When comparing Bose QuietComfort 20 vs Audio Technica ATH-ANC33is, the Slant community recommends Bose QuietComfort 20 for most people. In the question“What are the best in-ear headphones with active noise cancelling?” Bose QuietComfort 20 is ranked 1st while Audio Technica ATH-ANC33is is ranked 3rd. 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 Comply foam tips are included
You can get great passive noise isolation with these headphones. You get a pair of Comply foam ear tips which are very comfortable in the ear and passively block noise well. This complements active noise cancelling well, and helps to minimize the noise that you hear.
Pro Very good noise cancelling performance for budget in-ear headphones
These are great if you want good noise cancelling without spending a lot on your headphones. The noise cancelling feature can filter out a good amount of mid to high frequency noise. Minimal levels of low-pitched noise or sudden bursts of volume like laughter may still mix in with your music though.
Pro Great sounding highs
With the ATH-ANC33is, you’ll be able to get a lot of detail from your music. The sound signature is focused on the highs so cymbal crashes, high pitched strings and female vocals will sound clean and detailed, yet do not get harsh.
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 Noise cancelling module is bulky
The noise cancelling can make using these headphones a hassle. The module is bulky and quite heavy, so it can be distracting, especially if you are using the ANC33is while on the move.
Con Feels cheap and flimsy
You may get the impression that these headphones won’t last long. The plastics feel cheap and flimsy, the cable is quite thin, and you’ll hear rattles from the noise cancelling module.
Con Bass and mids may sound lean
You won’t be able to get a lot of thump and warmth from these headphones. While the highs sound great, the bass and mids are quite recessed, which can give the sound a thin feel.