Find tech advice for business hereBose QuietComfort 15
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: Silver 120V
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While they're no bargain, the Bose QuietComfort 15s currently offer the best sound and silencing capabilities in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
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CNET editors' review
Bose QuietComfort 15 price range: $299.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 08/21/2009
- Released on: 08/21/2009
The good: Extracomfortable design; improved sound; highly effective noise-canceling circuitry; device folds for compact storage in included carrying case; 30-day home trial.
The bad: Expensive; when the battery dies, so does the music.
The bottom line: While they're no bargain, the Bose QuietComfort 15s currently offer the best sound and silencing capabilities in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
In designing its fourth-generation consumer noise-canceling headphones, the QuietComfort 15s, Bose has done something interesting. Instead of coming up with a whole new look for its headphones as it did with the QuietComfort 3s, Bose has left the basic design of its popular QuietComfort 2s intact and simply redesigned them on the inside, adding even more effective noise-canceling circuitry and improving their sound quality.
The QuietComfort 15s look identical to the QuietComfort 2s, with the same over-the-ear design, including earcups that swivel and fold flat to fit in a stylish case. (To be clear: the QC15s replace the QC2s, which will no longer be sold.) Bose has redesigned the case so that it's easier to plop the headphones in it and close it up. The resulting package is slightly bigger than a CD wallet, which makes it easier to tote, though it's still not terribly compact. As you'd expect from a set of headphones designed for frequent travelers, Bose throws in a two-prong airline adapter. The 'phones also offer a "high/low" switch, which should prevent your ears getting blasted when the pilot or flight attendant comes over the PA system.
As we said about the QuietComfort 2s, even without the noise-canceling engaged, the earcups' deliciously soft cushions effectively sealed off our ears from the noisy environment. While the QuietComfort 2s only had noise-canceling microphones (for detecting the ambient noise) on the inside of the earcups, the QC15s have them on the inside and outside, which is said to increase their effectiveness. Flipping on the noise cancellation--which pumps out "anti-noise" to proactively counteract the environmental sounds--damps down the noise even further.
Of course, there's a catch. Like all other noise-canceling headsets we've reviewed, the QuietComfort 15s produce a sense of pressure on the eardrum. Listeners sensitive to this effect may find it anywhere from mildly annoying to distractingly uncomfortable. Most of the former group will tend to forget about it as soon they start playing music or movies. If your experience is more the latter, noise-canceling headphones aren't for you--stick with noise-isolating in-ear headphones instead. (Luckily, Bose offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you don't like the QuietComfort 15s, you can return them.)
This reviewer has a very loud air-conditioning system in his office that we use for testing noise-canceling headphones (it isn't quite as loud as the inside of an airline cabin but it's not that far off). The QuietComfort 15s were able to almost completely silence the sound of the rumbling fan. Oddly, the impact of engaging the circuitry may seem a bit weird--it almost feels as if you're at the bottom of a pool, almost completely shut off from the sounds above.
As with all of Bose's noise-canceling headphones, you have to engage the noise-canceling to listen to music, and when the battery dies, so does the music. Luckily, battery life is good. Bose rates it at 35 hours, and the single AAA battery, which resides in the right earcup, was still going strong after we left our tunes in a loop overnight. Those looking for a rechargeable option can either opt for the QuietComfort 3s, or invest in their own third-party battery and charger. On the plus side, sticking with standard alkalines means there's no wall charger or AC cord to worry about when traveling.
While there may not be a huge difference between this model's noise-canceling prowess and the QuietComfort 2's, a distinction is definitely noticeable. According to Bose, these headphones are designed to defeat a wider range of frequencies, going up to over 90 decibels; the QuietComfort 2s peaked more in the 84-85db range. We also tried the QuietComfort 15s in the New York City subway system, and they did an impressive job of muffling noise.
Of course, the only problem is that because these are over-the-ear headphones that offer a tight seal, it can get a bit steamy inside the cups, especially on hot days, though they "breathe" fairly well for over-the-ear headphones. On long plane rides, your skin will also get a bit moist underneath the cushions, so expect to take them off for short periods to give your ears a little air. Also note that the 3.5 millimeter cord is detachable, so if you just want to block out the outside world and catch a nap, you can do so.
In terms of sound quality, the first thing we noticed about this model compared with the QuietComfort 2s was that the overall sound was smoother and more tonally balanced. In the QuietComfort 2s and QuietComfort 3s, Bose seemed to mess with the bass a bit, pumping it up (we found it a little thumpy), but the bass on the QuietComfort 15s is tighter and punchier (hip-hop fans may prefer the bass on the QuietComfort 2s, but that's a matter of listening taste).
The QuietComfort 15s offer excellent detail. Our first reaction to the headphones was an urge to relisten to our entire library of music, a welcoming symptom of acquiring high-grade cans. That said, these are a closed-cup design, so the sound is a bit more "stuck inside your head" than you'd get from open-backed headphones. As such, they don't quite measure up to some other high-end headphones that we've tested in this price range. Still, these are probably the best-sounding noise-canceling headphones we've heard to date.
As we've said about virtually all of Bose's headphones, they aren't exactly a bargain. And at $300, these aren't either. But they are a nice step up from the QuietComfort 2s and offer improved sound and noise-canceling performance. Looking at it that way, we can at least say they they're a better deal than their predecessors or the smaller and more expensive QuietComfort 3s, which still retail for $350.
User reviews
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The Best Just Got Better...and for only $150!!
by trevo123 on August 30, 2009
Pros: Highly improved noise cancellation. Better, richer, deeper sound than the QC2. Only $150 if you still have your QC2 through Bose as a trade-in/upgrade program!!!!!!! Get them, you will not regret them
Cons: Still wish it had a rechargeable pack like the QC3
Summary: They've taken the best headphones and made them THAT much better
Summary: They've taken the best headphones and made them THAT much better
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Many Strengths One Heavy Weakness
by zbangando on August 26, 2009
Pros: Very Very comfortable
Noise cancellation is a major leap ahead
Good Build QualityCons: Sound is not to audiophile standards
When Noise cancellation was active produced a sensation similar to traveling at high speeds in a train going through a tunnel.Summary: These headphones would work miracles for the frequent flyer. The noise cancellation is excellent, especially filtering the low frequencies. During my test I had the Bose employees crank the L1 ...
Summary: These headphones would work miracles for the frequent flyer. The noise cancellation is excellent, especially filtering the low frequencies. During my test I had the Bose employees crank the L1 system up and when I turned the headphones on the bass from the L1 was no longer audible as well as the mids and highs. This is backed by their overachieving comfort which is important. The sound that these produced was good, but not on par with audiophile headphones of the same price. Bass was good, but often the highs and mids became too bright on aggressive records such as A Watchful Guardian, The Dark Knight. All in all I thought these headphones are a very good pair for what their name implies.
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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just returned my Q3's and so far I am impressed
by levinej103 on August 31, 2009
Pros: I can tell at least from both the QC 2's and the QC 3's that the noise cancelation is better as well as the sound quality, at least in regards to the bass I agree with the review that the sound on this model is more well rounded in regards to bass
Cons: obviously bigger than the smaller QC 3's
Summary: I have a smaller head so I favored the QC 3's I am a first year law student and I use these for doing work in coffee shops, studying ...
Summary: I have a smaller head so I favored the QC 3's I am a first year law student and I use these for doing work in coffee shops, studying etc... other than the bigger build which I was not a big fan of I can say that it is an upgrade in both noise cancelation and sound quality. Also unlike the QC 3's that left my ears red after long use, the around the ear design is better if you don't want to go into a meeting with red ears after an hour of use, but the bulk made me less motivated to walk around campus in them as my everyday headphones (I know these are typically reserved for flying but they are also great study headphones). Overall if size is not a issue these are the clear choice and they're cheaper. I returned mine on the 30 day money back and the customer service was extremely helpful.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Yes, go buy them. Incredible!
by Bobcaramba on October 7, 2009
Pros: Fit my 1st gen iphone. Comfortable, great noise cancelation, detachable wire and extremely good quality materials. 30 day trial. Carrying case.
Cons: No battery, no music, price tag is a little steep but trust me when I say you will forget about that the first time you wear them.
Summary: When it comes down to it Bose is just another brand, an amazing one at that. But one that has set extremely high standards for its products. I have yet ...
Summary: When it comes down to it Bose is just another brand, an amazing one at that. But one that has set extremely high standards for its products. I have yet to find one person who walks out of a Bose store and says " wow that was horrible".
Now I should admit I am no audiophile, but what I can say is that I have had a variety of headphones in my life and these are by far the best I have ever owned.
They are amazing, truly comfortable and built from quality materials. The second you pull them out of the case and feel the soft cushiony leather and headband you automatically feel happier.
As for sound I must say I have rediscovered my Itunes library and spent countless hours just listening to music, something I never did anymore.
I have two extremely loud fans going in my room pretty much 24/7 ( if you own little Honeywells you know what I mean) and as soon as I flick that little switch they simply go away.
The price tag is a little steep but as soon as I began using them any guilt went away.
The people at the store were quick and efficient, polite and just all around helpful.
I honestly love my QC15's but they may not be for everyone so if you don't like them or think they were too expensive just take them back, you have 30 days to be impressed. You'll need 30 seconds.
The bottom-line is simple, they are beautiful pieces of engineering and a dream com e true, they sound crisp and clean, the bass is deep but not overpowering. I wouldn't change them for the world. Best purchase of the year.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Far superior to QC3's -- Battery a plus!
by jmdorw on September 1, 2009
Pros: A significant improvement in noise reduction from the QC3's, and I don't worry anymore about trying to get the "right angle" on my ears for best noise reduction. I actually like the battery system, since I've killed off my rechargeables on my QC3's.
Cons: Bulk, of course, is slightly larger than the QC3's, but to be expected.
Summary: These are my new favorite flying partners. I highly recommend them -- stick a couple of extra batteries in the case (convenient pouch to do that) and off you go!
Summary: These are my new favorite flying partners. I highly recommend them -- stick a couple of extra batteries in the case (convenient pouch to do that) and off you go!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Simply The Best
by olyinaz on September 3, 2009
Pros: Comfort and sound quality are simply excellent.
Cons: As always it seems with Bose, for this kind of money they could be more robustly built. I've had no problems but I'm very careful with mine.
Summary: I travel for a living, every week I'm in airplanes. I've tried every noise canceling and noise isolating product out there and I continue to return to these ...
Summary: I travel for a living, every week I'm in airplanes. I've tried every noise canceling and noise isolating product out there and I continue to return to these Bose headsets because they just deliver. They're comfortable, make the music or movie I'm watching sound absolutely great, they have no annoying hiss, they don't leak sound and expose those around me to whatever I'm listening to, and they travel well in their included case. The new QC15 improves upon an already best-in-class products in my opinion.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Headphones; Best For Music; But Pressure in ears.
by 14940674 on November 25, 2009
Pros: The sound quality of the headphones is excellent. The music combined with the noise cancellation makes it impossible to hear anything else. Sturdy and comfortable design. Nice case and accessories such as airplane jack and detachable cord.
Cons: Noise canceling creates a sense of pressure and altitude change on the ear. Ears can become hot and sweaty. The cost is 300 dollars.
Summary: These are the best headphones I have owned. They are a great choice for travelers and music lovers alike. If you have the cash, buy them!
Summary: These are the best headphones I have owned. They are a great choice for travelers and music lovers alike. If you have the cash, buy them!
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An exceptional improvement over previous models!
by ShineAgain on November 10, 2009
Pros: The noise cancelation is simply stunning. When I flipped the switch on in my last flight, there was nothing but dead silence--I simply couldn't hear the plane at all. Sound quality is much improved as well--it is balanced out now!
Cons: The outside mic/sensors picked up the sound of the air blowing on me from above my seat. A minor inconvenience though. I'm not crazy about the case design--it does fit in my briefcase easier, but seems cheaper too. Silver; not gold plane adapter!
Summary: I've owned both QC2's and 3's and a variety of noise-canceling clones...this one does what no other model has done. I repeat, the noise-canceling on this ...
Summary: I've owned both QC2's and 3's and a variety of noise-canceling clones...this one does what no other model has done. I repeat, the noise-canceling on this is simply stunning. The sound quality much improved. Even the slight angle change on the cups and the thickness of the cups makes this a no-brainer. Yes, it's $300, but you are getting what you paid for and will simply not be disappointed! I'm a hard-sell...this one wins the prize.
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Great for long flights
by marshdrum on October 31, 2009
Pros: Very good sound cancellation and comfortable on long trips.
Cons: Sound not nearly as clear as headphones without sound cancellation. I use the Sony MDR-V6's for normal listening and the QC15's don't come close. The whole frequency range is muddy by comparison.
Summary: Having given my criticisms I still like using them on long flights because there is so much noise that the poor sound of the QC15's is OK...really. Bose ...
Summary: Having given my criticisms I still like using them on long flights because there is so much noise that the poor sound of the QC15's is OK...really. Bose puts out a lot of hype about how revolutionary and "life-like" their sounds systems are and they fail miserably when compared to other systems. I went to their factory store in Petaluma CA and subjected myself to the 10 minute demonstration film in their small theatre. Pretty ridiculous!! It was so loud that I had to hold my ears just to get through it and the sound was not life-like at all...actually quite the opposite. The reason I'm writing this is to warn people that Bose likes to say their sound systems are the best and greatest, etc. but it's just hype....that being said the QC15's are still great to have for long trips and nothing...in spite of the mediocre sound.
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Made me fall in love with music again.
by tmlorbach on October 25, 2009
Pros: Sound is like sitting in a sound studio.
Cons: Price is the only real issue. After hours of use, take off to release pressure. Much better than earlier version which hurt my ears after only 30 mins.
Summary: If you can afford, buy these to get an incredible sound experience.
Summary: If you can afford, buy these to get an incredible sound experience.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
- Part number: Silver 120V
- Description: QuietComfort 15 headphones feature exclusive Bose advancements in noise reduction technology. You hear less noise than ever before, and even more of your music and movies. With the quality sound you expect from Bose. And a lightweight fit that stays comfortable for hours. It's a combination of benefits unmatched in the industry.
General
- Recommended Use The noise canceling feature keeps out ambient sounds on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport. Active noise canceling technology makes these circumaural headphones ideal for commuting and air travel.
- Product Type Headphones
- Width 6.5 in
- Height 7.5 in
- Weight 7.3 oz
- Color Silver
- Additional Features Noise cancelling circuit, Foam ear cushions, Active equalization
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Ear-cup
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x Headphones cable - Detachable, 1 x Airplane connection adapter
- Included Accessories Carrying case
Power
- Battery 1 - AAA type
Manufacturer info
- Bose Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Bose Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.bose.com/
- Address:
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701 - Phone: 1-800-999-2673
