Bose has been synonymous with noise reduction for decades. With the new Bose QuietComfort (often called "QC Headphones"), the American brand replaces the famous QC45. If the design looks familiar, Bose promises software improvements and a refined user experience.
We spent several weeks with this headset on our ears, in transport and in the office, to see if it still deserves its leading position in the face of fierce competition (Sony, Apple). Is this the ultimate headset for travelers? Here is our full review.
Design and Ergonomics: Comfort above all
Bose doesn't change a winning team. The design of the new QuietComfort is almost identical to that of its predecessors, and this is excellent news for one simple reason: comfort is absolute.
Lightweight Construction
Over-ear design
With its soft synthetic leather pads and perfectly balanced pressure on the skull, you literally forget that you are wearing the headset, even after 4 hours of flight.
Unlike the "Ultra" range, this model retains physical buttons. This is something that we particularly appreciate at ScanPricer. No hazardous tactile gestures in winter or in the rain: a button for volume, one for reading, and a physical switch for ignition. It is reliable and efficient.
Travel tip
The headset is foldable and comes with a compact carrying case. This is a major advantage over the Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Max which take up much more space in a backpack.
Audio Quality and Noise Reduction
This is where Bose is expected to turn the corner. The QuietComfort lives up to its name: silence is king.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
As soon as you activate the headset, the Bose “bubble” is formed. Background noises (engines, ventilation, city noise) are erased with formidable efficiency. The “Aware” mode is also very natural, allowing you to follow a conversation without removing the headset.
Sound Signatures
The sound is typical Bose: rich, warm and now more customizable.
Technical Characteristics
Here's what's hidden under the hood of this Bluetooth headset.
Note on Codecs
The headset supports SBC and AAC codecs. Unfortunately, no support for aptX or LDAC on this model, which could disappoint the most demanding audiophiles on Android.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before you checkout, here's an honest summary of our experience.
Pros
- Unparalleled comfort on the market (light and soft)
- Top-notch active noise reduction
- Reliable and intuitive physical buttons
- Smooth multipoint connection
- Easy to carry foldable design
Cons
- No port sensor (music does not turn off when removed)
- Quality plastics but less
- appearance than metal
- No high resolution codecs (LDAC/aptX)
Verdict
Our Final Opinion: Excellent
The Bose QuietComfort is not a revolution, but a controlled evolution of a legendary formula. If you are looking for the most comfortable headset for traveling or working in an open space, this is the one for you.
It leaves the “gadget” features (spatial audio, futuristic design) to the Ultra range to focus on the essentials: silence, comfort and simple use. The absence of an automatic pause sensor is its only real ergonomic flaw, but its quality/price/comfort ratio makes it an essential safe value.
Competitor Comparison
| Criteria | Bose QC | Sony WH-1000XM5 | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Battery | 24h | 30h | 20h |
| Foldable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Price | ~€280 | ~€320 | ~€500 |
Our recommendation: Bose for comfort, Sony for battery life, Apple for iPhone ecosystem.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, perfectly. The Bose Music app is available on Android and iOS. The headphones work via Bluetooth with any device.
The Ultra adds immersive spatial audio and slightly improved ANC. The standard QC keeps physical buttons and a more accessible price (~€100 less).
Yes, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm jack cable is included. You can listen even with a dead battery (passive mode).
Yes, the 2-year European Bose warranty applies throughout the EU. Learn more →
Also read: Tonor TD510 Review | Why Amazon Prices Differ | ScanPricer Guide
