The Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless are the next generation of the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. These over-ears basically have the same design as their predecessor, so you can expect similarly lightweight and comfortable headphones with a top-notch noise cancelling (ANC) system. However, there have been a couple of adjustments, namely to their sound and the addition of an integrated mic on their analog cable.
Our Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are satisfactory for neutral sound. Out of the box, they have a bass-heavy sound profile that delivers a lot of extra thump, rumble, and boom. Vocals and instruments are still natural and clear in your mixes, and sibilants like cymbals are bright. That said, if you're looking for a more neutral sound, they have a few EQ presets and a graphic EQ to help you adjust their sound to your liking. They also deliver sound quite consistently once you get a good fit.
-
Graphic EQ and presets available via companion app.
-
Poor passive soundstage performance.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are great for commuting and traveling. These comfortable and lightweight over-ears are equipped with an ANC system to block out a lot of ambient noise like rumbly bus engines around you. They also come with a sturdy hard case to protect them when you're on the go. They last over 26 hours continuously with their ANC on, which is great for long listening sessions.
-
Outstanding noise isolation performance.
-
Comfortable and well-built design.
-
Can fall off your head with moderate movement.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are decent for sports. Over-ears aren't usually a good choice for workouts as they don't have the most stable design when moving and trap heat around your ears. They also lack an IP rating for water resistance. That said, these over-ears have a comfortable fit, and their wireless design ensures there's little that can snag the headphones and pull them off of your head.
-
Comfortable and well-built design.
-
Can fall off your head with moderate movement.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are very good for office use. They have a comfortable fit, and thanks to their ANC system, they can easily block out chatty coworkers and the hum of AC units. With their ANC on, they last over 26 hours at a time, and you can use them wired in a pinch. They support multi-device pairing, too, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously.
-
Outstanding noise isolation performance.
-
Supports multi-device pairing.
-
Comfortable and well-built design.
-
Can fall off your head with moderate movement.
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless are Bluetooth-only headphones, so you can't connect them to PlayStation or Xbox consoles. They also have high latency on PCs, causing your audio and visuals to fall out of sync.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are very good for gaming. Unlike their predecessor, their analog cable has an in-line mic, offering a good overall performance so your teammates will hear you clearly. Their bass-heavy sound can also help emphasize sound effects like footsteps without completely drowning out dialogue and instruments. They have a comfortable fit suitable for long gaming sessions, too.
-
Good overall microphone performance.
-
Comfortable and well-built design.
-
Poor passive soundstage performance.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are very good for phone calls. They have an integrated mic and an in-line mic, so you can easily take calls on the go. In the case of both mics, your voice is easy to follow, although it lacks depth. The mics can also separate your voice from background noise well, so speech doesn't get drowned out by sound. If you're calling from a noisy office or busy street, the headphones are equipped with ANC, too, so you can silence the outside world and focus on your call.
-
Outstanding noise isolation performance.
-
Good overall microphone performance.
-
Comfortable and well-built design.
-
Can fall off your head with moderate movement.
- 7.3 Neutral Sound
- 8.2 Commute/Travel
- 7.4 Sports/Fitness
- 8.0 Office
- 6.2 Wireless Gaming
- 7.4 Wired Gaming
- 7.8 Phone Calls
- Updated Apr 04, 2024: The ColorWare custom color option has been added to the Differences Between Variants and Style sections.
- Updated Apr 04, 2024: We've retested ANC Wind Handling with updated methodology.
- Updated Apr 04, 2024: We've added the 'Bose x Steve Lacy' model to Differences Between Sizes and Variants and Updated Apr 04, 2024: The following test groups have been updated following Test Bench 1.7: Noise Isolation - Full Range, Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios, and ANC Wind Handling. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Apr 04, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.7, which updates our Noise Isolation test. We've also expanded the scope of this test to include Common Scenarios in addition to Voice Handling and Wind Handling.
- Updated Feb 16, 2024: We've added the 'Moonstone Blue' color variant to Differences Between Sizes and Variants.
- Updated Jan 26, 2024: The following test group has been updated following TB 1.6: Bluetooth Connection. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages.
- Updated Jan 26, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Dec 04, 2023: We've retested Imaging after encountering very high phase mismatch during our original testing.
- Updated Nov 17, 2023: We've added the Bose QuietComfort SC Noise Cancelling Headphones into Differences Between Sizes And Variants.
- Updated Oct 11, 2023: Review published.
- Updated Oct 05, 2023: Early access published.
- Updated Oct 02, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Sep 27, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Sep 22, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones come in a handful of color variants: 'Triple Black,' 'White Smoke,' 'Moonstone Blue,' and 'Cypress Green.' We tested the 'Triple Black' colorway; you can see our model's label here. Additionally, there's a limited edition colorway with Steve Lacy, which is a cream color with black trim and pink accents. You can also create custom color schemes through ColorWare's website for an added charge.
You can also find this model at Costco, but under a slightly different name: the Bose QuietComfort SC Noise Cancelling Headphones. This model comes with a soft case instead of a hard case, but we expect it to perform similarly to our unit otherwise.
If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the next iteration of the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. Although both are nearly identical in design and have similarly outstanding levels of noise isolation, the QuietComfort Headphones have a more bass-heavy sound profile than their predecessor, and they come with an audio cable with an in-line mic so that you can take calls while wired. However, they don't block out as much background noise as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. Their continuous battery life isn't quite as long-lasting either, though 26+ hours will still be more than enough to get you through long days on the go.
If you're looking for more headphones, check out our recommendations for the best noise cancelling headphones, the best travel headphones, and the best Bose headphones.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are more feature-packed than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless. The Sony have a virtual soundstage feature to help immerse you in your audio, have more robust customization features via their companion software, and support LDAC, which is Sony's codec for high-resolution audio. Their ANC also does an even better job of blocking background noise, and they have a longer continuous battery life. However, the Bose are more comfortable and better built.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless are the next generation of the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. Most things have stayed the same in this iteration like comfort. However, there are a couple of interesting changes. The QuietComfort Headphones have a more bass-heavy sound than their predecessor. Their audio cable also comes with an in-line mic, which is handy if you want to take calls while wired, and they have a slight edge when it comes to noise isolation, though you can still expect an outstanding performance from both over-ears.
The Bose 700 Headphones Wireless have the edge over the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless. While both headphones have similarly excellent noise isolation performances, the 700 Headphones are better built, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a better overall mic performance. However, the QuietComfort Headphones are more comfortable and come with an analog cable with an in-line mic.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless and the the Apple AirPods Max Wireless are both high-end headphones. While both headphones offer a fantastic noise isolation performance, the Bose are much more comfortable, and their battery life is longer, too. Thanks to their companion app, they're also more customizable, and you can pair them with up to two devices at a time. However, the Apple are better built and have a more neutral overall sound profile, which some users may prefer.
Test Results
These headphones look pretty similar to the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. Their design is fairly non-descript and minimalist. The manufacturer's logo is found on the center of the ear cup. They come in a few different colors: 'Triple Black,' 'Smoke White,' and 'Cypress Green.' There's also a limited edition model made in partnership with Steve Lacy. This model is cream with black trim and pink accents. If you want to truly trick out your headphones, ColorWare offers this model in custom color schemes at an added charge. The color options range from subdued to neon and iridescent. You can also add custom engraving.
These headphones are pretty comfortable. Like other Bose headphones, they have plush padding along their headband and ear cups. They don't clamp very tightly on your head either, although they can feel a bit loose when you're moving around.
Their physical controls are great. The layout is the same as their predecessor, with three buttons located on the right ear cup and the 'Action' button on the left cup. There are physical and audible clicks when pushing the buttons, and there are warning chimes to let you know when you've reached min and max volume. There are even voice prompts for switching connections, the ANC status, battery life, and pairing. There's no feedback when pressing the buttons; you'll only hear the voice prompt following your command.
On the left ear cup:
'Action' button:
- Single press: Cycles between 'Quiet' mode, which is ANC on, and 'Aware' mode, which is a talk-through mode that plays the sounds around you alongside your regular audio content, so that you can stay aware of your surroundings without having to pause your audio or take off your headphones.
- Press and hold: Access voice assistant.
On the right ear cup:
- '+' and '-': Raises and lowers the volume.
Center button:
- One press: Plays and pauses audio. Also answers and ends calls.
- Double press: Skips the track forward.
- Triple press: Skips the track backward.
- Press and hold: Declines a call.
Like most over-ears, they have a bulky design. However, you can fold them into a more compact shape. The ear cups can also lay flat to save space.
These over-ears come with a faux-leather carrying case with a soft velvet interior. To fit the headphones into the case, you'll have to rotate the ear cups inwards to lay flat against the case. Overall, the case is sturdy enough to protect the headphones from on-the-go damage, and it has a high-quality zipper so that you can securely travel with your headphones. Inside the case is a little pouch for storing the cables.
These over-ears have a good build quality. They're mostly made of plastic with a few metal parts, like the adjustable headband and faux leather padding. Overall, they feel pretty sturdy, lightweight, and durable. The folding hinges can lose their snap over time, though.
These headphones are decently stable. If you're listening to audio at your desk, they won't move much from your head. However, slightly tilting your head can cause them to move and require a reseat. They'll easily fall off your head if you try to use them for tough workouts.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones headphones
- 1/8" to 1/16" (3.5 mm to 2.5 mm) TRRS audio cable
- Carrying case
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Manuals
These headphones have a more bassy sound profile than the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. They deliver a lot more thump, rumble, and boom than their predecessor, which is nice if you like genres like EDM and pop. Vocals and instruments are still clear and present in mixes, although they're a bit harsh. Sibilants like cymbals are also piercing due to a peak in the mid-treble. Their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound.
Although we measured their sound performance using Bluetooth, you can expect the same performance via analog, so long as the headphones are powered on. You can see a comparison between Bluetooth, analog (with the headphones off), and analog (with the headphones on) here. However, when used passively, the headphones deliver a lot more boom to mixes, but vocals and instruments take a hit, sounding hollow and veiled.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones have good frequency response consistency. Once you take the time to achieve a proper fit, seal, and positioning, you'll get consistent audio delivery each time you wear them.
These headphones have satisfactory bass accuracy. The response is overemphasized across the range, especially when compared to the flatter and more even Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. As a result, songs with a prominent bassline, like Satisfaction by Benny Benassi, have intense thump, rumble, and boom.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones' mid accuracy is excellent. The response is mostly neutral, so vocals and instruments sound present. However, they're also a bit harsh-sounding due to a bump in the high-mid.
The treble accuracy is decent. The low-treble is flat and neutral, so vocals and instruments are adequately bright and detailed. However, the mid-treble is over-emphasized, so sibilants like S and T sounds are piercing.
The peaks and dips performance is decent. The largest deviations are in the treble range, which indicates that the headphones struggle to control their sound profile in this range than in the rest of the response. The large dip in the low-treble hurts the detail and clarity of vocals and instruments, while the peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants like cymbals piercing.
There are lesser peaks and dips, like the bump in the low-bass, which adds a bit more thump and rumble to mixes. A dip in the low-treble thins out vocals and instruments while a peak in the high-mid brightens them.
While Bose generally has good quality control and ergonomics, our unit has loose bass. While it's not always audible in mixes, if you like thumpy, rumbly genres like EDM and hip-hop, you'll find that mixes sound a bit sloppy. That said, our unit's L/R drivers are well-matched in amplitude and frequency response, which helps ensure the accurate placement of objects like voices in the stereo image. We also originally reported high phase mismatch, but after looking into our phase response results, we discovered an issue with our job's coding and interpretation of results from REW. After fixing this issue, you can expect a phase performance closer to our updated results. Keep in mind that imaging also varies between units.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones have a poor passive soundstage, but that's normal for closed-back headphones. The soundstage isn't very spacious, and audio seems like it's coming from inside your head rather than from speakers placed in front of you. On the upside, the soundstage feels wide.
The weighted harmonic distortion performance is decent. There's a small peak between the low to mid-treble at moderate and high volumes. However, this peak is hard to hear as it affects a small frequency band. The rest of the response falls within good levels, resulting in mostly clear and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test the Bose QuietComfort Headphones. Our results are only valid when used in these settings.
The noise isolation performance is outstanding and even slightly better than their predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. They can cut down a wide array of sounds like the low rumble of bus engines as well as block out office chatter and the high-pitched hum of PC fans.
You can adjust the strength of the ANC in their companion app. By default, there are two ANC modes: 'Quiet,' which is ANC on, and 'Aware,' which allows you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing your headphones. You can add new modes based on your activity or usage and set their levels to your desired preferences.
These headphones also provide a similarly fantastic noise isolation performance when it comes to more dynamic everyday scenarios like busy streets and offices. The ANC system can also tackle airplane noise, giving you some peace and quiet during your travels.
These headphones have a Wind Block feature, which we tested. The manufacturer advertises that it turns the off ANC microphones located on the exterior of the headphones. This is to reduce the ANC system from picking up this sound and amplifying it. Using this feature can help reduce the presence of this sound, particularly in the bass range compared to when this feature is off but it's still present and annoying.
That said, wind noise is pretty challenging to reduce. It directly interacts with the ANC's microphones and causes the system to produce anti-noise as a response, even though the wind sound itself won't reach your ear. There's also a chance that using the Wind Block feature could impact ANC performance if you're in a windy environment.
The leakage performance is okay. Audio bleed is mostly concentrated between the mid to treble range but sounds mostly full. If you're listening to audio at high volumes, others around you will hear parts of it.
These headphones have an integrated mic. They also come with a TRRS cable, which has an in-line mic.
The integrated mic's recording quality is decent. Your voice sounds natural but lacks body. You can expect a similar performance if you want to use the in-line mic. You can see a comparison of both mics here. With the in-line mic, your voice sounds more full-bodied and bright.
The integrated mic's noise handling performance is very good. It can capture your voice clearly, even in noisy environments. Your voice stays clear and won't be drowned out by background noise, like a passing train, although a bit of background noise is still present.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones' battery performance is excellent. The manufacturer advertises a continuous battery life of 24 hours, and we measured just over that. It takes roughly two hours to charge them back up, and they have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life if you forget to turn them off. You can also use them passively with their analog cable.
The Bose Music app is great; you can see a video of it in action here. You can access EQ presets as well as a 3-band graphic EQ for sound customization. You can also access features like 'Self-Voice', which is a microphone sidetone feature, check out product updates, and add shortcuts like hearing the battery or quick access to the Spotify app (if you have it).
These headphones come with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. Unlike the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, they also come with a 1/8" to 1/16" TRRS cable with an in-line mic.
These headphones have excellent Bluetooth connectivity. They support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. They only support SBC and AAC codecs, though, and using SBC results in high latency on PCs, so there's some delay between your audio and visuals. Some apps compensate for latency differently, though.
These headphones can connect to Bluetooth-enabled PCs and via their analog cable with full audio and mic compatibility.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones have full audio and mic support with PlayStation consoles via analog.
You can plug their analog cable into your Xbox console's AUX port for full audio and mic compatibility.