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Short answer: Bose headphones are good for relaxed gaming, such as story games, racing and single-player titles, especially plugged in. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the best Bose for it, because their USB-C audio gives low-latency sound on a PC, Mac or phone. Over Bluetooth, though, every Bose model has the usual delay, and none of them connects to a PS5 or Xbox wirelessly. For competitive shooters and console chat, a gaming headset like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is the better tool.
Check the Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on Amazon →
How we put this together: this guide is based on Bose’s own announcements and specifications, platform documentation from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, and published latency information (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.
Can you use Bose headphones for gaming?
Yes, but how well they work depends on how you connect them:
- USB-C audio (QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen only): Bose added wired USB-C audio to the second-generation QC Ultra Headphones and says it brings “low-latency audio for gaming on a desktop or mobile device” (Bose). This is the best way to game with Bose on a PC, Mac, tablet or phone.
- 3.5 mm audio cable: Bose over-ear models come with an analog cable (a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable on the QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen, per Bose’s specifications). An analog cable has no Bluetooth delay, and it’s the way to use Bose with a PS5 or Xbox: plug it into the controller’s 3.5 mm jack. Don’t count on the headphones’ own microphones over the cable; use the controller’s mic (the PS5 DualSense has one built in) or a separate mic.
- Standard Bluetooth: roughly 150–200 ms of delay on most devices, which is fine for story and turn-based games but noticeable in shooters and rhythm games. Our Bluetooth headphones for gaming guide explains why.
- aptX Adaptive: the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) support aptX Adaptive, which Bose says adapts to “low-latency processing” with Snapdragon Sound-certified devices (Bose). That helps on some Android phones only; iPhones, Windows PCs and consoles don’t support it.
Bose for gaming, platform by platform
| Platform | Best connection | Bose mic for chat | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC / Mac | USB-C (QC Ultra 2nd Gen) or the analog cable | Over Bluetooth, with lower sound quality while it’s on | Good wired |
| iPhone / Android | USB-C or Bluetooth (aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound phones) | Yes | Fine for mobile games |
| PS5 | Analog cable in the DualSense jack | Use the DualSense mic | Wired only |
| Xbox Series X|S | Analog cable in the controller jack | Use a separate mic | Wired only |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Analog cable, or Bluetooth for game sound | No (Bluetooth mics aren’t supported) | OK |
Which Bose headphones are best for gaming?
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): best Bose for gaming
The second-generation QC Ultra Headphones ($449, October 2025) are the only current Bose headphones with USB-C audio, and Bose pitches it at gamers: lossless, low-latency sound over the included USB-C cable, while charging at the same time. They also add aptX Adaptive for lower latency on Snapdragon Sound phones, and Bose rates the battery at up to 30 hours with noise cancelling, or 45 with it off (Bose). The plush, light fit that makes them good for long flights also suits long gaming sessions.
Bose’s announcement doesn’t say whether the microphones work over USB-C. If they don’t appear as an input on your PC, use a separate mic for chat.
Check the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on Amazon →
Older QuietComfort Ultra and QuietComfort Headphones: wired or casual only
The first-generation QC Ultra Headphones and the QuietComfort Headphones don’t have USB-C audio, so for gaming you’re choosing between Bluetooth delay and the analog cable. Plugged into a controller or a PC, they’re good-sounding, comfortable headphones for single-player games. See our QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) page for how the two generations differ.
QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): mobile games only
Bose’s earbuds are Bluetooth only, with no cable or dongle option. They’re excellent for noise cancelling and fine for casual mobile games, but on a PC they have standard Bluetooth delay, and they can’t connect to a PS5 or Xbox. If you want earbuds for gaming, see the picks below.
Bose on PS5 and Xbox
Neither console supports Bluetooth audio, so Bose headphones can’t connect to a PS5 or Xbox wirelessly (What Hi-Fi?). The reliable setup is the analog cable in the controller’s 3.5 mm jack: no delay, and you talk through the DualSense’s built-in mic on a PS5, or a separate mic on Xbox. You can also join party chat from your phone in the PlayStation App or Xbox app with the headphones connected to the phone over Bluetooth, but then game sound still comes from the TV (Xbox Support).
Bose on a Windows PC
On a PC, use the USB-C cable on the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), or the analog cable on older models, for game sound without delay. Over Bluetooth, expect the usual lag, plus one more catch: when Discord or a game turns on the headphones’ microphone, Windows switches them to its “Hands-Free” profile, and game audio drops to thin, mono call quality until the mic closes (BGR, describing the same issue with AirPods). The fix is to choose the stereo “Headphones” output and set your input to a different mic.
Bose on the Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 supports Bluetooth audio, so Bose headphones work for game sound. But Bluetooth microphones aren’t supported for GameChat, you can only use two wireless controllers while they’re connected, and Nintendo warns you may notice audio delay (Nintendo). In handheld mode, the analog cable in the console’s headphone jack avoids the delay. More options are in our best headphones for Switch 2.
Better options if you mainly game
| Pick | Best for | Connection | Works with | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 / Nova 5X | One headset for every console | 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, plus Bluetooth | PC, PS5, Switch 2, phones; Xbox on the 5X | Check price |
| Razer BlackShark V3 | PC and PS5 players | 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, USB | PC, PS5, Switch, phones | Check price |
| Sony INZONE Buds | Gaming earbuds instead of the QC Ultra Earbuds | USB-C dongle (Sony rates under 30 ms), plus Bluetooth LE Audio | PC, PS5, Switch 2, phones | Check price |
The Arctis Nova 5 (about $130, up to 60 hours of battery per SteelSeries) is the easy pick if you play on several systems; get the Nova 5X for Xbox. The Razer BlackShark V3 (about $150) is our top gaming headset overall for PC and PS5. Both have low-latency wireless and a real boom mic, the two things Bose headphones lack. See our best gaming headsets for more.
Check the Arctis Nova 5 on Amazon →
Our verdict
If you already own Bose headphones, plug them in and they’re good for single-player and casual gaming on any platform. The QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the best Bose for gaming thanks to low-latency USB-C audio on a PC, Mac or phone. Over Bluetooth, Bose has the same delay as other wireless headphones, no Bose model connects to a PS5 or Xbox wirelessly, and the mic is limited for console chat. If gaming is a main reason you’re buying, get a gaming headset like the Arctis Nova 5 and keep the Bose for travel.
Frequently asked questions
Are Bose headphones good for gaming?
For relaxed and single-player games, yes, especially wired. The QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) have USB-C audio that Bose says gives low-latency sound for gaming on a computer or phone. Over Bluetooth they have the usual delay, which shows in fast shooters.
Can you use Bose headphones on a PS5 or Xbox?
Only with a cable. Neither console supports Bluetooth audio, so plug the Bose analog cable into the controller’s 3.5 mm jack, and use the controller’s mic (PS5) or a separate mic for chat.
Do Bose headphones have a mic for gaming?
They have microphones for calls, which work for chat over Bluetooth on a PC or phone, but sound quality drops while the mic is in use on Windows. There’s no boom mic, and on consoles you’ll need the controller’s mic or a separate one.
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra good for gaming?
The second-generation QC Ultra Headphones are the best Bose for gaming, thanks to low-latency USB-C audio and aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound phones. The first generation is fine wired, but has Bluetooth delay wirelessly.
Are Bose earbuds good for gaming?
For casual mobile games, yes. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are Bluetooth only, with no cable or dongle option, so they have standard Bluetooth delay on a PC and can’t connect to a PS5 or Xbox. For gaming earbuds, the Sony INZONE Buds use a low-latency USB-C dongle.
