When comparing Bose QuietComfort 20 vs JLab JBuds EPIC, 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 JLab JBuds EPIC is ranked 50th. 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 Great for casual music listening and also for sport use
Sound quality is good enough for enjoying a wide variety of music genres. This comes with the advantage of having sport-related features like special tips for improved fit as well as splash resistance.
Pro Produces deep and forward lows complemented by detailed and airy highs
The low end frequencies are what stand out from the sound signature. Bass goes deep and is pretty forward too, so you can clearly hear and experience the thump from your music.
The highs are also crisp and airy, giving a lot of detail. This combination results in these headphones having a fun sound.
Pro In-line remote allows for control of basic phone/player functions
There is a one-button remote which allows you to play/pause tracks as well as answer/end calls. This can be very convenient when used on the go.
Pro Stays snug in the ears while you are active
Little rings called "Cush Fins" wrap around the earpieces, and give extra grip, and prevent the pieces from falling out. Also, these Cush Fins are quite soft and flexible so they do not have too much of a negative effect to comfort.
Pro In-line remote allows control of basic phone/player functions
There is a one-button remote which allows you to play/pause tracks as well as answer/end calls. This can be very convenient when used on the go.
Pro Included carrying case makes these easy to bring on the go
A fairly large, zip up carrying case comes included and should give these extra protection when taken on the go. You can just chuck this case into your bag without worrying about your headphones getting damaged.
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 Muddy mids
Due to the bass being quite prominent, the mids take a negative hit, as the bass gives the mids a muddy sound. Guitars and male vocals will not sound very clear at times.
Con Wearing these while on the move can be distracting
When the wires move or brush on your clothes, the rattling sound can be transmitted to the earpieces. This can be quite annoying.