When it comes to premium wireless headphones with top-notch noise cancellation, Bose is one of the most respected names in the industry. Their latest offering, the Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones, promises to deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation in a sleek wireless design. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, performance, and overall value of these headphones to help you decide if they’re the right choice for you.
Product Overview
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are over-ear Bluetooth headphones designed for audiophiles and frequent travelers who demand the best in sound quality and noise cancellation. They feature a sleek, lightweight design with plush ear cushions and a padded headband for maximum comfort during extended listening sessions.
The headphones use Bose’s proprietary TriPort acoustic architecture and volume-optimized EQ to deliver clear, balanced sound at any volume level. They also incorporate advanced noise cancellation technology with a dual-microphone system that effectively blocks out background noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments like planes, trains, and busy offices.
Specifications of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones
Performance
The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones is impressive, with rich, detailed audio across a wide frequency range. The TriPort design and EQ tuning delivers punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp treble that remains well-balanced even at high volumes. Whether listening to music, movies, or podcasts, the audio is engaging and immersive.
Where these headphones really shine is their noise cancellation capabilities. Bose is known for industry-leading NC, and the QuietComfort Wireless is no exception. With 11 levels of adjustable noise cancellation, you can effectively block out everything from airplane engine hum to chatter in a busy office. Even without music playing, the NC creates a cocoon of quiet that makes it easy to relax or focus.
Comfort is another strength, thanks to the plush cushions and lightweight design. Even with glasses, the headphones remain comfortable over multi-hour listening sessions without creating pressure points. The 20-hour battery life is great for all-day use and long flights.
Call quality is very good, with the dual mics picking up voices clearly while reducing background noise. The Bluetooth 5.1 connection is rock solid, with easy one-tap pairing and a 30+ foot range. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to control playback, volume, and calls with taps and swipes.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones don’t quite meet your needs or budget, there are several other excellent wireless noise cancelling headphones to consider:
Sony WH-1000XM4 – Often considered the closest competitor to the Bose QC series, these headphones offer similarly great sound, noise cancellation, and comfort at a slightly lower price point. They also include some nice extras like EQ customization and auto-pause.
Jabra Elite 85h – While not quite as advanced in the noise cancellation department, the Elite 85h still offer solid NC performance along with great sound and comfort. They’re also more affordable than the Bose or Sony models.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless – If sound quality is your top priority, the Momentum 3 deliver exceptional audio performance along with good noise cancellation and comfort. However, they’re also one of the priciest options in this category.
Ultimately, the best wireless noise cancelling headphones for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. But with models like the Bose QuietComfort Wireless, Sony WH-1000XM4, Jabra Elite 85h, and Sennheiser Momentum 3 to choose from, you’re sure to find a great pair that meets your needs.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed audio
- Best-in-class adjustable noise cancellation up to 11 levels
- Very comfortable for extended use, even with glasses
- Rock-solid Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connection
- Intuitive touch controls for playback, volume, calls
- Good battery life – 20 hours wireless, 40 hours wired
- USB-C charging and included carrying case
Cons
- Expensive at $379 MSRP
- No EQ customization in mobile app
- No auto-pause when removing headphones
- Touch controls can be finicky in cold weather
Customer Reviews
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones have received very positive reviews from customers on sites like Amazon, BestBuy, and Bose’s own website. Reviewers praise the excellent sound quality, best-in-class noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and solid wireless performance. Bose has a long track record of delivering great noise cancelling headphones, and most say this model continues that heritage. A few critiques include the high price, lack of EQ adjustments, and an auto-pause feature. But overall, customers rate these very highly for sound, NC, and comfort.
“Simply the best noise cancelling headphones I’ve ever owned. The sound quality is amazing – rich and detailed without being overbearing. And the noise cancellation is scary good…I can barely hear the roar of the plane engine or any chatter around me. So comfortable too, I barely notice them even after 4+ hours. Expensive but totally worth it if you travel a lot or just want some peace and quiet with your music.” – David R., Bose.com
Product Specifications
- Legendary Noise Cancellation
- Premium Comfort
- 2 Listening Modes
- High-Fidelity Audio
- All Day Battery Life
- Microphone Cord Included
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are an excellent choice for anyone seeking premium sound quality, comfort, and industry-leading noise cancellation in a sleek wireless design. While they come at a high price, the combination of rich, immersive audio, highly effective adjustable NC, and all-day comfort justify the cost for frequent travelers, audiophiles, and anyone who wants the best wireless listening experience. The 20-hour battery life, rock-solid Bluetooth connectivity, and intuitive touch controls round out a compelling package that easily competes with other high-end wireless headphones.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in wireless audio and noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones deserve serious consideration. While they may not offer the same level of customization as some competitors, the sound quality, comfort, and noise cancelling performance are among the best you’ll find in this class. For frequent flyers, office workers seeking focus, or anyone who appreciates top-notch audio, these headphones are a worthwhile investment that should provide years of enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last?
The battery provides up to 20 hours of wireless listening per charge, or up to 40 hours in wired mode.
Is the noise cancellation adjustable?
Yes, you can choose between 11 different levels of noise cancellation using the buttons on the left earcup. This lets you adjust the level of NC to your environment.
Can I use these for phone calls?
Absolutely. The dual-mic system provides clear call quality, and you can answer calls directly from the headphones using the touch controls.
What devices are these compatible with?
The Bose QC Wireless will work with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including phones, tablets, laptops, and some TVs. You can also connect them with the included audio cable for wired listening.
Does the package include a carrying case?
Yes, Bose includes a sturdy zip-up carrying case to protect the headphones during travel. The ear cups also rotate flat for easy storage.
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