beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…
- ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
- ✓Made in Germany build
- ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if…
- ✓Deepest ANC on the market
- ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- ✓Bose Immersive Audio
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIITuning, detail, and staging
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII leads on sound (96 vs 90).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Long-session wearability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 88).
Value for money
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 more score per dollar ($449 vs $599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back dynamic | — |
| Driver | 45 mm Tesla | 35 mm |
| Impedance | 250Ω | — |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | — |
| Cable | Detachable XLR / 6.35mm | — |
| Weight | 370 g | ▲ 254 g |
| ANC | — | Hybrid · 8-mic |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 + Snapdragon Sound |
| Codecs | — | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 30 hr (24 with ANC) |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr |
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- +Deepest ANC on the market
- +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- +Bose Immersive Audio
- −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
- −Cable not included
- −Pricier than XM6
FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +
At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 worth the price? +
At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — leads on sound (96 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for comfort, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on comfort (96 vs 88). Long-session wearability.