When comparing Bose QuietComfort 20 vs Bose QuietComfort 25, the Slant community recommends Bose QuietComfort 20 for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Bose QuietComfort 20 is ranked 7th while Bose QuietComfort 25 is ranked 19th. The most important reason people chose Bose QuietComfort 20 is:
These headphones are ideal for long flights. In addition to having overall impressive noise-cancelling (-33dB across all frequencies on some tests), these headphones excel when you need to cancel out low frequencies like jet engine sounds (-45dB).
Specs
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Pros
Pro Best in class noise-cancelling
These headphones are ideal for long flights. In addition to having overall impressive noise-cancelling (-33dB across all frequencies on some tests), these headphones excel when you need to cancel out low frequencies like jet engine sounds (-45dB).
Pro Comfortable
The headphones stay comfortably in your ear. They don't always offer a complete seal but surprisingly, this doesn't affect noise cancellation or reduce comfort. Also included are 3 sizes of eartips to help better fit your ear. Note that these tips have a unique design so you won't be able to use aftermarket tips.
Pro Cord doesn't tangle easily
These headphones have a 2.5 ft cord that's split chest high with a control module near the jack. It does a good job of not getting too tangled.
Pro Comes bundled with a small pouch
The pouch will make it much easier to bring the headphones and its accessories on the go.
Pro Disable noise-cancelling with "Aware Mode"
You can disable active noise canceling at a press of a button. Aware Mode can be quickly accessed from the remote, which will disable active noise-cancelling and open up the microphones to allow you to hear your surroundings better.
LEDs on the control module will let you know when this mode is turned on.
Pro 16-hour battery
These QC20 has a lithium-ion battery that promises to work for 500 charge cycles without diminished returns. After that it will still work, but won't last as long.
Note that the battery is non-replaceable so when it finally does stop working, you will need to buy a new pair of headphones.
Pro Good portability
The traveling case is small and provides room for spare batteries and other components. This makes it pretty portable, for those that can't or don't want to leave their headphones at work.
Pro Battery is easily replaceable
These headphones use a triple-A battery to power noise canceling. Should it run out of charge, it can easily be replaced.
Pro Active noise canceling is very good
With the feature switched on, you can really zone in on the music. Noise canceling is very effective at blocking out ambient noise, especially the lower frequencies. On a flight for example, engine noise is drastically reduced, as well as most of the sound from the conversations in your vicinity.
Pro Plenty of comfort features
The QC25 feels comfortable even after wearing it for several hours. The pads go over the ear and feel soft, as the ample cushioning is covered with supple and high quality synthetic leather. Aside from the usual headband padding, it also has an inner Alcantara lining that feels really nice on the skin.
Pro Noise canceling levels can be adjusted
You have a number of options as to how you want to use these headphones' active noise canceling feature. You can either have the feature on or off while you are listening to music, or have noise canceling on without audio. This is a nifty feature if you just want to enjoy some peace and quiet when in a noisy place.
Pro Light and easy to wear
These headphones will not tire your head or neck out, even if you wear them for quite some time. These are pretty light at around 196 grams.
Pro Fun sound with boosted highs
Sub-bass is a bit laid back, but the overall low-end production is punchy and with good extension. Mids are clear and forward so vocals, guitars and keys sound good with these. The upper treble is boosted, which results in good detail, but can also give harshness to the sound.
Overall, this is a really fun set of cans to listen to, especially if you just want to have a fun music listening experience.
Cons
Con Expensive
The suggested retail price for these headphones is $300. And although you can get a pair on Amazon for around $200 it still is a lot to pay for a pair of earbuds.
Con Average sound
The sound of the in-ear headphones is decent. The highs are a bit withdrawn, but the sound doesn't come off as too muddy.
Con Audio has not enough power on some phones
Takes a lot of power for volume. Not all phones have enough audio output to reach high volume.
Con High frequency noise may still mix with audio
While low frequency sounds are effectively blocked, high frequency ones can still be heard. Female voices and high pitched noises may still get in the way of your music.
Con No noise canceling auto shut-off
The feature continues to drain battery even if the headphones are not used. Turn this off before storing.
Con Noise canceling is uncomfortable for some users
A number of users complain about the headphones' noise canceling having a feeling of pressure in the ears, which they find to be quite uncomfortable.