competitive FPS, and office/WFH users needing strong passive isolation from surrounding noise.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is a persistent white-noise/hissing sound from the ANC circuit that owners describe as annoying during quiet moments, calls, and pauses in audio. For the Sennheiser HD 620S, it's treble can be harsh, bright, or metallic-sounding, especially in the upper registers and vocals.