Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Are They Still Worth Buying?
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Are They Still Worth Buying?
+ Pros
- ✓ Comfort: very light at 240 g and easy to wear all day
- ✓ Strong ANC: excellent noise cancelling for the class
- ✓ Simple: physical buttons and a well-designed travel case
- Cons
- ✕ Basic EQ: limited sound adjustment options
- ✕ Battery: 24 hours is below average for the category
- ✕ Older codecs: AAC and SBC only, no aptX
Quick Summary
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are very comfortable, light noise cancelling headphones with strong ANC, simple buttons and up to 24 hours of battery. They are a good choice for travelers who want Bose comfort for less than the QC Ultra, but the EQ is basic and battery life is below average.
How we wrote this: this post is based on Amazon listing data (price and rating), Bose’s published specs and expert reviews, as of October 17, 2026. We have not tested the product ourselves.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones Overview
Launched in September 2023, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones replaced the QC45 as Bose’s mainstream noise cancelling headphones. They sit below the QuietComfort Ultra, keeping Bose’s trademark comfort and strong noise cancelling at a lower price.
They weigh just 240 g, fold into a hard-shell case, and use simple physical buttons. They offer Quiet and Aware modes plus custom modes, multipoint pairing and a wired option. With more than 22,000 Amazon ratings, they are one of Bose’s most popular products. The listing linked here is the Sandstone colour; Black and limited-edition colours are separate listings.
Key Details
| Battery | Up to 24 hours; 15-min charge gives about 4 hours |
|---|---|
| Noise cancelling | Quiet and Aware modes, plus custom modes |
| Weight | About 240 g |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, multipoint |
| Wired | 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable with mic |
| Design | Foldable, hard-shell case |
| Launched | September 2023 at $349 |
Comfort and dependable noise cancelling are the reasons to choose these over cheaper rivals.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Light, comfortable noise cancelling headphones with simple controls and a fold-flat travel case.
Are the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Worth Buying?
What expert reviewers like
TechRadar found them very comfortable and light, with strong noise cancelling for their class, simple manual buttons and a well-designed, portable case. Tom’s Guide called them a QC45 upgrade with better sound and battery life.
What expert reviewers criticize
TechRadar notes limited EQ options, a price that is still high for what you get, and battery life below the category average. It only supports AAC and SBC, and the QC Ultra performs better overall.
Who it is best for
Frequent flyers, commuters and anyone who wants comfortable, reliable noise cancelling headphones that are easy to use. They are a safe gift for a traveler.
Who should skip it
If you can afford it, the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer better noise cancelling, sound and battery. Owners of QC45 headphones gain little by upgrading.
Value for money
The Sandstone listing showed $319.00 on October 17, 2026, while Black and limited colours showed $359.00, with other sellers offering lower prices. Prices change often.
Verdict: Still a comfortable, dependable pick, especially when discounted well below the QC Ultra.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
A comfortable travel companion, loved by more than 22,000 Amazon customers.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones deliver Bose comfort and strong noise cancelling at a lower price than the Ultra. They lack some extras, but for travel they remain a smart choice. Check the current price on Amazon.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Bose QuietComfort Headphones battery last?
Up to 24 hours. A 15-minute quick charge adds about 4 hours.
Can you use them with a cable?
Yes. They include a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable with an in-line mic.
What is the difference between the QuietComfort and QC Ultra Headphones?
The QC Ultra adds better noise cancelling and sound, spatial audio, aptX Adaptive and a longer battery on the 2nd Gen model, for about $90 to $130 more.
Do they support multipoint?
Yes. They can connect to two devices at once.