CNET Editor's rating: 8.0 out of 10
Reviewed by
David Carnoy
Review date: 06/30/06
Release date: 06/15/06
The good: Bose's QuietComfort 3 headphones are a smaller and more compact follow-up to the QuietComfort 2s. They offer a more compact design, extracomfortable cushy foam earpieces, a rechargeable battery, full sound, and effective noise-canceling circuitry, and they fold up for storage in the included carrying case. Additionally, Bose offers a 30-day home trial.
The bad: The Bose QuietComfort 3s are even more expensive than their predecessors. And when the battery dies, so does the music.
The bottom line: With the QuietComfort 3s, Bose has done a remarkable job of shrinking its popular noise-canceling headphones while achieving similarly impressive sound quality--but that engineering feat doesn't come cheap.
Whether or not you think they're overpriced, Bose's luxuriously designed QuietComfort models have set the standard for premium noise-canceling headphones. As their model number indicates, the $349 QuietComfort 3s are the third iteration of these popular headphones, and for this go-round, the folks at Bose set out to make a smaller pair of headphones that would sound just as good as the QuietComfort 2s, which remain on the market at $299.
The Bose QuietComfort 3s are indeed significantly smaller their predecessors, and they feature an on-ear (supra-aural) rather than the over-the-ear (circumaural) design of the QuietComfort 2s. Impressively, the earpieces employ a cushy memory foam that conforms to your ears nicely, and they do a better job than you'd think of passively shutting out noise, unlike most on-ear models, which tend to let in--and leak out--a fair amount of sound. The headphones are very comfortable, but because the deliciously soft leather pads are pressed right up against your ears, the newer models are going to feel steamier if you wear them in warmer environments. They're probably not the best choice for workouts.
The Bose QuietComfort 3s feature the same fold-flat design as the QuietComfort 2s and have noise-canceling circuitry that's built into the headphones themselves, not a little box incorporated into the cord. They also come with a protective carrying case that's a little smaller than the one that ships with the QuietComfort 2s, as well as a two-prong adapter for plane travel and an extra bit of cord that extends the length of the headphones.
Aside from the more compact earpieces, one of the big differences between the two headphones is the inclusion of a proprietary lithium-ion battery with the new model. That's a nice plus--the battery slips out of the headphones and into a compact travel charger that fits right into a wall socket, obviating the need for annoying wires or cables. Bose says you'll get about 20 hours of battery life before you need to juice up--and you must have the battery charged to actually hear your music or movies. While backup batteries are available for $50 each, you won't be able to pop in a standard AAA cell like you can with the QuietComfort 2s. However, the charger fits snugly in the headphones' carrying case, and you can purchase additional chargers compatible with international voltage requirements.
Companies such as Sennheiser make noise-canceling headphones that are smaller and cost much less than Bose models. Apparently, Bose has received feedback from consumers who prefer these smaller designs, especially for everyday on-the-go use rather than just airplane travel. In other words, the company hopes to get more people walking the streets with these headphones. To that end, the company sells a $40 adapter that lets you use the QuietComfort 3s as a stereo headset for multimedia cell phones, such as the Nokia N91 or the Palm Treo models.
The big question, of course, is whether Bose has succeeded in its quest to go smaller while not sacrificing anything in the way of performance. Well, the short answer is yes--mostly. On the noise-canceling front, this model appears to be just as affective at diminishing external airplane noise to a hush (no, it doesn't completely shut sound out). One caveat, however: The QuietComfort 3s, like most other noise-canceling headsets, produce a slight sense of pressure on the eardrum, and because the earpiece is directly on your ear, it's arguably a hair more present in this model than in the QuietComfort 2s. Listeners sensitive to this effect may feel uncomfortable.
As far as sound goes, like with the QuietComfort 2s, the first thing we noticed when we put the QuietComfort 3s on was the bass. The new model, in fact, offers fuller bass balance; it's richer, warmer, and plumper, though it isn't as detailed. That kind of bass--and overall sound--is appealing on hip-hop tracks, but it can be a little overpronounced on acoustic jazz pieces, for example. In other words, these guys sound big--you won't mistake them for smaller headphones--but they aren't incredibly clean. And one other small thing worth noting: the QuietComfort 3s are less sensitive and don't play quite as loud as QuietComfort 2s. It's a small difference and shouldn't be a factor with the vast majority of portable music devices and movie players, but it's one reason that especially attentive listeners may wish to opt for (or stick with) the older, larger models.
In the end, if you're trying to decide between these headphones and the QuietComfort 2s, we can only say the choice isn't easy. The smaller form factor and rechargeable battery are definite pluses in favor of the Bose QuietComfort 3s, but the more refined sound and the over-the-ear design of the QuietComfort 2s have their appeal. If money is no object, you can't go wrong with either model, but ideally, we'd like to see the company drop the price on the QuietComfort 3s and QuietComfort 2s to $299 and $249, respectively. We think $350 is a lot to pay for headphones, even those with a rechargeable battery.
7 out of 10 - Very good A/B Comparison of QC-2 vs. QC-3
I have used the Bose QuietComfort QC-2 headphones for about a year, and have traveled to Asia over 5 times ...
I have used the Bose QuietComfort QC-2 headphones for about a year, and have traveled to Asia over 5 times with them, and domestic travel as well. About 120 hours of air time. Never took them off. Vastly reduces my jetlag. A pleasure to own and use.
On an impulse buy, I bought the QC-3's after a demo at the local Bose store. 30-day return policy. Compared them side-by-side... both on the airplane, home, with and without sound.
My impressions (your mileage may vary
Noise Cancellation: The QC-3 has impressive noise cancellation, I think it's incrementally better than the QC-2. Perhaps it's a little too 'aggressive'. Let me explain. I feel a little uncomfortable from a (perceived) pressure on my ear. Note: this is not physical pressure from the ear-pieces, nor is it air-pressure, but rather a physco-acoustic result of noise cancellation. I felt this only slightly with the QC-2's. Bose did an amazing job of noise cancellation given the challenges of an "on-the-ear" design which offers less physical noise isolation due to lack of cups. Everyone has a different tolerance to this pressure, the only way to tell is to try them out. Vote: QC-3 for noise cancellation, QC-2 for comfort (again, will vary from person to person).
Audio Quality: Using MP3's encoded at 192 kbps, and CD audio, the difference in the two headphones is clear (excuse the pun). The QC-2's are brighter sounding with adequate bass. The QC-3's are a little heavy on the low-end, to the point of sounding muddy. Vote: QC-2.
Construction: Some have complained about the QC-2's breaking at the stem that attaches each earpiece. I never had this problem, but I am also very careful, especially given their cost. I did notice a person break a QC-2 on the plane trying to turn the earpieces to hard. The build quality of the QC-3 is about the same, the stem may be somewhat narrower, so they could be more prone to breaking, however I do not think it's an issue if you treat them with respect. Vote: equal.
Comfort: The QC-3's are lighter, but I still prefer the "over-the-ear" type of headphone. They feel like they stay in place better. I would be upset if the QC-3's fell off my head while loading luggage in the overhead bin, only to have someone step on them. I never felt that could happen with the QC-2's. I also would rather have a little physical pressure around my ear, instead of on my ear. Vote: QC-2.
Power: The battery on the QC-2 is a LiION rechargaable that has approx 20hr. operation time. The QC-3 simply takes a AAA battery and lasts over 30 hours. The low battery light is also brighter and easier to see on the QC-2. QC-3 extra batteries cost over $50 USD. Vote: QC-2
Accessories: The QC-3 has a less complicated jack that attaches to the headphone (it's detachable, just like the QC-2's). The QC-2 has a hi/low volume control on the jack stem, while the QC-3 has no adjustment and is adjusted somewhere in between (which is why they are not quite as loud as the QC-2's, given the same volume setting from your MP3, DVD, computer, or stereo). The airplance adapter does serve to attenuate the audio further, if needed. The QC-3 carrying case is a little smaller than the QC-2, but not a significant difference. The covering on the QC-3 case is smooth, which I prefer over the QC-2 case. I do not like the way the QC-3's fit in the case, the ear-pieces do not sit firmly where they are supposed to go. With the QC-2, you know exactly how they fit in the case, it just seems like a better fit. Vote: averages to equal.
I hope this quick review is helpful. I elected to stay with the QC-2. Rgds, Greg
Updated The power paragraph above has QC-2 and QC-3 switched on the first two sentences. It should read:
Power: The battery on the QC-3 is a LiION rechargaable that has approx 20hr. operation time. The QC-2 simply takes a AAA battery and lasts over 30 hours. The low battery light is also brighter and easier to see on the QC-2. QC-3 extra batteries cost over $50 USD. Vote: QC-2
4 out of 10 - Mediocre Good headphones, but if you're looking for nice headphones for your mp3 player, try Sennheiser 280s.
The new Bose design (which is pretty much the only new feature) has the price raised to $350. Bose is ...
The new Bose design (which is pretty much the only new feature) has the price raised to $350. Bose is absolutly crazy asking for this price. I personally have tried these headphones, and they aren't much different from the Sennheiser 280 Pro's. Bose goes through tons and tons of experiments and advertising to promote and create these headphones. That's why the price is so high. They overcharge you about $200, which is a waste of your money. As an added downside, these headphones feel cheap. They're very flimsy and bendable, so they feel as though they could break. I'm not a critic of Bose, because they do make wonderful audio equipment. In this case, this product is NOT worth your money. Don't listen to people promoting these. Most of them have never tried some of the other cheaper headphones out there in the market. So no wonder they think that these things are great. They've never tried any others!!! I have Sennheiser 280 Pro's and they are at the top of my list. They cover my ears, which I like. They are also sturdier than the Bose QC3, but are nonetheless foldable. The 280 Pro has noise cancelling also. They are about $200-$250 but worth your money IF you buy them from the right place. DON'T buy them from bestbuy or from Sennheiser directly. I got mine from shipdog.com and they were $72 plus about $20 for 3-day shipping. It's a great buy. I love shipdog and I wouldn't recommend going anywhere else. (By the way, shipdog doesn't carry Bose QC3 - I already checked.) Even those who frequently ride on airplanes wouldn't really need these. You can get 32dB of ambient noise reduction on the 280 Pro's, which is WAY more than anyone needs. So if you are looking for some inexpensive and durable heaphones for your iPod or mp3 player, go with the Sennheiser 280 Pro's. The new Bose QC3 are not worth your hard-earned 350 bucks.
Read more
by saxplaya13 (see profile) -
June 27, 2006
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Strictly for those who live their lives for full-bodied noise cancellation everywhere
I tried these headphones and compared them with the Bose QuietComfort 2 Headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones, once you ...
I tried these headphones and compared them with the Bose QuietComfort 2 Headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones, once you give them a chance, blocks out noise as much as, if not, then better than the QuietComfort 2. Not only that, but the sound quality of the QC3 might be enhanced over the QC2 SE. While the headphones itself are kind of overpriced and while the headphones aren't low-profile, ideally the Bose QC3 should be used in airplane flights, but can also be used in a variety of applications as well related to sound listening. I really don't like the price of the headphones, but the new rechargeable battery makes the Bose QC3 more environmentally safe than the QC2. However, for those who live their lives mainly for active noise cancellation, not for the world of passive noise isolation, these are the headphones. Finally, given peoples' past beefs with the initial TriPort Headphones release, you really have to take very good care of it, but hopefully, the durability of the headphones are as good as the QC2 SE's. It may not be suitable for audiophile use, but an average user probably would benefit from Bose's proprietary Acoustic Noise Cancellation feature for better audio, game, even movie listening.
Read more
by vesther (see profile) -
July 5, 2006
4 out of 10 - Mediocre Not a clear winner over QC2
I just got through doing my own side-by-side comparison of the QC3's to the QC2's. Bose is close ...
I just got through doing my own side-by-side comparison of the QC3's to the QC2's. Bose is close to getting it right, but the QC3's aren't a significant improvement over the QC2's from a noise cancellation or sound quality viewpoint.
The treble response on the QC3's was more muted than the QC2's. The base response was more noticeable in QC3's, but seemed to be on the verge of becoming sloppy. This was especially evident when selecting a bass-boost setting on the music source. For those of you who can't do a side-by-side comparison you probably won't miss the performance difference from the QC2's. But there is a negative difference, in my opinion.
The QC3's, being an on-the-ear design, tend to become more noticeable after extended listening sessions. I can wear the QC2's for at least an hour before I really start to notice any discomfort. I get that same feeling after wearing the QC3's only after about 10 minutes.
The travel case really negates any benefit in size reduction with the new styling. The QC3 case is only about 3/4" less wide and about 1/2" less tall than the QC2 travel case. Both are about equally as thick. However, where the QC2 case has a nice zippered mesh pouch for adapters, cables, etc., the QC3 case only has a pre-formed felt covered mold that has a slot for an airline adapter, the battery charger, and a spare battery (should you have the desire to toss out another $50), with the 1/4" stereo adapter not having a designated storage slot. The adapter will fit into one of several nooks/crannies but has the potential for becoming a lost component fairly soon. If you buy the QC3's then I recommend you removed the 1/4" stereo adapter and store it in a safer place (next to the stereo?).
I store an iPod Nano and cable splitter along with the QC2's and associated accessories in the QC2 case; you'd have to remove the battery charger in the QC3 case in order to do the same. Of course, if you did that and wound up having the battery die without packing the charger with you then you got a pretty expensive pair of non-functioning headphones. At least with the QC2's you can buy another AAA battery at the airport.
And my biggest beef is the price. The QC2's are overpriced to begin with, and the QC3's are just plain ridiculous. I'm kind of a gadget freak and usually don't have a problem spending money on new electronics, but the QC3's leave me feeling like I've been ripped-off. Fortunately, I am going to return these about 4 days into my 30-day trial so this will be only a temporary feeling.
Read more
by Galaxzzz (see profile) -
July 10, 2006
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Pretty good but can improve
I have used noise cancellation headphones from other brands and by comparison, this QC3 performs pretty well overall. I like ...
I have used noise cancellation headphones from other brands and by comparison, this QC3 performs pretty well overall. I like the fact that there is no additional electronics dongle or box to worry about when wearing the headphones and also not hvaing to worry about the soft earbuds disappearing on me, making the earphones useless.
However, this headphone can certainly improve to make this the best choice possible.
The headphones do not sit well inside the carrying case and that's a bit annoying when putting them back in place. However, due to enough space the case allows, it's not critical to sit components inside the case exactly, I found out. Bose should redesign the insert inside the case and allow for a pocket to put the extra cables, adapters and etc separately, allowing better fit for the headphones in a bit larger fitting holes.
After using the headphones for more than a couple of hours, my ears felt a bit uncomfortable and it's not from the pressure in the ear drums but physical discomfort around the ear caused by the pressure from the headphones. Senheizer headphones didn't have such discomfort, although QC3 performs a little better with noise cancellation. But, I would still choose QC3 instead of the other one simply because I don't want to have to deal with the additional noise cancellation circuitry dongle.
QC3 is a pretty good product but not at the $350. I only got it because it was free after exercising my credit card reward points. If I had to spend my own money, I would have seriously re-considered in-ear headphones again instead, especially at that high price level.
Read more
by songyop (see profile) -
February 14, 2007
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Best there is
I have had all three QuietComfort's from Bose and each new revision there has been a huge leap in ...
I have had all three QuietComfort's from Bose and each new revision there has been a huge leap in technology. I must say this is the best to come. I just wish the cell adapters and other things would come along with the 399 sticker. You would think the unit would not sound as well as the QuietComfort 2 however I am very impressed this small design works as good if not better than their predecessor. I just wish BOSE could also make one in bluetooth.
Read more
by nicks525 (see profile) -
July 6, 2006
4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect The BEST Headphones for iPod
My default headphones are Sennheiser 650's with upgraded cable and Grado amp--total cost $1,100. I ignored the elitist ...
My default headphones are Sennheiser 650's with upgraded cable and Grado amp--total cost $1,100. I ignored the elitist Audiophiles who scoff at Bose and purchased the Quiet Comfort 3's. What a bargain at $350, paricularly for an iPod. The sound spectrum is spectacular--you are completely immersed in your tunes--sharp, clear and loud (the way I like it).
I've had the Shure "ear canal" buds--very close. BUT, you push earwax way down in the ear canal and it's time for Rotor Rooter--IMHO, unsafe.
Looking for the best marriage of iPod and headphones and the Bose Quiet Comfort 3 is the ONLY choice, worth every cent of it's $350 pricetag.
Advice: Don't go cheap on headphones.
Updated I've been ussing the QC3's since they were introduced. Not being an audiophile, I prefer the QC3's over my SE530's and my S650's. For iPod listening, only the SE530's come close. Did someone say expensive? NO way--the SE530's are $500 and the S650's with upgrade cable is $750--plus I need a Grado headphone amp ($500) to get the same surround-sound I get from the QC3's. The QC3's are perfect for my Netflix movies--you truly feel like your in the scene. You will not regret putting the QC3's on your audio rack. Personally, the S650's are collecting dust, but the SE530's are beautifully designed for use on the treadmill.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Pretty darned amazing
I bought a pair of Quiet Comfort 2 headphones on the day they went on sale; for the past couple ...
I bought a pair of Quiet Comfort 2 headphones on the day they went on sale; for the past couple of years they've been my companion on dozens of airplanes, trains, and buses, airports and hotels. So when the QC3's came out I figured "what the heck, give'em a try, you can always return'em".
I like the fact that they're smaller than the QC2. The case is smaller, as well, leaving more room in my backpack for spare laptop batteries and other stuff. (If you're a woman, the smaller size of the QC3's means you won't look as goofy as the QC2's might have done to you.)
Near as I could tell, Bose added a couple dB of active noise suppression which compensated for the loss of passive suppression from the switch to an on-ear design. I have always had a preference for circumaural headphones; pressure right on my ears tended to be wearing after a while, and caused the temple pieces on my eyeglasses to leave bigger impressions than usual on the side of my head. The QC3 had a lighter pressure than I was expecting; after wearing them for 4 1/2 hours on a SEA-PIT flight, I was amazed at how comfortable they still felt.
Many reviewers have commented that the price seemed outrageous. Were it not for Bose customer service, I might agree; but their commitment to making things right has won me over. I am on my third pair of QC2 headphones, but I only paid for the first.
The QC2 (like the QC3) comes with a 12 month warranty. My first pair of QC2s broke 13 months after I purchased them; a plastic part snapped right where the rotating pin at the top of the left earpiece attaches to the headband. This wasn't due to abuse; it looked like a design fault to me. On my way through the airport to board my flight home, I stopped at a Bose sales kiosk and showed them my headphones. The salesman listened to my story, took down my information, took the broken headphones from my hands and gave me a brand new pair.
14 months later, same failure. Same place. On my next outbound flight, I again took the headphones with me and went to the Bose kiosk. This time, the person I spoke to was a senior Bose engineer who'd been out on the road going from city to city talking to customers about their product. I showed him the headphones, explained my history, and asked him what was going on. He explained exactly what the problem was, how they'd redesigned to eliminate the flaw, and how to tell the difference between a pre- and post-redesign pair. He also said he didn't have a pair on-hand to give me, but that I should go to any Bose location and get a replacement. When I returned home, I took the pair (#2) to the Bose store in a nearby mall and got a replacement (#3), no questions asked.
I used to use Sony noise-cancelling headphones. Flimsy, but cheap. And also crappy quality. Two pair failed the same way (top headband hinge parted); a third pair had cable quality issues. Sony never replied to my emails. I won't buy another pair of their headphones, that's for sure.
I still haven't decided if I'm going to use the QC3's or keep my QC2's and hand the 3's to my wife for her use. But Bose gets to keep my money on this one. (I'd love to have the QC3 electronics and rechargable battery combines with the QC2 circumaural ear cups; I'd sigh but still whip out my credit card. I'm sure my daughter needs a good pair of headphones.)
I truly believe the Quiet Comfort 2 pair that I've been using has preserved my hearing; I've spent a lot of time on airplanes, including turboprops, and my rate of hearing loss due to age and abuse seems to have slowed down in the past few years. (But I'm still getting older, darn it.) Preserving my hearing is worth a couple hundred dollars.
Read more
by jdzions (see profile) -
July 14, 2006
8 out of 10 - Excellent Very comfortable noise cancelling headphones
First, these are my first pair of noise cancelling headphones and they're awesome. I don't have any other ...
First, these are my first pair of noise cancelling headphones and they're awesome. I don't have any other pairs to compare these to. I've tried the QC2's, Sony's and Sennheisers yet I found these much more comfortable. I still can't justify the price and the rechargeable battery is nice but looking at the QC2 specs, being able to use a normal battery would be great when I can't access an outlet/charger.
Read more
by jazzyrider (see profile) -
June 24, 2006
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Yeah, pricey, but I like them
I bought these in the Seattle airport last week. Had plenty of time to try them out in comparison with ...
I bought these in the Seattle airport last week. Had plenty of time to try them out in comparison with the 2's and after two visits to the Bose booth, chose these. I might have rationalized saving $50 by buying the 2's but determined that these did a slightly better job of eliminating aircraft noise (the booth had an aircraft noise recording they played). Coupled with the lighter feel, additional Li-Ion battery for no extra charge, and slightly better noise cancellation, this was my choice at $349.
Read more
by Ridge582 (see profile) -
July 1, 2008
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 ear-cup headphones ideal for commuting and air travel.
Hide
Watch product review video
Show
Print friendly version
Email to a friend
del.icio.us
Save on Top Brand Laptops! CompUSA
