Bose QuietComfort SC: Top Wireless Headphones?

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The Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones are the latest addition to Bose’s renowned QuietComfort line-up. Known for their exceptional noise cancellation and comfort, these headphones aim to deliver top-tier audio performance and advanced features for both casual listeners and audiophiles.

In this review

Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bluetooth ‘Over Ear’

189.00

The Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Headphones deliver top-tier noise cancellation by blending advanced technology with passive features, allowing you to block out distractions and immerse yourself in music. Designed for comfort, they feature plush earcup cushions and a padded, secure headband ideal for extended wear.

The headphones offer two listening modes—Quiet Mode for full noise cancellation and Aware Mode for staying connected to your surroundings—giving you flexible sound control via Bluetooth. With high-fidelity audio and adjustable EQ settings, you can customize bass, mid-range, and treble for a bold, personalized sound experience. Battery life lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute charge provides an additional 2.5 hours of playback, making them perfect for all-day use.

Design and Build

The QuietComfort SC headphones feature a sleek and minimalist design, similar to the previous QC45 model. They come in several colour options, including Triple Black, White Smoke, Moonstone Blue, and Cypress Green. The build quality is excellent, with a lightweight yet sturdy frame that ensures comfort during extended use. Notably, the SC variant available at Costco includes a soft case instead of a hard case, maintaining similar performance standards.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions: Not specified
Weight: Not specified
Battery Life: Up to 26 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired with in-line mic
Noise Cancellation: Advanced noise-cancelling technology
Sound Profile: More bass-heavy than predecessors

Bose QuietComfort SC Performance

The QuietComfort SC headphones excel in active noise cancellation, making them ideal for noisy environments. Their sound profile is slightly bass-heavy, which enhances the listening experience for bass-rich music genres. The headphones deliver clear, well-balanced audio across different frequencies, maintaining Bose’s reputation for high-quality sound. The battery life is robust, offering over 26 hours of continuous playback, which is suitable for long commutes and travel.

User Experience

These headphones are praised for their comfort, featuring plush ear cushions and an adjustable headband. The setup is straightforward, and the controls are intuitive. They support voice assistants, making it easy to manage tasks hands-free. The in-line mic on the audio cable is a convenient feature for taking calls when wired.

Bose QuietComfort SC Compatibility and Ecosystem

The QuietComfort SC integrates seamlessly with various devices via Bluetooth. While it lacks some advanced features like the virtual soundstage found in Sony’s WH-1000XM4, it offers a reliable and user-friendly experience within Bose’s ecosystem.

Value for Money

At a premium price point, the QuietComfort SC offers excellent value for those seeking high-quality noise cancellation and comfort. Compared to competitors, it stands out in terms of build quality and ease of use, although it might lack some advanced customisation features offered by Sony’s counterparts.

Comparison with Other Products

Sony WH-1000XM4: Offers more features, including a virtual soundstage and longer battery life, but the Bose headphones are more comfortable and have a sturdier build.
Bose QuietComfort 45: Nearly identical in design and performance, but the SC variant has a slightly more bass-heavy sound profile.
Apple AirPods Max: Provides superior integration with the Apple ecosystem and exceptional build quality but comes at a higher price point.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones - 30 hours battery life - Over Ear style - Optimised for Alexa and the Google Assistant - with built-in mic for phone calls - Black

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalised Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone, Midnight

Bose QuietComfort SC Bottom Line

The Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Headphones are designed to deliver high-fidelity audio and superior comfort for all-day wear. These over-ear headphones feature Bose’s legendary noise-cancelling technology, which effectively blocks out ambient noise, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your music, movies, or calls. With the Quiet and Aware Modes, you can easily switch between complete noise cancellation and awareness of your surroundings, making them perfect for any environment.

The headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a stable and high-quality wireless connection up to 30 feet from your device. The Bose QuietComfort SC headphones also come with an adjustable EQ that lets you customise the bass, mid-range, and treble to your liking via the Bose Music app. For those moments when you need to conserve battery, you can use the included 3.5mm audio cable with an in-line microphone for wired listening.

Battery life is a standout feature, with up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playtime, ensuring your music is always ready to go. The headphones charge via a USB-C cable, making recharging fast and convenient.

Comfort is paramount with the Bose QuietComfort SC. The headphones are crafted with premium materials, including plush ear cushions and a steel-reinforced headband covered with soft protein-leather. This ensures durability and long-lasting comfort, even during extended listening sessions.

Additionally, Bose SimpleSync technology allows you to pair your headphones with compatible Bose smart soundbars and speakers for a personal listening experience without disturbing others. The headphones also support Spotify Tap, enabling quick access to your favourite music with a single press of the “Action” button on the left earcup.

They’re an exceptional choice for users seeking top-notch noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality. While they may not offer as many features as some competitors, their performance and build quality make them a reliable option for both casual and serious listeners.

Pros:

Superior noise cancellation
Comfortable for extended wear
High-quality sound

Cons:

Fewer customisation features compared to some competitors
Premium price point

Overall Rating: 4.7/5

The QuietComfort SC headphones are built to last, with potential longevity supported by Bose’s strong reputation for durability and ongoing support. They remain a solid investment for those prioritizing noise cancellation and comfort in their audio experience.

Customer Reviews

The Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Headphones have garnered a mix of enthusiastic praise and some constructive criticism from reviewers. Here’s a breakdown of the key points based on customer feedback:

Noise Cancellation:
Customers widely praise the “legendary” noise-cancelling capabilities, calling it “brilliant” and “world-class.” Many say it effectively blocks out ambient noise like conversations, traffic, or gym distractions, making it ideal for travel, work, or focus. Some note it’s a standout feature, though a few mention it’s less customizable than previous models (e.g., missing the “low” ANC setting from the QC 35 II).
Sound Quality:
The audio is frequently described as “great,” “rich,” and “second to none,” with high-fidelity performance that shines across genres. Users love the adjustable EQ via the Bose app, especially the bass boost for electronic music, which some say makes the sound “pump through your veins.” However, a small number are disappointed by the lack of LDAC codec support, feeling it limits hi-fi potential from certain devices.
Comfort:
Comfort is a major highlight, with plush ear cushions and a padded headband earning comments like “softly hugs your ears” and “perfect for all-day wear.” Reviewers, including those with glasses, find them lightweight and secure for hours of use. A few mention they’re less bulky than expected, adding to the stylish appeal.
Battery Life:
The 24-hour battery life gets mixed feedback. Many appreciate it for lasting “days of on-and-off use” or entire long-haul flights, with the 15-minute quick charge (2.5 hours playback) being a lifesaver. Others find it “disappointing” if it drains faster than advertised or note delays in battery status updates, though this seems usage-dependent.
Build Quality:
Most users commend the “solid” and “durable” build, appreciating the lightweight yet sturdy design. Positive remarks include “feels premium” and “long-lasting.” However, a handful criticize it as “cheaply built” compared to older Bose models, citing too much plastic and questioning durability at the price point.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Bluetooth 5.3 is a hit, with customers noting easy pairing and stable connections across devices. The multi-point toggle feature for switching devices is well-liked. A couple of users report occasional dropouts, but this is rare.
Critiques:
Some drawbacks include the binary ANC (on/off only) frustrating users who miss more granular control for calls or awareness. Volume management can be tricky—needing verbal battery announcements slows things down for some. Others feel the price is steep without sales, especially given codec limitations (no LDAC, only AptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC).
Overall Sentiment:
The headphones score highly (often 4-5 stars) for their noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality, with users calling them “the best I’ve ever owned” or “amazing for the price” when discounted. They’re a top pick for casual listeners, travelers, and workers needing focus, though audiophiles or those needing specific features (like call-friendly ANC levels) might hesitate. Standout use cases include gym sessions, flights, and office productivity.

Reviews Summary

The Bose QuietComfort SC’s shine as a comfortable, noise-cancelling powerhouse with solid sound and battery life, perfect for everyday use. While they don’t fully satisfy audiophiles craving advanced codecs or customizable ANC, they’re a strong contender in the premium wireless headphone market, especially for Bose loyalists or deal-hunters.

For more perspectives on this product, why not check out RTINGS.com, SoundGuys or TechHive?

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