The Bose name is spoken in hushed whispers in the alleys of Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones. Quite literally. They have excelled at digitally crafting the audio to come as close to the original recording as possible. Over the years they have debuted a multitude of headphones that speak comfort and premium build through their blueprints. Their trifecta of exhilarating sound, cosy fit and praise-worthy features has set them head and shoulders above the competition. The best part is that their return policies and customer service are actually focused on helping the customer rather than making excuses. That’s the mark of the market leader.
Why to consider Bose headphones?
Why not? The ANC capability that every other brand can only swoon over and never reach? The audio that makes even MP3 feel like a rock concert? The uber-comfortable fitment? The real leather earcups and headbands? Quality carry cases with carabiner clips? Bose has a lot of tricks up its sleeves. Plus they are all-rounders when it comes to their headphones. You will find that they invest equally well in all aspects of their devices to produce the heavenly audio.
Which are the best Bose headphones?
We picked out the top 7 Bose headphones for you. They excel in their respective USPs and bring with them all the artillery that Bose usually carries. They have the following strongholds:
ANC: We cannot emphasize the fact enough that the absolute authority on Active Noise Cancelling is in Bose headphones. Sometimes they get so quiet that it’s actually eerie in there with all the audio, like with Bose A20 aviation headset.
Audio:Bose is known to pull of digital EQ on their audio often. They tend to make their output sound as natural and pure as possible. They cannot match the Sennheisers in detailing but they sure resist the temptation to kick up the bass. They aren’t so clinically refined either as to have MP3 sound like cats wailing.
Fitment:Its subtle, the way Bose pulls off their designs. Even the over-ear headphones weigh way less than the average 8 ounces. In-ear earphones don’t tunnel into your ear canals that much. You find leather earpads on their on-ear headphone. These genius architectural tactics are worthy of Brunelleschi.
Variants: Bose is good at retaining whatever works well. If they have a great over-ear headphone, they will have an on-ear model for it. If their IEMs garner praise, they come out with Apple or Android-compatible models. There’s no end to Bose’s ambition.
TOP 7 BEST BOSE HEADPHONES - COMPLETE CHART
Picture |
Name |
Best Feature |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture |
Name |
Best Feature |
Price |
Rating |
 |
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones | Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system | $$$ | 4.4 |
 |
2. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones | Active EQ and TriPort technology | $$$ | 4.4 |
 |
3. Bose SoundTrue In-Ear Headphones | StayHear tips | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
4. Bose AE2 Around-Ear Audio Headphones | Fold-flat design | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
5. Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones | Advanced microphone system | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
6. Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II | Deep, immersive sound for music from exclusive technology | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
7. Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones | Sweat and weather resistant | $$ | 4.2 |
The QuietComfort line is Bose’s pride and joy. It has kept them 10 steps ahead of the audio game for more than a decade now. So it’s not surprising that its newest spawn, the Bose QC35 Wireless headphone takes the top spot. It is the quietest of them all. If you are looking for unwavering ANC, smooth design and the clarity of wired headphones over a Bluetooth connection, you are at home with QC35.
Audio Performance
Noise cancellation from Bose’s end is impeccable. Without the slightest hiss, the ANC circuit kicks into being as soon as you switch the Bose QC 35 headphones on. All low frequency hum is obliterated out of existence, be it the A/C noise or the pitter-patter of rain. High frequency noise like conversation directed at you, especially from women or babies, makes through but sounds muffled. A pressure builds on the ears due to ANC, but that’s part of the protocol.
Although digitally crafted, the audio of these Bose headphones is as close to natural as it can get over Bluetooth and ANC. An open soundstage is filled with voluminous bass and clean mids and highs.You will hear all elements clearly even at a low volume. That’s the stuff the best Bose headphones are made of.
Design and Features
Bose QC 35 headphone has beefed up from the QC 25 version. The wider headband and earcups are made of plastic. The back of the earcup is done in metal. Pleather paddings adorn both the headband and the earcups. All the buttons are placed on one earcup for tactile advantage. The arms of these Bose headphones fold for a more compact form.
The battery charge holds over 20 hours on one charge cycle. The rechargeable battery can’t be replaced by the user. When it runs out of charge, you can use the 4 feet long accompanying cable to use it in the wired mode without ANC.
Additional Perks
A voice alert tells you about the battery life and connection status when you switch the Bose QC 35 headphones on. They can sync with two devices at a time. A carry case adds to their portability.
Pros:
- Brilliant active noise cancellation
- One of the best Bluetooth audio response
- Good battery life and range
- Highly comfortable and sturdy
- Can be used in wired mode
- Controls are easily accessible
- Audio is consistent in the Bluetooth mode
- Can double as headset with built-in mic
Cons:
- ANC cannot be switched off
- Does not support AptX for high-quality audio streaming
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones>>
Bose QC 20 headphones are a boon to the globetrotters who don’t like the bad-hair-day that full-sized cans give them. They bring powerful active noise cancellation in pint-sized earphones and save you the trouble of lugging around over-ear headphones. If you are a fan of IEMs and expect them to banish engine noise, your prayers have been answered with the Bose’s best earphones, QC 20.
Audio Performance
The QC 20 earphones by Bose have guts of steel to shield against noise like they so. They will give you the quietest ride any in-ear monitor (IEM) can give you. All the noises of airplane or urban jungle are lost as soon as ANC gets working.Only the best Bose headphones can achieve this feat in such a small estate. The sound signature of these Bose earphones is sculpted to be pleasant to all genres. They are forgiving on lossy formats too. This is mostly because QC20’s audio is not as refined as some headphones in the same price range like the Etymotic or Sennheiser cans. So they satisfy the regular listener with a silent background but audiophiles will not be amused.
Design and Features
Bose QC 20 earphones don’t jam into the ears like most passive noise cancellation IEMs do. Rather they can sit nonchalantly at the threshold of your ear-canal as the ANC battles with noise. The circuit for ANC in enclosed in a flat boxy structure that hangs near the end of the earphone’s cable. The earpieces have eartips angling away from the driver casing. Spare earhooks are provided to attach to the curve of inner-ear for a secure fitment.
The rechargeable battery lasts 16 hours with ANC on. When QC 20 Bose headphones run out of juice, they continue working in the passive mode which is nominally less vibrant than with ANC on.
Additional Perks
The cable of QC 20s has an inline mic and a remote midway. It sports an ‘Aware’ button, which when pressed will tone down the ANC to make you more aware of your surroundings.
Pros:
- Active noise cancellation in a small package
- Amicable sound
- Massive soundstage
- No ear pressure from ANC
- Ear invasion is minimal
- No hiss from ANC
- Good battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Aware mode tunes you into surroundings
Cons:
- No auto power off for ANC
- If rechargeable battery fails then ANC circuit is a deadweight
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones>>
Bose SoundTrue earphones bring you Bose’s sound and comfort in a non-ANC package. The balanced audio that sounds good with any music you throw at it is ever-present in SoundTrue. The sonic output is more natural as it hasn’t passed through the digital voodoo that the Bose and ANC create. They let in external sounds so that you stay safe in traffic.
Audio Performance
Bose SoundTrue earphones have the trademark Bose performance. They are highly forgiving on bad formats and play all genres with relative ease. The sound is tonally balanced. Bass is punchy but not overdone. Mids and highs complement it well, though mids could assert themselves a little more. SoundTrue bring about enough ambient noise so that you are always aware of the surroundings. But their clarity and suitable volume let you hear the sound clear as a day. Their precision is what makes them stand out as one of the best Beats headphones.
Design and Features
The SoundTrue earphones from Bose feature an off-kilter eartip design. They are very comfortably lodged into the ears with their winged eartip design. The fins from these earpieces hold on to the inner ear. These Bose earphones are not as invasive as the usual IEMs. They only sit on the entrance of the earcanal. Due to this open design you hear the external voices to some extent.
There’s 47-inch cable with the SoundTrue headphones that ends in a straight plug. Both mic and without mic versions of it are available. The buttons on the inline remote are accessibly placed.The Y-length of the cable can be altered at your convenience.
Additional features
A color-matched carry case with carabiner is supplied with the back. Black, cranberry red and white models are available.
Pros:
- Open non-invasive design
- Natural and balanced sound
- Punchy bass with no spike
- Comfortable and steady fit
- Long cable with mic
- Color-matched carry case is supplied
Cons:
- Treble presence is weak
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Bose SoundTrue In-Ear Headphones>>
Petite as these are, the Bose AE2 headphones are every commuter’s dream. At just 4.8 ounces, these over-ear headphones sit with utmost ease on your head. They play energetic music along with a refined bass that brings out the fine details of the music. They will accompany you through your everyday parade and remain physically inconspicuous, just as the best Bose headphones should.
Audio Performance
The AE2 headphones by Bose have a premium touch to their sound that brands like Sennheiser and Sony specialize in. They have actually broken the mold of safe, smooth sound that usually Bose adopts and expanded to add more nuances to the audio. The result is improved clarity over the usual tonal balance. Audio response is a flat line set in a spacious and open soundstage.
Mids still lack the intricacies that make vocals and acoustics as lively as a professional headphone. For that reason, the AE2 are best for would-be audiophiles looking to hold on to thrilling audio. They are more unforgiving that the other Bose models so much so you will clearly see the pitfalls of MP3 audio.
Design and Performance
There’s no overstating the comfort of AE2 Bose headphones. Bose does not shirk from using quality materials and that shows. The plastic headband looks sturdy. Earcups are lined with leather earpads that are soft and clamp-free on your ears. Over-ear design muffles all the noise of city traffic very efficiently. Earcups can be folded flat for a more compact design. This also allows these Bose headphones to hang face-down on your neck.
AE2 headphones sport a detachable single-sided cable unlike the previous Bose headphones that hada Y cable.
Additional Perks
There’s also an AE2i version of these headphones in which the cable has inline mic and remote. A drawstring pouch is provided with the AE2.
Pros:
- Neutral flat response
- More polished sound except in mids
- Highly comfortable and lightweight
- Noteworthy passive noise isolation
- Sound leakage is minimal
- Reliable build with leather earcups
- Detachable and replaceable cable
Cons:
- Mids lack the same details as other parts.
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Bose AE2 Around-Ear Audio Headphones>>
Usually there are few takers for on-ear headphones. But Bose has never disappointed with comfort and they won’t start now. The SoundLink wireless headphones win in terms of their architecture. The audio is right up there amongst the best contenders although it never quite reaches the top mark. Daily passengers will duly appreciate the joys of owning these, one of the best Bose headphones.
Audio Performance
When judging the audio quality of Bose SoundLink headphones,it’s essential to keep in mind that they don’t support AptX and still play hi-fidelity music. Although the sound is digitally tweaked, it sounds like natural audio reproduction. It is rejuvenating to hear highs without the slightest hint of sibilance and mids that offer warmth. Bass couples well with these in a wide soundstage. It is spiced-up without encroaching on mids and highs.
They play with much less vibrance on the wired mode.
Design and Features
Bose SoundLink headphones weigh barely over 5 ounces but appear solid in construction. Superior quality materials have been used to line the headband and earcups. They perch decisively on your head. They will only be dislodged with major physical activity.All the buttons are designed to be discrete and easy to reach. A multifunctional button is used to control call/playback and track navigation. Volume controls are separately built.Passive noise isolation by the on-ear ear pieces is moderate.
SoundLink can be simultaneously connected to two devices. If one of them is a phone, whenever it rings, the other audio source will be automatically cut off. Bluetooth function allows a battery life of 15 hours per charge. When the power runs out, these Bose headphones can be operated in wired mode.
Additional Perks
Full charge is restored in the Bose SoundLink headphones with a mere 1.5 hour charge. They claim that a 15 minute charge will hold out for 2 hours. Microphone performance is enhanced by background-noise reduction.
Pros:
- Neutral, detailed sonic reproduction
- Lightweight and reliable
- Comfortable to wear
- Good battery life and range
- Controls are accessible
- Can connect to two devices at a time
- Can be used in wired mode
- In-Built mic with noise reduction technology
Cons:
- Expensive for its capabilities
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones>>
For adventurers who dislike the hum of ANC and its pressure on ears but would still appreciate Bose’s sound signature, SoundLink Around-ear wireless IIs are the solution. They invite the wireless connectivity feature turning themselves into the Holy Grail for Bose seekers.
Audio Performance
Like the appearance, the audio signature of SoundLink AEw II is also pretty mellow. They engage their acclaimed TriPort and Active EQ providing an even and unblemished sound all through the frequency and volume range. Even at low volume, Bose’s circuitry makes sure that the immersive bass is still around. Stereo imaging is done exceedingly well and allows you to visualize your music. Bass is in line with the neutral response but nothing spectacular.
Bose has believed in placing safe bets in terms of audio and they end up producing generally affable sound. That is the case with SoundLink over-ear wireless II headphones too, grabbing them a spot in the best Bose headphones list. Wired and wireless modes sound identical with them.
Design and Features
Bose has never been much for flash and it’s apparent with SoundLink AEw II headphones too. It is 7 pounds even and rests as lightly on your head as many other Bose headphones. It relays comfort by using protein leather earpads that make skin-friendly contact. Earcups fold flat for compact storage.Defying the almost weightless structure, these Bose cans have a hardy build.
Bluetooth works without connection drops within 33 feet range. Like the on-ear model, these Bose headphones can also work through 15 hours on a single charge.
Additional Perks:
With a 15-minute charge the SoundLink AE II wireless headphones can go on for 2 hours. They come equipped with a cable that ends in 3.5mm jack.
Pros:
- Satisfying sound with all kinds of music
- Sharp Bluetooth wireless connection
- Earcups fold flat for storage
- Good noise isolation
- Can be used in wired mode
- Good range and battery life
- Quick charging
- Lightweight and sturdy
Cons:
- Sennheiser has better options in same price range
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II>>
Bose decided to branch out to sport headphones with the SoundSport IEMs. They have the pristine sound that you seldom find in earphones. The fact that they are sweat-resistant and remain stubbornly fast on your earsduringphysical activity adds to the Bose tradition of well-engineered sound.
Audio Performance
Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones are much like their over-ear headphones. They have the all-flattering sound that works with all music types and genres. Effectively, the audio response is flat. Bass is punchy but not rash like what most sport headphones articulate. Choose these Bose headphones only if you value clarity and detailed sound over bass-boost. Mids and highs are clean which do not turn harsh at high volumes.
SoundSport headphones can play some real high volumes. This is to compensate for the open design that does not dig deep into your ears.
Design and Features
Sweat and weather-resistant SoundSport in-ear headphones by Bose are impervious to physical movement. They stay latched on to your ears through the familiar winged eartips that SoundTrue IEMs have. Again, these are non-invasive headphones. They don’t squirrel into the ear canal for their strong fit. Rather they rely on the winged fins for that. Bose provides three different sizes of eartips. You can find the correct size for the best noise isolation. Being running headphones, the Bose SoundSport headphones are supposed to let the traffic noises in.
These Bose headphones come in three versions: one without microphone, one with Apple-friendly inline remote and another one with Android-friendly remote control.
Additional Perks
SoundSport headphones are marketed with a fancy round zippered pouch which has a carabiner for attaching it.The microphone of the inline remote gives you a clear call quality. The best Bose headphones bring the whole package.
Pros:
- Generally pleasing neutral sound
- Very comfy fitment
- Earphones stay put in ears through exercise
- Sweat and weather resistant
- Earphones are fairly loud
- Non-invasive winged eartips
- Comes with and without inline remote and mic
Cons:
- Pricey for their value
