Bose 700 vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
The Verdict
Both Bose over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity, but they serve slightly different priorities. Bose 700 excels with 11 ANC levels for granular control, four transparency modes, and an 8-microphone system optimized for call quality, plus faster quick-charging (15 min yields 3.5 hours). QuietComfort Headphones counter with superior battery longevity (24 hours versus 20), CustomTune personalized audio calibration, and newer Bluetooth 5.3 for improved stability. Both weigh similarly around 250-296g and fold flat for portability. Sound profiles differ subtly: 700 emphasizes clarity for calls, while QuietComfort prioritizes balanced listening with TriPort acoustics. At $30 less, QuietComfort offers better value for all-day listeners who prioritize battery life and personalized audio tuning. However, choose 700 if professional calls dominate your usage or you want maximum ANC customization and faster charging convenience.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose 700 if…
- →Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- →Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- →Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if…
- →World-class ANC that rivals the QuietComfort Ultra
- →24-hour battery life is among the best in the category
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose 700
Pros
- Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
- Multipoint Bluetooth and broad voice assistant support
- Elegant, minimal design that looks great
Cons
- No aptX or LDAC — limited to AAC and SBC codecs
- 20-hour battery life is shorter than Sony and JBL rivals
- Headband can cause hotspot pressure on the top of the head
- Expensive compared to competition offering similar ANC
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Pros
- World-class ANC that rivals the QuietComfort Ultra
- 24-hour battery life is among the best in the category
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
- Extremely comfortable with plush protein leather ear cushions
- USB-C charging finally replaces the dated Micro-USB
Cons
- Sound quality is good but lacks the spatial depth of QC Ultra
- Only AAC and SBC codecs — no aptX or LDAC
- 296 g is heavier than Sony WH-1000XM5
- No water resistance rating for gym or outdoor use
- Plastic headband can feel less premium than metal alternatives
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose 700 | Bose QuietComfort Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 296 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC on) | 24 hrs with ANC, 2.5 hrs charge time, 15 min = 2.5 hrs |
| Charging | USB-C, 15-min quick charge for 3.5 hrs playback | USB-C |
| Features | 11 levels of adjustable ANC, 4 levels of Transparency (Ambient) mode, 8-microphone system for best-in-class call quality, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bose AR built-in, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Stainless steel headband with fold-flat design | Adjustable ANC with Aware Mode, CustomTune personalized audio calibration, Multipoint for two simultaneous device connections, Bose Music app with EQ and settings, Foldable design with carry case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| Drivers | — | Custom Bose drivers with TriPort acoustic architecture |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Bose products. View full details for the Bose 700 or the Bose QuietComfort Headphones.