Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones unless you really need to save some cash. The numbers tell the story: legendary comfort with a hard case and physical buttons makes these a premium option for serious audiophiles in 2026. In my testing, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones weigh 8.40oz and include a hard case for protection, while the Bose QuietComfort SC weighs slightly more at 8.50oz but comes with a soft case. This means you get a more durable carry option with the premium model, making it worth the extra investment for frequent travelers or those who value protection during transport.
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Bose QuietComfort SC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Quiet & Aware modes + Custom modes) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | Custom dynamic drivers (Size/Type undisclosed by manufacturer) | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Measured) | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | Microphone system with noise-rejecting boomless array | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hrs for full charge; 15 min = up to 2.5 hrs play | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices with seamless switching) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (SimpleSync available only for Bose Soundbars) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Active or Passive - passive sounds different) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | None | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 238 g | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Mode Switch) | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ + Presets) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | Wind Block feature; Spotify Tap; Foldable design; Hard carry case included | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads)
- • Best-in-class physical buttons (preferred by many over touch)
- • Excellent noise cancellation consistency
- • Foldable design is travel-friendly (unlike Sony XM5/Bose Ultra)
✗ Cons:
- • No wear sensors (music does not auto-pause when taken off)
- • 2.5mm audio jack limits third-party cable options
- • Still uses older Bluetooth 5.1 compared to competitors
- • No high-bitrate codecs (no LDAC or aptX)
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Bose QuietComfort SC
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
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Which one is better?
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones is the better buy for most people - its hard case and lighter weight crush the Bose QuietComfort SC. That said, grab the SC if you want something slightly lighter and easier to pack - it's onlyheavier.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if: you want a hard case for better protection, prefer physical buttons for easy control, or value legendary comfort for long hours of use. (8.40 oz weight)
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you want a more compact, softer carrying option, need adjustable noise cancellation modes, or prefer a similar-weight design for everyday use. (8.47 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort Headphones excels if you value legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads). Bose QuietComfort SC is better if you prioritize world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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