QuietComfort 20

Released 2013

Bose's wired in-ear QuietComfort headphones use an in-line battery module for noise cancellation and Aware mode.

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: Yes
Battery: 16 h
With case: –
Best codec: Wired
Weight: –

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree that the QC20 blocks travel noise unusually well for an in-ear design and that its StayHear+ tips stay comfortable on long trips. Stereophile finds the treble slightly veiled and Forbes prefers the sound of cheaper passive earbuds. Both consider the in-line battery module awkward at times, though they value the noise cancellation.

From stereophile.com, stereophile.com and forbes.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes
Bluetooth codecs: None (wired)
Noise cancelling detail: A microphone inside and outside each earbud feeds the noise-cancelling processor in the in-line module; Aware mode lets more surrounding sound through without stopping music
Audio features: Bose TriPort acoustic ports and Active EQ processing when powered

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): Up to 16 hours
Battery life detail: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery in the in-line module; around 16 hours from a two-hour USB charge; wired audio remains available with the power off

Design

Headphone cable: Yes
Controls: Power switch and status lights on the battery module; Aware mode and call controls on the cable remote
Microphones: Two microphones per earbud for noise cancellation; an in-line microphone for calls
Fit and ear tips: StayHear+ tips rest at the entrance to the ear canal and come in three sizes
Works with: 3.5 mm wired connection; QC20 has a single-button remote for most Android and other smartphones, while the contemporaneous QC20i has an Apple-compatible three-button remote
Colours: Grey at launch; Black and White variants followed in 2015
In the box: Earbuds, three sizes of StayHear+ tips, clothing clip, USB charging cable and carrying case