Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) vs Bose QuietComfort SC
If you want the best battery life, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is the clear victor with a jaw-dropping 50 hours, compared to just 24 hours for the Bose QuietComfort SC. This means less time charging and more time enjoying your tunes or podcasts, making it a no-brainer for travelers and daily commuters alike. In real-world use, the Sennheiser excels with its Sound Personalization feature, tailoring audio to your hearing preferences. Meanwhile, the Bose offers superior comfort with a lightweight design, but if you're looking for an all-day listening experience without worrying about battery life, the Sennheiser's specs are hard to overlook. It’s the premium option here, giving you more time to enjoy your favorite music or shows without interruption.
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Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
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: Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(1,285)Amazon | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Audio/Charging) + 2.5mm Jack (Analog input on earcup) | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™, AAC, SBC, mSBC, CVSD | AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Adaptive Hybrid ANC) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 37mm dynamic drivers (Angled) | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | 2 beamforming microphones (Speech) + ANC microphones | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = 5 hours playback | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via aptX Adaptive) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (USB-C Digital Audio + Analog via included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 8.0 oz (227 g) | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | Touch pad (Right earcup: Volume, Play/Pause, Skip, ANC toggle) + Physical Power/Pairing button | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | Sennheiser Smart Control app (5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | Smart Pause (Wear detection); Wind Noise Reduction; Carrying case included; 3.9' USB-C cable & 4.2' audio cable | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
✓ Pros:
- • Impressive 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled reduces charging anxiety
- • Sound Personalization feature creates a custom audio profile for your hearing
- • Supports high-resolution wired audio via USB-C (plug-and-play with PC/phones)
- • Includes a robust carrying case (unlike the standard Accentum model)
- • Touch controls are responsive and intuitive for playback/volume adjustments
✗ Cons:
- • Earcup input is 2.5mm (sub-standard size), making replacement cables harder to find
- • Clamp force can feel slightly tight on larger heads due to the compact headband
- • Lacks an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance
- • Design does not fold completely for compact storage (earcups swivel flat only)
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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 Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is the smarter buy for most people - its incredible 50-hour battery life crushes the Bose QuietComfort SC's 24-hour offering. That said, grab the QuietComfort SC if you prioritize comfort and don’t mind the shorter battery life.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) if: you need 50+ hours of battery life, want personalized sound profiles, or travel frequently.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you prefer physical buttons for controls, want a similar-weight design, or prioritize comfort for all-day wear. (8.47 oz weight)
Conclusion
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) and Bose QuietComfort SC are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) excels if you value impressive 50-hour battery life with anc enabled reduces charging anxiety. 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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