Best Bose Headphones Offers and Buying Guide
I’ve owned at least 6 pairs of Bose headphones over the past 16 years. Some were worth every dollar. Others collected dust after a week. The Bose brand carries serious weight in audio, but not every model in their lineup deserves your money in 2026.
This list covers the Bose headphones I’d actually recommend, from the $1,195 aviation headset that pilots swear by to budget-friendly wired options under $120. I’ve broken down who each pair is best for, what’s great about them, and where they fall short. If you’re spending Bose money, you should know exactly what you’re getting.
One thing I appreciate about Bose: they don’t chase spec sheets. Their noise cancellation and comfort are consistently better than what the numbers suggest. That said, you’re paying a brand tax on some of these models. I’ll be honest about which ones are worth it and which ones you can skip.
Bose A20 Aviation Headset
Bose A20 Aviation Headset with Bluetooth 6-Pin Plug Cable Black
- 30 percentage greater active noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets. Connectivity Technology: Wired/Wireless
- 30 percentage less clamping force than conventional aviation headsets
- Clear audio with active equalization. Make sure the headset is firmly connected to the air
At $1,195, this isn’t an impulse buy. The A20 is built specifically for pilots, and it’s the headset most flight schools and private pilots default to. It cuts cockpit noise by 30% more than standard aviation headsets, and the clamping force is noticeably lighter, so you won’t feel like your head’s in a vice after a 4-hour flight.
The Bluetooth version lets you take calls or stream audio between ATC communications. You can also mix audio sources, which is a feature I haven’t seen done this well on any competitor. If you’re not a pilot, skip this one entirely. But if you fly regularly, the A20 is the standard for a reason. A non-Bluetooth version is available if you want to save a bit.
- 30% greater active noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets, with wired and wireless connectivity
- 30% less clamping force, so long flights don’t wreck your comfort
- Active equalization keeps audio clear at any volume or altitude
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Noise-Cancelling with Alexa Voice Control – Black
- Three levels of world-class noise cancellation for better listening experience in any environment
- Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up
The QC35 II is one of the most popular Bose headphones ever made, and for good reason. With over 61,000 reviews on Amazon, this model has been battle-tested by just about every type of listener. It gives you three adjustable levels of noise cancellation, which I prefer over a simple on/off toggle. You can dial it down on a quiet afternoon and crank it up in a noisy coffee shop.
Alexa is built in, so you can control music, check the weather, or manage smart home devices hands-free. The dual-microphone system does a solid job filtering out background noise during calls. My only gripe: at $349.99, you’re paying close to the price of the newer 700 model, and the QC35 II is the older design. If you find it on sale under $250, it’s a no-brainer. Also available in silver.
- Three levels of noise cancellation that you can adjust based on your environment
- Alexa built in for voice control of music, info, and smart devices
- Dual-microphone system rejects background noise on calls
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Bluetooth Over-Ear Wireless Headphones with Built-In Microphone for Clear Calls & Alexa Voice Control Black
- Powerful noise cancelling headphones: 11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, videos & calls without…
- Astonishing sound: Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that's full…
- Unrivaled voice pickup: A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy and windy environments so your voice always sounds…
This is Bose’s flagship headphone, and it’s the one I recommend most for remote workers and frequent flyers. You get 11 levels of active noise cancellation, not just 3. That granular control matters when you’re switching between a loud open office and a quiet home setup. The sound quality is a clear step up from the QC35 II, with richer bass and sharper detail across the board.
The microphone system on the 700 is where Bose really pulled ahead. If you’re on Zoom calls all day, people on the other end can actually hear you clearly, even in noisy rooms. Battery life is solid at 20 hours per charge. The stainless steel headband looks sleek and feels lighter than you’d expect. At $379, it’s $30 more than the QC35 II, and I think that extra $30 is well spent. Available in two other colors besides black.
- 11 levels of adjustable noise cancellation for precise control in any setting
- Rich, lifelike sound with crisp highs and deep bass
- Adaptive microphone system that isolates your voice in noisy or windy conditions
Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II – Black
- Deep, immersive sound, improved EQ best in class performance for wireless headphones. Connectivity technology:…
- Latest Bluetooth technology for easy connectivity and seamless audiovideo syncs
- Advanced microphone system, HD voice for clear calls in windy or noisy environments
If you want wireless Bose headphones without the noise cancellation price tag, the SoundLink Around-Ear II is your best bet. At $164.97 (down from $229), it’s the sweet spot in the Bose lineup. The sound quality is impressive for this price range, with deep bass and a well-tuned EQ that Bose has refined over the years. You get 15 hours of battery life, which gets me through a full workday and then some.
What I like most: you can switch between two Bluetooth devices without disconnecting. So I pair it with my laptop and phone, and jump between calls and music without fiddling with settings. The range is about 9 meters (30 feet), and the HD voice microphone handles calls well even in noisy spots. The catch? No active noise cancellation. If you work in a loud environment, spend the extra money on the 700. But for casual listening and calls, this is plenty. Also available in white.
- Deep sound with improved EQ tuning, available as both wired and wireless
- Multi-device Bluetooth pairing with smooth audio-video sync
- HD voice microphone system for clear calls in noisy environments
Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset
Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset — Comfortable Noise Cancelling Headphones Black
- 2-in-1 gaming headset — The first headset from Bose engineered for both wired gaming and wireless lifestyle use. Play everything…
- World-class noise cancelling gaming headset — With best-in-class noise cancelling technology, the QC35 II Gaming Headset clears…
- Comfortable gaming headphones — Made using materials specially selected for their comfort and lightweight to enjoy hours of…
Most gaming headsets are built for gamers and nothing else. The QC35 Series 2 Gaming Headset is the rare one that works just as well for music, calls, and daily use. It’s a 2-in-1 design: plug in the detachable boom mic via the 2.5mm jack for gaming, and unplug it when you’re heading out. The noise cancellation is the same QC35 II tech, which means it’s strong enough to block out a noisy household during competitive matches.
The mic monitoring feature is something I wish more headsets had. You can hear your own voice at 4 adjustable levels, so you don’t end up shouting into the mic without realizing it. It supports Google Assistant and Alexa too. At $329, it’s not cheap for a gaming headset, but you’re getting Bose comfort and sound quality that most gaming brands can’t match. If you game for 3+ hours at a stretch, your ears will thank you.
- 2-in-1 design with detachable boom mic for gaming and wireless lifestyle use
- Bose noise cancellation blocks out household noise during gaming sessions
- Lightweight materials built for long gaming sessions without ear fatigue
Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones Old Version
- Noise reduction for travel, work and home
- Powered by: AAA battery
- Total weight with cable: 6.9 oz (196 g)
This is the budget pick on this list, and I’ll be honest about what you’re getting. The QC2 is an older model that runs on a single AAA battery instead of a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. That sounds outdated (because it is), but there’s a practical upside: you can swap in a fresh battery anywhere in the world. No hunting for a USB cable or waiting for a charge.
At $108.82 and just 6.9 oz (196g), it’s the lightest and cheapest Bose noise-canceling headphone you can still buy new. The noise reduction isn’t on the same level as the 700 or QC35 II, but it still beats most non-Bose headphones in this price range. You get the cord, a 5-foot extension cable, a 1/4-inch adapter, and a carrying case. For travel or casual podcast listening on a budget, it does the job.
- Active noise reduction that works for travel, office, and home use
- Runs on a single AAA battery, so you’re never stuck waiting for a charge
- Weighs just 6.9 oz (196g), one of the lightest Bose headphones available
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Noise-Cancelling with Alexa Voice Control – Black
- Three levels of world-class noise cancellation for better listening experience in any environment
- Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up
The QC25 was the headphone that put Bose on the map for noise cancellation, and its Special Edition Triple Black version still looks sharp in 2026. It’s a wired-only headphone, which means no Bluetooth, but also no battery anxiety. The noise reduction is noticeably better than earlier Bose models, and the sound profile is warm and full without being boomy.
I like this one for Apple users specifically because the inline controls work natively with iOS for music, volume, and calls. The all-black design is minimal and understated. It’s lightweight enough to wear all day. The downside is obvious: no wireless means you’re tethered to your device. If you’re fine with a cable and want strong Bose noise cancellation at a lower price than the wireless models, this is a smart pick.
- Three levels of noise cancellation for distraction-free listening anywhere
- Inline controls built for Apple devices, covering music, volume, and calls
- Dual-microphone system that filters out background noise on phone calls
Bose AE2 Around-Ear Audio Headphones
Bose AE2 Around-Ear Audio Headphones Black
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- A new standard of audio performance that immerses you in your music
- Improved ear cushions for hours of comfortable listening
The AE2 is a pure listening headphone. No noise cancellation, no Bluetooth, no microphone. Just Bose-quality sound through a well-built wired connection. And honestly, sometimes that’s all you need. The ear cushions are some of the most comfortable in the Bose lineup, designed for multi-hour listening without pressure points. The adjustable headband sits light on your head.
At $209.74, it’s not cheap for a wired headphone with no ANC. But the sound quality justifies it if you care about audio fidelity and don’t need the wireless extras. The fold-flat design makes it easy to pack for travel, and the build quality is sturdy enough for daily use over years. I’d recommend this for someone who listens at home or in a quiet office and just wants clean, uncolored Bose sound.
- Wired connection for pure, uncompressed audio quality
- Thick ear cushions designed for comfortable all-day listening
- Fold-flat design that’s durable enough for travel and daily use
Bose SoundTrue Headphones Around-Ear Style
Bose SoundTrue Headphones Around-Ear Style Black/Mint
- Full and natural sound for all your music
- Softly padded headband and memory foam cushions
- Also available in an on-ear style
The SoundTrue Around-Ear is Bose’s fashion-forward headphone. The black/mint color combo looks good, and there’s a mint option if you want something bolder. It’s a wired headphone with a warm, natural sound signature that works well across genres, from podcasts to bass-heavy music. The memory foam cushions and padded headband make long sessions comfortable.
At $154.80, you’re getting Bose sound quality at a price that doesn’t sting too much. No noise cancellation and no Bluetooth, so this is strictly for people who want a good-sounding, comfortable wired headphone. The white version has been discontinued, so grab the black/mint while it’s still in stock. If you prefer a smaller fit, there’s an on-ear version of this same model.
- Full, natural sound that works well across music genres and podcasts
- Memory foam cushions and soft-padded headband for all-day comfort
- Also available in an on-ear style for a more compact fit
Bose SoundTrue Headphones On-Ear Style
Bose SoundTrue Headphones On-Ear Style Mint for Apple iOS
- Full and natural sound for all your music
- Softly padded headband and memory foam cushions
- Also available in an around-ear style
The on-ear version of the SoundTrue is the most affordable Bose headphone on this list at $119.95. It comes in mint, white, black, and purple, so you’ve got options. The smaller ear cups sit on your ears rather than around them, which keeps the headphone compact and easy to fold for travel. Sound quality matches the around-ear version, with that same full, natural Bose signature.
The padded headband is adjustable and comfortable for shorter listening sessions. I wouldn’t recommend on-ear headphones for 6+ hour workdays because they press on your ears rather than cupping them. But for commutes, gym sessions, or 2-3 hour work blocks, they’re solid. The big trade-off is the same as the around-ear version: no Bluetooth, no ANC. At this price, that’s expected. If you want the cheapest way into the Bose headphone lineup, this is it.
- Full, natural Bose sound in a compact on-ear design
- Memory foam cushions with a padded, adjustable headband
- Foldable design with around-ear version available if you prefer full coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bose headphones worth the premium over Sony and Sennheiser?
For noise cancellation, Bose and Sony are neck and neck, but Bose wins on comfort for long sessions. Sennheiser edges ahead on pure audiophile sound quality. If you prioritize ANC and wearing comfort over raw audio fidelity, Bose is worth the price. If you’re an audio purist who listens in quiet rooms, Sennheiser gives you more for the money.
Which Bose headphones have the best noise cancellation?
The Bose 700 has the best noise cancellation in the Bose lineup with 11 adjustable levels. The QC35 II comes close with 3 levels but doesn’t match the 700’s granular control. For aviation use, the A20 is specifically tuned to cut cockpit engine noise and performs better in that specific environment than any consumer headphone.
Can I use Bose headphones for work calls and video meetings?
The Bose 700 is the best Bose headphone for calls. Its adaptive microphone system isolates your voice even in noisy rooms, which makes a noticeable difference on Zoom and Teams calls. The QC35 II Gaming Headset is also good with its boom mic attached. The older models like the QC2 and SoundTrue don’t have mics designed for calls and aren’t ideal for remote work.
What’s the cheapest Bose headphone that still sounds good?
The Bose QuietComfort 2 at around $109 and the SoundTrue On-Ear at $119.95 are the most affordable options. The QC2 gives you noise cancellation on a AAA battery, while the SoundTrue gives you better comfort and a more modern design but no ANC. For noise cancellation on a budget, go with the QC2. For sound quality and comfort without ANC, pick the SoundTrue.
How long do Bose headphones last before they need replacing?
Bose builds headphones that last 3-5 years with daily use. The ear cushions usually wear out first after about 2 years, but you can buy replacement pads for around $25-$35. Battery degradation on wireless models starts becoming noticeable after 2-3 years. Wired models like the AE2 and SoundTrue can last even longer since there’s no battery to degrade.
Should I buy Bose QC35 II or Bose 700 in 2026?
The Bose 700 is the better buy in 2026. It’s only $30 more than the QC35 II at regular price, and you get 11 levels of noise cancellation instead of 3, a better microphone for calls, and a more modern design. The QC35 II only makes sense if you find it heavily discounted below $250. At full retail, the 700 is the clear winner.
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