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Bose QuietComfort Headphones · Photo source

Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Photo 1 of 8

Bose QuietComfort Headphones · Photo source

Bose · QuietComfort

QuietComfort Headphones

Released September 2023

The QuietComfort Headphones (2023) are Bose's mid-range noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, the successor to the QuietComfort 45, suited to travellers who want Bose noise cancelling, physical buttons and a wired option for less than the QuietComfort Ultra.

Model history · 6 models, 2009–2023
  1. 2009QuietComfort 15Compare
  2. 2014QuietComfort 25Compare
  3. 2016QuietComfort 35Compare
  4. 2017QuietComfort 35 IICompare
  5. 2021QuietComfort 45Compare
  6. 2023QuietComfort Headphones
Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Battery
24 h
With case
–
Best codec
AAC
Weight
236 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree these are light and very comfortable, with top-tier noise cancelling. Sound divides them: Tom's Guide found it richer than the QuietComfort 45, while SoundGuys found the new tuning worse. All note limited EQ or missing features for the price, and Tom's Guide found noise cancelling can't be switched fully off.

From soundguys.com, techradar.com and tomsguide.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
Bluetooth codecs
SBC and AAC
Noise cancelling detail
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
TriPort acoustic structure; three-band EQ (bass, mid-range, treble) with presets in the Bose app

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim)
Up to 24 hours
Battery life detail
Up to 24 hours with noise cancelling on, tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL; the headphones don't play while 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
236 g
Bluetooth
5.1
Two devices at once
Yes
Headphone cable
Yes
Controls
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
Built-in microphones for calls; the audio cable has an in-line microphone
Fit and ear tips
Around-ear (circumaural) with removable protein leather cushions; steel in the headband; metal and plastic build; folds for the carry case
Water resistance detail
No water resistance rating published
Works with
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
Black, White Smoke and limited-edition Cypress Green at launch
In the box
Headphones, carry case, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable with microphone, USB-C (A to C) cable (30 cm), safety sheet

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Adjustable noise cancelling and custom modes, which the QuietComfort 45 lacked at launch
  • Audio cable with an in-line microphone in the box, which works even with the headphones off or flat
  • Multipoint connection to two devices

Cons

  • SBC and AAC only, with no aptX
  • No Immersive Audio or head tracking, unlike the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
  • Can't play while charging, and no water resistance rating

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
BeatsStudio Pro
Over-earYes24 h–AAC260 gJul 2023
BoseQuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Over-earYes24 h–aptX Adaptive254 gOct 2023
SonyWH-CH720N
Over-earYes35 h–AAC192 gMar 2023

Previous model: QuietComfort 45. Newer model: QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).

Sources

  1. bose.co.uk/p/headphones/quietcomfort-acoustic-noise-cancelling-headphones/QC-HE…
  2. assets.bosecreative.com/m/4579082941b4e207/original/885443_OG_QC-HEADPHONEARN_e…
  3. bose.com/pressroom/bose-announces-new-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-and-earbuds
  4. whathifi.com/news/boses-new-quietcomfort-ultra-range-of-wireless-headphones-goe…
  5. techradar.com/audio/wireless-headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-review

Photo: assets.bosecreative.com

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