Bose QuietComfort

Bose QuietComfort: Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones from Bose

The Bose QuietComfort collection is a range of headphones from Bose, one of the world's leading audio brands. Featuring advanced voice control, wire-free connectivity, and some of the finest noise cancellation around, these headphones will let you get more from your music collection, whether you use them in bed at night, or on the daily commute.

There are various options to choose from in the QuietComfort collection, and we'll have a look at the main versions. So, if you're in the market for some elite earphones and need the best possible audio quality, read on. This hotukdeals buyer's guide should feature a product that meets your needs.

A History of the Bose Speakers Collection

If you aren't already familiar with Bose, you should be. The American audio tech company has led the way for decades in producing speakers, both for home and in-car systems. And, more recently, it has cornered the market in noise-cancelling earphones, too.

Bose started out in 1964 in Massachusetts, as the 60s kick-started a popular taste for home audio products. From the outset, the company focused on creating speakers that were informed by physics, creating volume levels and balance that hadn't been seen in home audio systems. Hence the firm's slogan "Better Sound Through Research."

This approach led to some real innovations. For instance, Bose pioneered speakers, which directed sound both at the listener and at the walls, creating a "reflected" sensation which resembled the force and power of live performances.

It also extended to noise-cancelling. In fact, Bose's reputation in that area was so strong, that their designs were worn by Space Shuttle astronauts to guard against the extreme noise caused by re-entry. But such technical applications haven't been hoarded by NASA or other agencies. Since the 1990s, Bose has made smart speakers and smartphone apps mainstream in the audio world. And Bose headphone devices like the QuietComfort are now starting to make a huge impression.

How Does the Bose QuietComfort System Work?

QuietComfort may seem like a strange name for a pair of high-end headphones, but it makes a lot of sense. On one hand, these headphones are designed to cancel as much noise as physically possible. So, when you listen to music, you'll only hear what is coming out of the speakers on your headphones, with minimal outside interference.

While they are turned on, these earphones constantly monitor the world around them, detecting specific sources of noise. When they identify a sound source, they create specially tailored bursts of noise which cancel them out, so listeners won't even know that an external noise ever existed.

At the same time, an emphasis has been placed on comfort, a key consideration for people who love to spend hours on end listening to music or radio.

Finally, there's a very "smart" side to QuietComfort devices. Bose have made sure that each model is fully compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows users to ask for the news, weather updates, or fresh radio content, and to manage their volume settings in an instant. That's a far cry from old-fashioned headphones, and something that few of Bose's competitors can match.

Bose QuietComfort: Main Features

We've talked a little about what makes the QuietComfort range distinctive, but it's the specific features that really matter. While each model is subtly different (see below for more details), there are some things they have in common, and which set them apart from the crowd:

• Durability and comfort combined – While QuietComfort headphones are intended to feel weightless and as comfortable as possible, this hasn't been achieved at the expense of strength and durability. By using glass-filled nylon and stainless steel, Bose have kept weight low, and ensured that their products can handle a few impacts without any structural issues.

• High-performance audio without the wires – These headphones are totally wireless so you can dance around the room as much as you like. There's no danger of pulling out the cable any more.

• Generous battery life – Bose realise that music fans don't want to worry about recharging their earphones every hour, and they definitely don't want their audio to cut out in the middle of a guitar solo. That's why each QuietComfort product offers at least 20 hours of charge. And, if you need to charge in a hurry, brief 15-minute bursts can provide as much as 3 hours of playback, a genuine technical achievement.

• Advanced audio performance – This is where the QuietComfort collection really shines. You can precisely calibrate equalisation via voice commands, while the noise cancellation properties are top of the line, letting you remain undisturbed in the noisiest cafes or bars. This applies even at low volumes, providing pure, unfiltered and quiet audio, again something that older tech could never manage.

• Dual microphones for mobile calls – QuietComfort isn't all about playback. These earphones also include a dual microphone setup which lets you make and receive calls via smartphones or web applications. And your calls will benefit from active noise management, ensuring that every word is crystal clear.

• Full compatibility with leading voice assistants – Both Alexa and Google Assistant work seamlessly with QuietComfort devices, providing an unprecedented level of control over what you listen to, and the way you listen. So, accessing Spotify or checking the traffic news is easier than ever, wherever you go.

• Simple NFC pairing – If you want to pair up your headphones with a smartphone or laptop, NFC technology has been integrated into QuietComfort, making the process simple.

The Bose QuietComfort Range: Bose QuietComfort 25, Bose QuietComfort 35, and others

Bose haven't created a one-size-fits-all collection. With QuietComfort, audio fans can pick a model which suits their budget and listening habits, and here are the main options:

• QuietComfort 15 – Arriving in 2014, this was the first model of QuietComfort headphone designs, but it remains a viable (and affordable) option. Featuring chunky padded speakers and a classical over-the-ear architecture, this model introduced some of the most advanced noise management systems ever seen. Extremely comfortable, wire-free, but also equipped with a 3.5mm jack, these headphones may lack voice command capabilities, but they still deliver where it counts: solid audio and ergonomics.

• QuietComfort 20 – A high-quality option if you need earbuds with noise cancellation, this model blends extreme comfort with the audio performance you'd expect from much beefier devices. They can synch up with Android and iPhones without any problems, and offer more flexibility than newer in-ear options, thanks to the 3.5mm jack. They also feature a technology called "StayHear", which avoids the need to push the buds deep into your ear. Instead, they remain firmly in place, but anchored around the outer ear, a really nice alternative to most designs. There's no voice activation on this model, though see below for alternatives with slightly more "smart" functionality.

• QuietComfort 25 – One of the older models in the QuietComfort collection, this version has an over-the-ear design and offers impressively balanced, powerful sound - with the same noise cancellation properties as other QuietComfort headphones. Often available for less than more recent QuietComfort devices, this model lacks voice assistance, and pairing isn't as sharp, but the quality remains extremely high. So if you want a solid pair of non-wired earphones at a lower price, they could be ideal.

• QuietComfort 30 – These in earphones offer exceptional noise cancellation properties and the stability needed to keep them firmly in place during exercise. Totally wire-free, this model comes with precise cancellation controls, so if you aren't comfortable with total seclusion from external noise, that's not a problem. They come with a distinctive "neckband" which wraps around the neck unobtrusively, providing space for extended battery capacity, as much as 10 hours per charge that should be plenty for most long haul flights.

• QuietComfort 35 and II – The most powerful option in the QuietComfort range, these models feature plenty of battery capacity, and easy pairing with phones and other devices via NFC technology. Voice assistant is available with the II variety, which is generally more up to date, and a 3.5mm headphone jack has been included too, so you don't always have to go without wires if you don't want to. This time around, both 35s are totally compatible with the major smartphone OS, while standard and AptX streaming lets you pair up with Apple devices, or enjoy even higher quality audio.

How Does Pairing Work With Bose QuietComfort Products?

We touched on it earlier, but it's worth revisiting "pairing", as it's one of the major features of the QuietComfort range. By pairing, we're referring to the ability of earphones to detect and connect to external sources of noise and data. That sounds simple, but it's really not. Establishing secure, reliable connections and processing requests is highly technical, and not many audio companies have mastered it.

Bose have though. Their devices use NFC technology and Bluetooth to connect with other services and devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Doing so is pretty simple, requiring a quick button press on your earphones and the use of pairing tools on target devices. And you'll get an audio notification when pairing has been successful.

Another handy feature is pairing with in-flight entertainment systems. There's no need to rely on the cheap earphones provided by your airline. Instead, Bose devices can often pair with in-flight movie or music services, making the experience much easier.

Bose QuietComfort vs the Competition: Sony, Sennheiser, and Beats

So far, we've been praising the capabilities of Bose QuietComfort devices, and you might have developed the impression that they were the only smart headphones on the market. That's definitely not the case, and you may find better value deals from other manufacturers. So it helps to introduce some major competitors, along with their most popular models.

• Sony – One of the world's largest electronics companies, Sony, makes a variety of cable-free headphone models, including the WF-SP700, which have been created specifically with sports in mind. They could be preferable to QuietComfort if you need noise cancelling audio during long runs or treadmill sessions.

• Sennheiser – Another huge name in the wire-free audio sector, Sennheiser's devices offer lossless digital RF transmission, making them even better than QuietComfort when hooking up with home stereo or home cinema systems. Check out the Momentum Free models for in-ear comfort, or the Pink Floyd-inspired HD1 edition, a rock fan's dream.

• Beats – Beats By Dre has also joined the unwired party in a big way, offering adaptive noise cancellation, smooth integration with Apple devices, and an even bigger charge boost thanks to "Fast Fuel", which delivers 3 hours of playtime from 10 minutes of charge. That's a pretty impressive ratio.

Customers should remember that smart cable-free headphone designs don't tend to come cheap. All of these elite brands will tend to sell their leading models for over £100, and probably more. However, there are budget brands around. Skullcandy, Urban Ears, Plantronics, and Shure all offer unwired models for relatively little. But don't expect QuietComfort levels of noise cancellation, or generous charge levels.

Do Bose QuietComfort Products Work with Smartphones and Games Consoles?

Yes, QuietComfort headphones have been designed to interact with smartphones, letting users make and receive calls, or stream content whenever they desire. This is organised via the Bose Connect app, which does more than just form a bridge between mobile phones and earphones. It also lets you reach Bose customer support, run product tours to get to know special features, and change any settings to optimise your listening experience. So it's something almost all QuietComfort owners will want to use.

You can also connect some models of QuietComfort headphones to Xbox and PlayStation consoles. For example, here's a quick guide to hooking QC35 models to the Xbox One, and help is available for pairing the same model with PS4 consoles. So you can enjoy your favourite shooters or RPGs without any distractions from the outside world.

How and When to Make a Bose QuietComfort Purchase

As we've mentioned a couple of times in this buyer's guide, Bose QuietComfort models aren't the cheapest on the market, and they can come with a hefty price tag. So it's really important that you find the best possible prices when you buy a set of earphones from the collection.

Firstly, decide whether you need the latest models like the QC35, or something a little less advanced. More recent designs come with voice assistant compatibility, which is great, but older versions like the QC20 provide similar audio quality at a fraction of the price.

In any case, finding the right place to purchase your audio products is vital. And that's where hotukdeals comes in. Our listings feature all of the UK's biggest audio tech merchants, including John Lewis, Argos, Amazon, Richer Sounds, and many other online and high street retailers. When deals become available, you'll find them listed, and huge savings are regularly on offer.

Finally, remember that prices fluctuate throughout the year, and the lifetime of different models. If you want the latest designs for less, waiting until Black Friday or Cyber Monday in November is a great idea, although Amazon Prime Day in July could also feature plenty of bargains. But if you can't wait that long, don't worry. Just consult the hotukdeals Bose QuietComfort listings, and you're sure to find deals that are hard to resist.

Take Your Listening to Another Level With Bose QuietComfort Products for Less with hotukdeals

Bose is a legendary brand in the world of home audio, and its labs continue to push the boundaries when it comes to headphone design. The QuietComfort collection offers a range of advanced audio products, with on-ear and over-ear designs, and a choice of super-smart voice-activated, or less sophisticated versions. Whatever your audio preferences, you'll find the products you need for less at the Bose QuietComfort hotukdeals listings.