Quick Specs
Our Verdict
The standard, more affordable Bose over-ears: outstanding noise cancelling, superb comfort, a 26-hour battery and wired or wireless use — the essential QuietComfort experience below the flagship Ultra, bar a loose fit for exercise.
Our editorial process
Research method, author and affiliate-independence details
Our editorial process
Research method, author and affiliate-independence details
Prepared by our editorial team using verified source material, product research, and a British-English editorial rewrite before publication.
- We review the working bundle for product facts, comparisons, and buyer-relevant tradeoffs before publishing.
- Non-English source material is translated into British English and rewritten into our house style without carrying over publication branding.
- Affiliate links and price references are handled separately from editorial judgements and never determine the verdict.
Affiliate links never determine our verdicts. Commercial relationships are disclosed separately from the editorial assessment, and we aim to keep buyer guidance clear, specific, and evidence-based.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding noise isolation
- Comfortable, lightweight, well-built design
- Over 26 hours battery with ANC
- Graphic EQ and presets in the app
- Wired or wireless connectivity
Cons
- Can slip off with moderate movement
- Limited control customisation
- No immersive audio like the Ultra
Full Specifications
Key Features
Outstanding noise isolation
Comfortable, lightweight, well-built design
Over 26 hours battery with ANC
Graphic EQ and presets in the app
Wired or wireless connectivity
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the standard, more affordable members of Bose's over-ear line, sitting below the flagship QuietComfort Ultra. Priced at around £209, they are the direct successor to the much-loved QC45 and stick to what Bose does best: class-leading noise cancelling and all-day comfort, without the Ultra's immersive-audio extras. Independent laboratory testing rates them an excellent pair of travel headphones, and one of the smarter buys in the range.
Noise Cancelling and Comfort
This is where the QuietComfort name is earned. The test rated the headphones' noise isolation outstanding, cutting out a great deal of ambient noise — the rumble of a bus or plane engine all but disappears, which is exactly what you want for a commute or a flight. Just as important is the fit: the test found them comfortable and lightweight, the kind of over-ears you can wear for hours without the clamping fatigue that spoils lesser designs. Together, the comfort and isolation are the core of their appeal.
Battery and Everyday Use
Endurance is a real strength. The test measured over 26 hours of continuous playback with noise cancelling switched on — enough for the longest of long-haul flights, or a full working week of commutes, between charges. A sturdy hard case is included to protect them in a bag, and they fold down to travel neatly. Connectivity is flexible too: you can go wireless over Bluetooth or plug in a cable, handy for in-flight entertainment systems or a wired listening session.
Sound and App
Out of the box the QuietComfort Headphones deliver Bose's familiar smooth, easy-going sound, and the companion app lets you shape it further with a graphic equaliser and presets — so you are not locked into the default tuning. It is a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing signature rather than an analytical one, which suits the everyday, travel-focused role these headphones are built for.
The Caveats
Two limitations keep the score honest. The test noted that the headphones can slip off with moderate movement, so they are not the pair for a workout or a run. And the control customisation is limited, giving you less freedom than some rivals to remap the buttons to your liking. Neither undermines the core experience, but both are worth knowing before you buy.
How It Compares
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a strong pick in our best over-ear headphones guide. The obvious question is how they stack up against the flagship Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which adds immersive virtual surround, a slightly more premium build and marginally better ANC and calling — for a notably higher price. Against rivals, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers more features and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 a richer sound, but few match Bose for pure comfort and isolation. Those who prefer in-ears should read our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review. Check the price on Amazon
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a deeply sensible buy: outstanding noise cancelling, superb comfort, a marathon 26-hour battery and the flexibility of wired or wireless use, all for less than the flagship Ultra. You give up the Ultra's immersive audio and a little polish, and they are not the pair for the gym, but for travel and everyday listening they deliver the essential Bose experience at a friendlier price. For most people, they are the QuietComfort headphones to buy.
This review is based on independent laboratory testing rather than our own hands-on trial.
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