Bose QuietComfort 25 Review

Ever since Dr. Amar Bose had the idea for noise canceling headphones in 1978, the company has done research on techniques to make it possible. In 1989 we saw the first headphones for pilots and in the year 2000 the QuietComfort was released for us ordinary consumers. Since then, several models has been released, most recently the QC20, the first in-ear plugs. But since 2009, the QC15 has been more or less the standard among people who travel a lot and need peace and quiet on the flight.

Construction and Build Quality

Now, finally, comes the successor QC25 and corrects some minor annoyances with the previous model and further improves it sonically. The most obvious thing is a new discreet appearance which strips away unnecessary shiny design elements.

Instead of silver color being the only available option, they now come in either black with blue stripes or white with beige upholstery of the ear pads and headband. A disadvantage of the latter is that they´re probably more prone to look dirty unless you clean them regurlarly. The QC25 also comes in a custom color option where you can choose from nearly limitless color combinations, but this option will add about $100 to the price at the moment. 

As expected, the material choices are good and despite all the plastic they feel quite reliable. The headband has become equally wide all around which makes the whole headphone feel more sturdy. But above all it has provided some place for the hinges where you turn the ear cups. It allows one not only to make the headphones flatter for transportation, but they can also be folded. Thus it has been possible to make the included case considerably smaller, which plays a major role when trying to get down the last stuff in the hand luggage.

In Use

The cord is relatively tangle free and also removable which makes it easier to pack. But above all it allows you get a new one if you happen to brake it. On the cord is a remote control with microphone for phone calls. You can change the volume, play and pause music and answer calls. However, it is unfortunately only on the iPhone and iPad that all the buttons work. For a headphone at this price Bose could have spent some dough on a cord with Android remote as well, or at least make one available as an accessory.

Comfort is very important for headphones if you intend to wear them for many hours on end . The new shape allows the headphones to sit more snugly around the head and feels more comfortable to wear while the weight is admirably low. The padding in both the ear pads and headband prevents it from feeling like they pinch your ears and head. And the suede-like material in the cushions is comfortable without getting sweaty. After being used extensively for long periods of time, I can´t give them anything less than top marks for comfort.

Sound Quality

Noise reduction works just fine does what Bose promises; reduce the tedious background noises, like fans in the office, the noise of tires on asphalt and above all the annoying roar of aircraft engines. Ringing phones and other sharp high-frequency sounds are still partly audible though. Simply because those types of sound waves are too fast for today's technology.