Bose QuietComfort headphones Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active Review
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless headphones offer all-day comfort and reliable noise cancellation, but our testing reveals they're middle-of-the-pack performers. Find out who they're really for.
The 30-Second Version
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless are a comfortable, reliable pair with good ANC, but they're not class leaders. Sound and ANC scores land around the 50th percentile. Worth buying only if you find them for closer to $229 than $359.
Overview
Bose's QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active headphones are a solid, comfortable pair of noise-cancellers that don't try to reinvent the wheel. They're built for long listening sessions and offer the kind of reliable, customizable ANC Bose is known for.
Our data shows they're a 'good enough' performer across the board, landing right around the 50th percentile for sound, ANC, and comfort. They're not chart-toppers, but they're a safe, predictable choice if you know what you're getting.
Performance
Performance is consistent, if not spectacular. The hybrid ANC is effective for steady hums like plane engines, but our percentile rankings show it's not as strong as the top-tier competition from Sony. Sound quality is balanced and non-fatiguing, which is great for all-day listening, but it lacks the sparkle and detail some audiophiles crave. The mic quality for calls is a weak spot, scoring in the bottom half of our database.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-day comfort with plush earcups. 94th
- Reliable, customizable noise cancellation. 92th
- SimpleSync and Spotify Tap are handy features. 88th
- Solid 24-hour battery life. 86th
Cons
- Microphone quality is mediocre for calls. 13th
- Sound profile is safe, not exciting.
- ANC isn't the absolute strongest available.
- Some users report finicky connectivity.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 1.0 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | Protein Leather |
| Headband | Plastic |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Codecs | Headphone Fit: Around Ear CircumauralHeadband: On HeadCushions: Removable CushionAudio cable included: YesCase: Carry, StorageProduct Material: Metal, Plastic, Leather (Protein)Bose App: Bose Music App |
| Surround | Spatial Audio |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Profiles | A2DP, HFP, AVRCP, BLE |
| Multipoint | Yes |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Range | 9.1 |
Battery
| Battery Life | 24 |
| Charge Time | 3 |
| Fast Charging | 15min=2.5hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| App | iOS, Android |
Value & Pricing
With prices swinging wildly from $229 to $359 depending on the vendor, value is a moving target. At the low end of that range, they're a decent deal for the Bose comfort and brand reliability. At the high end, you're paying a premium for the name when competitors offer more for the same money. Shop around.
vs Competition
Stacked up, the Sony WH-1000XM5 still rules for pure ANC power and sound customization. The Apple AirPods Max offer a more premium feel and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, but at a much higher price. The Beats Studio Pro often undercuts this Bose on price and offers stronger bass. These Bose headphones carve out a niche for people who prioritize long-term comfort and a no-fuss experience over cutting-edge specs.
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort headphones Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active | Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear | Apple AirPods Max Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 48 | 16 | - | 32 | 24 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | 24 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 35 |
Common Questions
Q: Can I use these with hearing aids?
Yes, you can wear them with hearing aids, but be mindful of the volume to protect your hearing.
Q: Does noise cancellation work when using the wired cable?
Yes, the active noise cancellation will still function when you plug in the included 3.5mm audio cable.
Q: Are these just an updated QC45?
Essentially, yes. They're a very recent refresh with some upgraded features like SimpleSync, but the core design and performance are similar.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you take a lot of calls. The microphone is a documented weak spot in our tests. Also, look elsewhere if you're a detail-oriented audiophile; the safe sound profile won't wow you. For pure ANC power, Sony is still the king.
Verdict
Buy these if you want a comfortable, reliable pair of noise-cancelling headphones from a trusted brand and you find them on sale. They're the audio equivalent of a really comfortable couch—not the flashiest, but you'll be happy to spend hours there.