Bose QuietComfort Headphones review: flagship noise-cancelling for less, but they’re not the best choice for everyone

Bose QuietComfort headphones: One-minute review

The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones landed in September 2023. Although there’s now a (slightly) newer and more premium model from the brand on the market, the standard QuietComfort cans are still well worth considering. That’s because they present buyers with all of the basics, like great comfort levels, sound and ANC, done incredibly well with the Bose seal of approval.

Let’s get any confusion out of the way first. Where do these headphones sit in the Bose line-up? Rewind back to 2021 and the Bose Quietcomfort 45 over-ear headphones were released. The newer over-ear headphones we’re reviewing here, officially named just Bose QuietComfort, came out in September 2023 to replace them. Bose released the QuietComfort Ultra just a month later, in October 2023, but it’s best to think of them as a solid step up from the QuietComfort headphones we’re reviewing here, making our best noise-cancelling headphones and best over-ear headphones guides.

But just because those top-tier cans have a bunch of upgrades, doesn’t mean the Ultras are for everyone, as we’ll get to soon. What we’ve got here is a high-end pair of headphones that perform well in every department, without overcomplicating things. These headphones feature Bose’s signature tech, and while it’s not especially groundbreaking in 2025, that’s part of the appeal. There’s 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. There’s also an app if you fancy more customization, but it’s optional, and the interface is clean with just a handful of modes to pick from – it just works (sorry Apple).

That’s why the Bose QuietComfort headphones might not be the absolute best on the market, but they strike a balance between quality audio, supreme comfort, and no-nonsense usability. For anyone looking for high-end Bose headphones in a sleek, slightly more affordable package, these could be the perfect fit.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Price and release date

• Released in late 2023
• Priced at $349/£349.95/AU$549.95
• Available in black, off-white, green, blue, lilac, sandstone

The Bose QuietComfort headphones were priced at $349/£349.95/AU$549.95 at launch. However, because they’re a little older you will find some discounts available now from both third-party retailers and even through Bose directly. For example, on the Bose Australia website, the headphones are currently discounted from AU$549.95 to AU$448.95.

How does that compare to the rest in the Bose lineup? It makes them almost the same price as the Bose QuietComfort 45 that came before them, which cost $329/£329/AU$499.95 at launch.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are currently $429/£449.95/AU$649, which is a big step up of nearly $100. Then again, if you’re splurging on headphones and want the most bang up to date features, you might want to consider the flagship version. But we’ll get into some of the key differences later.

How does this compare to similar noise-cancelling over-ears? Well, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are still at the top of our best noise-cancelling headphones guide. At launch, they were $349/£349/AU$549, the exact same price. But now, you can find them for much cheaper, around $249/£199/AU$399. This makes sense, as they were released in 2020. But it does mean that if you’re hunting for older, still very capable headphones, the Sony might just be a better shout – especially if you’re a fan of Sony and its LDAC support.

When it comes to the broader market, there’s a lot of variation these days. If you wanted, for example, to prioritize good ANC, great specs, an energetic sound and excellent battery life, the Cambridge Melomania P100 over-ears would cost you considerably less, at $279/£229/AU$479. If you’re looking for similar features but don’t care so much about the Bose brand name or getting a high-end pair, you can easily get a decent pair of noise-cancelling over-ears for a mid-range price, like the excellent Sony WH-CH720N headphones, which cost $149/£99/AU$259.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Specs

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Features

• Up to 26 hours of battery
• Excellent ANC
• Simple buttons

The Bose QuietComfort headphones aren’t packed with the cutting-edge features that you’ll find from the latest over-ears, but that’s not the point here. They focus on doing the essentials really well. If you’re looking for reliability and ease of use, they’ll deliver without overcomplicating things.

Let’s start with the app. It’s slick, intuitive, and has that Apple-esque feel, by which I mean minimal, clean, and user-friendly. The best part? You don’t need the app to enjoy the headphones, but I’d recommend using it to explore customization options. For example, there’s an adjustable 3-band EQ. You can manually tweak bass, mids, and treble or select presets like Bass Boost or Treble Reduce. While the EQ options are more limited than some competitors, it gets the job done for those who want great audio without endless tinkering. Personally, I didn’t feel the need to touch the EQ at all.

You’ll also find different audio modes, like “Quiet” for noise cancellation and “Aware” for transparency. These can be toggled using the action button on the left earcup, and you can add two additional custom modes in the app for specific scenarios.

A standout feature is multipoint connectivity, which allows you to pair the headphones with two devices simultaneously. This is a standard on most high-end headphones these days, but it’s good to see it included in this pair – seamlessly switching between a laptop for work and a phone for music or calls is a must for me now.

The manual buttons on the earcups deserve praise, too. They’re tactile, easy to use, and customizable via the app. For those who prefer a wired option, Bose includes a 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio cable with an in-line mic – a nice touch for versatility.

Bluetooth 5.1 powers the connectivity (so no scope for Auracast, which requires the newer 5.2 and beyond), with support for AAC and SBC codecs. While it doesn’t include advanced features like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound – the Ultras do have this, mind you – it’s solid enough for most users. Bose SimpleSync is also on board, letting you pair the headphones with compatible Bose soundbars and speakers to sync audio across devices, which is a great addition if you’re already in the Bose ecosystem.

Battery life is another area where these headphones hold their own but don’t lead the pack. Bose claims up to 24 hours of playback, and I managed to squeeze out closer to 26 hours during testing. They charge via USB-C, and a quick 15-minute boost gives you an additional 4 hours. While 24 hours isn’t bad, many competitors now exceed that. For instance, the Cambridge Melomania P100 headphones offer a huge 60 hours of playback with ANC on (and up to 100 hours without it). Even the QuietComfort Ultra headphones offer the same 24-hour battery life, so if longevity is a key priority, there’s little to separate them.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Sound quality

• Great ANC
• Sound is bassy, but brilliant
• Could do with more EQ options

Let’s start with ANC. The Bose QuietComfort headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation, though they’re 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. As I’ll explain in more detail in the next section, the snug design creates a great seal, which enhances the ANC performance. This means minimal noise seeps in, and there’s virtually no sound leakage out at all. While it doesn’t deliver total silence, it’s impressively close. I couldn’t hear a kettle boiling a few feet away, the low rumble of transport, or even chatter at the table next to me while working in a café.

That said, certain louder or higher-pitched sounds can break through. A barking dog and a fire alarm, for example, were audible – but muffled. Overall, while the ANC isn’t eerily silent or perfect, it’s more than good enough for most users and handles everyday environments brilliantly.

The audio quality on the Bose QuietComfort headphones is crisp, rich, and strikes a pleasing balance across frequencies. Straight out of the box, without needing to adjust anything, the sound is warm and powerful, with bass that packs a punch and natural, clear mids and highs.

The overall sound profile leans towards a neutral presentation. Vocals and instruments feel natural and lifelike, while the bass has a satisfying depth without overpowering the other ranges. Highs are bright and detailed, and the lows are rich, but there’s a slight bias towards the low end. This means mids can occasionally feel a bit… squashed? somehow. Though it’s rarely noticeable, and the EQ options can easily smooth things out if needed.

Tracks like Childish Gambino’s Heartbeat really shine on these headphones. The powerful bass thumps beautifully while melodic vocals remain sharp and clear, demonstrating how well they handle dynamic tracks.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Design

• Extremely comfortable
• Light at 240g
• Folding design

The Bose QuietComfort headphones are incredibly comfortable, with an understated design. The plush memory foam earcups, wrapped in soft vegan leather, feel like pillows on either side of my head. The headband is equally well-padded, striking the perfect balance between support and comfort. The clamping force is just right, too – secure but never too tight – making these some of the most comfortable over-ears I’ve ever worn.

I don’t always get along with over-ear headphones (thanks to a cartilage piercing that often causes issues), but I had no trouble here. Whether I wore them for hours at my desk, on a long walk, or even during an easy jog, they stayed comfortable and didn’t irritate me. That said, while they’re excellent for everyday use, they’re not recommended for sports or workouts. There’s no official IP rating for water or sweat resistance, so they’re best kept away from heavy gym sessions or outdoor walks if it looks like it might rain.

The QuietComfort headphones come in a range of colors, including black, off-white, green, blue, lilac, and sandstone. They maintain the classic Bose design aesthetic and look very similar to their predecessors, the QuietComfort 45. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones are similar too, but this newer version does have a sleeker and more refined vibe.

Despite their premium feel, these headphones are impressively lightweight at just 240g. Combined with the comfort-focused design, they’re perfect for long listening sessions. The carrying case is equally well thought out. It’s a sturdy, hard-shell case with a zip, designed to fold up the headphones neatly inside. Unlike some over-complicated cases (looking at you, Apple AirPods Max), this one gets it just right. It’s compact, practical, and includes internal pockets for the charging and audio cables.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: value

• Everything you need, but…
• Competition at the level is fierce
• Ultras might make more sense

At first glance, the Bose QuietComfort headphones might seem pricey, but when you consider the overall experience they offer, we’d argue they do deliver good value – especially if noise cancellation and a travel-friendly design are two priorities for you. They’re an amazing choice for anyone seeking comfort, reliable ANC, and simplicity.

That said, it’s important to view them in today’s context. For those willing to pay more, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones might be a better long-term investment, offering improved sound quality and support for higher-resolution audio codecs.

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 can also find great ANC headphones at a lower price point these days. Plenty of mid-range options provide good noise cancellation for much less. While they may not tick every box – comfort, battery life, or sound quality – in the same way, alternatives are worth considering if budget is your main concern. For example, the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones are cheaper, offering significantly better battery life but lacking the plush comfort (or let’s face it, the iconic look) of the Bose.

If you’re someone who loves the latest tech, these probably won’t win you over. However, for those who appreciate simple, understated excellence and aren’t fussed about cutting-edge features, these headphones will make you very happy.

Should I buy the Bose QuietComfort headphones?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Bose QuietComfort headphones: Also consider

How I tested the Bose QuietComfort headphones

• Tested for three weeks
• Tested at home, walks along the beach, working in a café and a library and more

I used the Bose QuietComfort headphones for two weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music and watching streamed movies.

Throughout the testing period, I used the Bose QuietComfort headphones alongside my iPhone 14 Pro via Bluetooth and MacBook Pro. Streaming was done via Spotify and Mubi.

I listened at home whilst working, as well as in a café and a library. I took them on a bus and on several walks, along the beach and through the countryside.

I’ve been testing tech for more than 12 years now, including many pairs of headphones, as well as lifestyle and fitness products, like workout earbuds and fitness trackers.

• First reviewed in February 2025.