With fuss-free ANC, a lightweight build, and incredible comfort, theyre perfect for travel or all-day listening.
However, for reliable all-rounders that are genuinely enjoyable to use, these headphones are hard to beat.
Bose QuietComfort headphones: One-minute review
The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones landed in September 2023.
Lets get any confusion out of the way first.
Where do these headphones sit in the Bose line-up?
Rewind back to 2021 and theBose Quietcomfort 45 over-ear headphoneswere released.
Theres nothing new to figure out or fuss over.
Setup is a breeze, and the controls are refreshingly straightforward.
Instead of fiddly touch panels, you get trusty manual buttons on the earcups.
How does that compare to the rest in the Bose lineup?
But well get into some of the key differences later.
How does this compare to similar noise-cancelling over-ears?
Well, theSony WH-1000XM4 headphonesare still at the top of ourbest noise-cancelling headphonesguide.
At launch, they were $349/349/AU$549, the exact same price.
But now, you could find them for much cheaper, around $249/199/AU$399.
This makes sense, as they were released in 2020.
When it comes to the broader market, theres a lot of variation these days.
They focus on doing the essentials really well.
If youre looking for reliability and ease of use, theyll deliver without overcomplicating things.
Lets start with the app.
You dont need the app to enjoy the headphones, but Id recommend using it to explore customization options.
For example, theres an adjustable 3-band EQ.
you might manually tweak bass, mids, and treble or select presets like Bass Boost or Treble Reduce.
Personally, I didnt feel the need to touch the EQ at all.
A standout feature is multipoint connectivity, which allows you to pair the headphones with two devices simultaneously.
The manual buttons on the earcups deserve praise, too.
Theyre tactile, easy to use, and customizable via the app.
Battery life is another area where these headphones hold their own but dont lead the pack.
They charge via USB-C, and a quick 15-minute boost gives you an additional 4 hours.
While 24 hours isnt bad, many competitors now exceed that.
Bose QuietComfort headphones: Sound quality
Lets start with ANC.
The Bose QuietComfort headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation, though theyre not class-leading.
The QuietComfort Ultra definitely perform better in this department, providing more silence more consistently.
But compared to most other over-ear headphones in their class, the ANC here is still fantastic.
One standout factor is the fit.
This means minimal noise seeps in, and theres virtually no sound leakage out at all.
While it doesnt deliver total silence, its impressively close.
That said, certain louder or higher-pitched sounds can break through.
A barking dog and a fire alarm, for example, were audible but muffled.
The overall sound profile leans towards a neutral presentation.
This means mids can occasionally feel a bit… squashed?
Though its rarely noticeable, and the EQ options can easily smooth things out if needed.
Tracks like Childish GambinosHeartbeatreally shine on these headphones.
Bose QuietComfort headphones: Design
The Bose QuietComfort headphones are incredibly comfortable, with an understated design.
The headband is equally well-padded, striking the perfect balance between support and comfort.
That said, while theyre excellent for everyday use, theyre not recommended for sports or workouts.
They maintain the classic Bose design aesthetic and look very similar to their predecessors, the QuietComfort 45.
Despite their premium feel, these headphones are impressively lightweight at just 240g.
Combined with the comfort-focused design, theyre perfect for long listening sessions.
The carrying case is equally well thought out.
Its a sturdy, hard-shell case with a zip, designed to fold up the headphones neatly inside.
Its compact, practical, and includes internal pockets for the charging and audio cables.
Theyre an amazing choice for anyone seeking comfort, reliable ANC, and simplicity.
That said, its important to view them in todays context.
It’s also worth mentioning they don’t represent the best choice if you already own the QuietComfort 45.
Yes, they’re better.
But not by enough to justify the upgrade.
you’re able to also find great ANC headphones at a lower price point these days.
Plenty of mid-range options provide good noise cancellation for much less.
If youre someone who loves the latest tech, these probably wont win you over.
Should I buy the Bose QuietComfort headphones?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Multi-point connectivity, simple buttons and good ANC.
Nothing special here, but everything you go get works very well.
3.5/5
Sound quality
Very good ANC and a neutral if a little bass-heavy presentation.
A really enjoyable listen.
Only downside is the Ultra are a little more stylish.
4.5/5
Value
They’re still a little expensive, especially considering how far others have come.
The Ultra make more sense for some people, but they’re still a really solid pick.
Comfort is a top priorityIncredibly light with some of the comfiest, memory foam earpads I’ve ever tested.
If you have any sensory sensitivities or just really value comfort, you won’t be disappointed here.
If it’s possible for you to afford them, they do make more sense for most people.
Some other headphones boast nearly twice as much playback time these days.
Take a look at our fullBose QuietComfort Ultra headphones review.
Read our fullCambridge Audio Melomania P100 review.
Streaming was done via Spotify and Mubi.
I listened at home whilst working, as well as in a cafe and a library.
I took them on a bus and on several walks, along the beach and through the countryside.
