Bose has sold aviation headsets since 1989 and consumer headphones since 2000. The current range of headphones and headsets includes wireless over-ear models, true wireless in-ear models, as well as aviation and military models.
Development of the company's noise cancelling headphones (and first over-ear headphones) began in 1978 when the chairman, Amar Bose, tried a set of airline-supplied headphones during a flight and found that engine noise from the aircraft prevented the music from being enjoyed.[1]
In 1986, Bose and Sennheiser both presented active noise cancelling headsets for aircraft pilots, with the Sennheiser design appearing in a paper and the Bose design appearing in an ASME paper.[2] A prototype Bose product was used to prevent hearing loss in pilots during the first non-stop around-the-world flight in the Rutan Voyager .[3] The company was the first to release active noise cancelling headphones as a consumer product.[4]
In 2017, Bose released an updated model known as the QuietComfort 35 II, which adds a customizable "action" button on the left ear cap. By default, it is mapped to activate the Google Assistant, making it the first headphones to integrate with the service.[5] [6]
The QC35 II was reviewed favourably for their noise cancellation, audio quality and comfort.[7] [8] [9] [10]
In July 2019, users began to report that a firmware update to the QC35 II had inhibited the performance of the noise cancellation features. Bose stated that it had not made any changes to noise cancellation functions in their firmware. Some users performed firmware downgrades, but Bose later prevented this for security reasons. In October 2019, as part of an investigation, Bose began to allow owners within a "reasonable" proximity to the company's headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts, to request a visit by a technician.[11] [12]
In 2020, Bose released the Bose QC35 II Gaming, which adds a gaming mic.
In 2019, Bose released the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, also known as the NCH 700, a new high-end product positioned above the QC 35.[13] [14]
The headphones have a stainless steel band and are controlled using a mix of buttons and touch-sensitive areas on the cups. Unlike the QC 35, they do not fold in half, but their ear cups can rotate for storage. The embedded rechargeable battery is not replaceable which limits the lifespan of the headphones to the life of the battery. Bose promoted improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation and voice call quality over the QC 35. The NCH 700 can also connect to two devices simultaneously, and integrate with Amazon Alexa and Siri in addition to the Google Assistant.[15] [16] [17]
This is the same headphone as the 700 but a Bose USB Link dongle is included, supposedly enhancing sound and microphone quality.
In 2021, Bose released the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones. This model introduced USB-C support for more convenient and faster charging. Bose also added a fourth external microphone to enhance call quality and integrated Bluetooth 5.1 to improve wireless range and connection stability. The QuietComfort 45 maintains the excellent noise-cancellation capabilities the series is known for and offers a comfortable, ergonomic design for extended use. However, the rechargeable battery is not user-replaceable.
In October 2023, Bose released the new QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which feature a modern, more premium design. The QuietComfort Ultra enhances the listening experience with spatial audio capabilities, offering an immersive soundstage. These headphones come equipped with improved active noise cancellation, leveraging advanced algorithms for better performance in various environments. The Ultra model also includes Bluetooth 5.3, providing a more stable connection and lower latency. Additionally, the battery life has been extended, offering up to 28 hours of playback on a single charge. Similar to the QuietComfort 45, the battery is not user-replaceable.
The Bluetooth sunglasses were released in 2019 and come in two styles – Alto and Rondo. The sunglasses have open-ear audio, UVA/UVB protection, an integrated microphone, a Bluetooth range of 9 meters, and are also AR enabled. The battery can sustain up to 3.5 hours of streaming music playback and takes up to 2 hours to charge.[18]
True wireless headphones have no cord to keep each bud connected to each other.
QuietComfort Earbuds II were launched on 15 September 2022.7The QuietComfort Earbuds II headphones and ear tips are smaller and lighter than the original QuietComfort Earbuds counterparts that they replace.
Specifications:[19]
Released 2023.
Released September 2024.
Released 2024.
The "A30 Aviation Headset" was released in 2023 as the successor to the "A20 Aviation Headset" with extended noise cancellation and less clamping force than its predecessor. It has a claimed battery life of 45 hours (using two AA batteries) or can be powered by the airplane's electrical system. However, if continuously using Bluetooth functionality, the battery-life will only last 25-plus hours.[24] It has three selectable modes of active noise cancellation.[25]
The "A20 Aviation Headset" was released in 2010 as the successor to the "Aviation Headset X" (aka A10).[26] [27] It has a claimed battery life of 45 hours (using two AA batteries) or can be powered by the airplane's electrical system. There are two versions, one with Bluetooth and one without.[28]
An updated version of the A20 was released in 2015.[29]
A "Combat Vehicle Crewman Headset" was released in 1998, for use in armoured vehicles.[30]
A "Triport Tactical Headset" (TTH) was released in 2004. It is designed for use in armoured vehicles and can fit under an infantry ballistic helmet.[31] [32] An updated version was released in 2012.[33]
Bose Music[34] is a proprietary mobile app that is required by products including the QuietComfort Earbuds-series (QuietComfort Earbuds II, QuietComfort Earbuds).
The Bose Music app in Android requires: