Bose is known for their premium line of headphones. They were the first to make noise canceling headphones the norm for traveling, Bose went on to be known for their quality noise-canceling headphones. They recently released the Bose QuietComfort 25 noise canceling headphones. Let’s get right into the review.
Design and Build
I’ve never owned a pair of Bose headphones, but I’ve seen them enough that I know what they look like. The Bose QC 25 have a similar shape to the previous headphones. Bose definitely keeps the look consistent, however these have a sleeker flair to them. It’s not groundbreaking change, Bose kept the QuietComfort 25 simple and classy. You can give it your own style with customizable headsets (using the ColorWare design tool). Available in 5 colors other than the black or white stock headphones. I have the black version.
Check out: Bose Introduces QuietComfort 35, QuietComfort 30, SoundSport Pulse Headphones
The Bose QC 25 are actually quite light. Event with the AAA battery inside, they didn’t feel heavy. The leather cushioned ear cups are nice and foamy without being squishy. They do a great job of going around your ear and sort of molding to them with very little pressure. The ear cups pivot forward and backward as well (independently from the headband) which helps the grip of the headphones without applying maximum pressure. The headband has a nice suede outer coating. The cushion on the headband has suede-like material for breathable comfort (since the headband is closer fitting to your head).
On the top of the right ear cup is where you put the triple A battery. On the outside of the right ear cup is the off/on button for noise cancellation. The ear cups swivel about 90 degrees outward which should make the QC 25 adjustable to almost any frame.
Read: Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones Review
Experience
Sound
Bose’s signature feature (besides their consistent look) is their sound. You can find Bose in quality cars, so I was hyped to try these headphones. I did the burn-in period of over 50 hours of music, just to make sure that I had a proper listening experience.
I must say that Bose fanatics weren’t lying when they spoke about that awesome Bose sound. Even when the volume is at 85% – 95% high, the sound is balanced and the bass doesn’t falter. As long as the song is not too bass-heavy, the QuietComfort 25 can handle the tracks with no problem. When bass-heavy tracks came on, it would sometimes sound muffled. That wasn’t the case with everything though. Vocals are smooth and there’s a more than decent delivery of mids and highs. The QC 25 do bleed at high levels.
Noise Cancellation
One of the main features of Bose headphones is their noise-canceling feature. It might be the reason you go for Bose over other brands. I didn’t have the QC 15 headphones (but I have tried them for a bit), so I can’t compare full on. The QC 25’s have microphones both inside and outside of the ear cups which take in the outside noise. The noise canceling signal comes from the chip inside the cups.
What amazing tech that is! As soon as you flip on that noise cancelling switch, you hear the noise sort of being sucked out. I thought I would get annoyed by this, but I didn’t even notice it after a while. It’s not as strong as I felt them on the QuietComfort 15. You can definitely get into your music groove, since it feels like the music is playing from every direction with nothing to interrupt it or distort the sound.
The only problem that I have with noses canceling headphones, is that sometimes it makes the tracks sound flat. Strong vocals don’t sound as loud, or the bass isn’t kicking the way it should. On some tracks it’s just too noticeable, so I’d take off the noise-cancelling.
Overall the noise cancelling feature is awesome. With the exception of a few tracks, I am sure you will find yourself using the feature often, especially if you’re running on these city streets. If noise-cancelling is always on, I suggest you put an extra battery in your carrying case (there is a slot for it). But the good thing is, that if your battery runs out the headphones will still work. Thumbs up for that. It’s so bad when you need the power even if you’re not using the feature.
Comfort
Like the name says, QuietComfort, these are very comfortable. They have a nice way of hugging your ears so you don’t feel pressure on your head or compression of the squishy ear cup leather. They don’t weigh much either, A 10 on the comfort scale.
Overall
These headphones live up to their name and the hype. You get great noise-canceling feature, superb comfort, sophisticated classy design, and good sound. But as with most Bose products, you’re paying a Bose price. It’s up to you to figure out if they are worth it. The QuietComfort 25 will run you $299.00 for the basic colors (black or white). If you decide to use their customization tool, you will be paying 399.00 for your customized headset.
Buy from Bose or Amazon.com
