When comparing Bose QuietComfort 20 vs Sennheiser CXC 700, the Slant community recommends Bose QuietComfort 20 for most people. In the question“What are the best high-end, noise-cancelling earphones?” Bose QuietComfort 20 is ranked 1st while Sennheiser CXC 700 is ranked 4th. 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 Detailed sound
The CXC700’s sound signature puts emphasis on the treble. It is very airy and detailed, so you’ll be able to hear the nuances of the music. The bass is controlled rather than boomy. The mids are slightly recessed though, so vocals and guitars are not up-front.
Pro Talk Through Mode allows easy conversations
You won’t need to take these headphones off when in a conversation. Activating Talk Through mode on the noise cancelling module allows the microphones to pick up ambient sound and output them through the earpieces, so you’ll easily hear what others are saying. When you are done conversing, simply press the button again to enjoy your music.
Pro 3 active noise cancelling modes to choose from
You’ll be able to fine tune how effective the ANC can be in your environment. There is a mode that focuses on the low frequencies, another that also filters out the mids and the third mode covers the entire frequency spectrum.
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 Control module is bulky
The noise cancelling module can be distracting. It is quite large and heavy, and may pull the headphones down. There is a belt-clip integrated into the design, which may help minimize the issue.
Con The audio may sound lean
If you prefer a rich and powerful sound, then these may not be to your liking. The bass does not have a lot of thump and the mids are recessed, so the sound may seem thin for your tastes.