Bose QuietComfort 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Only show differences

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Share comparison

QuietComfort 3 compared with QuietComfort Headphones

	BoseQuietComfort 3	BoseQuietComfort Headphones
Overview
Released
Released	2006	September 2023
Sound
Type
Type	On-ear	Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Transparency mode
Transparency mode	–	Yes
Back
Back	Closed	–
Bluetooth codecs
Bluetooth codecs	None (wired)	SBC and AAC
Noise cancelling detail
Noise cancelling detail	Noise cancellation can run with the audio cable detached; the power switch is on the right earcup	Quiet Mode (full noise cancelling) and Aware Mode (full transparency), plus custom modes with adjustable noise cancelling in the Bose app; Wind Block can be added to any mode; microphones inside and outside the ear cups
Audio features
Audio features	–	TriPort acoustic structure; three-band EQ (bass, mid-range, treble) with presets in the Bose app
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)
Listening time (maker's claim)	Up to 20 hours	Up to 24 hours
Battery life detail
Battery life detail	The 2006 Bose battery instructions state approximately 20 hours per charge; a later Bose owner guide states approximately 25 hours. The battery is removed from the right earcup and charged in a separate mains charger	Up to 24 hours with noise cancelling on, tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL; the headphones don't play while charging
Fast charging
Fast charging	–	15 minutes gives up to 4 hours (Bose UK FAQ; Bose UK's comparison table says 2.5 hours); full charge in up to 2.5 hours (owner's guide and spec table; the FAQ says 2 hours)
Design
Weight
Weight	–	236 g
Bluetooth
Bluetooth	–	5.1
Two devices at once
Two devices at once	–	Yes
Headphone cable
Headphone cable	Yes	Yes
Controls
Controls	Power switch and indicator on the right earcup; audio volume is controlled at the source	Physical buttons on the back of the ear cups; on the right, a Power/Bluetooth switch, volume up and down and a multi-function button (play, pause, skip, calls); on the left, an Action button for modes, customisable as a shortcut to Spotify Tap or battery level
Microphones
Microphones	–	Built-in microphones for calls; the audio cable has an in-line microphone
Fit and ear tips
Fit and ear tips	On-ear cushions and rotating earcups that fold flat into the carrying case	Around-ear (circumaural) with removable protein leather cushions; steel in the headband; metal and plastic build; folds for the carry case
Water resistance detail
Water resistance detail	–	No water resistance rating published
Works with
Works with	Detachable audio cable with 3.5 mm source plug; supplied dual-plug airline adapter	Bose app (launched with Bose Music) for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers; Spotify Tap
Colours
Colours	–	Black, White Smoke and limited-edition Cypress Green at launch
In the box
In the box	Headphones, removable battery, battery charger, audio cable, airline adapter and carrying case; later packages included an Apple-compatible remote and microphone cable	Headphones, carry case, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable with microphone, USB-C (A to C) cable (30 cm), safety sheet