Product highlights
What's in the box
Written by Crutchfield's Jeff Miller
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones sport a familiar design along with custom control over "Quiet" and "Aware" modes.
For decades, many have considered Bose QuietComfort headphones the crème de la crème of noise cancellation. So when it came to naming this newest version, Bose got right to the point. These wireless over-ears are the latest in their legendary line of relaxed-fit, noise-canceling headphones — a longtime staple for air travel, offices, and home listening.
Bose didn't stray too far from the classic they refined in previous QuietComfort models, but they have introduced a key improvement. This time, Bose's famous noise cancellation comes with a convenient twist. You have custom control over how much external noise these headphones block out — or let in.
"Quiet" mode delivers the maximum level of noise cancellation, while "Aware" mode lets in external sounds, so you can hear your surroundings. Tap the button the left earcup to select full cancellation, full awareness, or a blend of both. You can create additional modes in the Bose Music app, a free download for Apple® and Android™, by assigning a certain level of noise cancellation or awareness.
Music plays wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, a newer version of Bluetooth that offers a strong, reliable connection. Multipoint connectivity means you can pair your laptop and phone at the same time. A game changer for work — you can quickly hop from music to podcasts to calls to meetings.
And here's another touch: Bose's SimpleSync™ feature lets you pair the headphones directly to compatible Bose Smart Soundbars. Connecting the headphones lets you watch TV late night without disturbing others.
Six built-in mics monitor external sound and adjusts the noise cancellation.
Bose QuietComfort models have a great track record when it comes to comfort. The previous-generation QC 45s were named one of our top 5 most comfortable headphones. They earned high marks on our in-house tests for feeling "ultra-light."
I can wear Bose QC headphones for entire work shifts without fatigue or strain on my head or ears. And of course, work and travel are even more bearable when you have world-class noise-cancelling circuitry hushing loud distractions.
The QuietComfort headphones have a built-in rechargeable battery and include a charging cable. On a full charge, you can get up to 24 hours of wireless listening with noise cancellation on. A voice prompt tells you how much battery life you have left every time you power them on.
Plus, their quick charge feature gives you up to three hours of use on just 15 minutes of charging. And even when the battery is fully drained, you can still listen to music without noise cancellation using the included listening cable. It connects to a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.