Bose QuietComfort 25 QC25

Good feature, poor manufacturing, and desperate support – I loved my QC25. It was the best noise cancelling headphones I had ever have and the most comfortable one. However, its quality does not match the expectation for an over $300 pair of headphones. Saying that one speaker fails to work out of blue under ordinary use. I bought it in December 2015 and expected it to work for at least 5 years… Read more

(that is reasonable for a $300+ headset), but it lasts 2 years and 10 months only. And the fault is, according to my online research, is well documented for the QC25 manufactured in 2015, and this is unofficially known by Bose (just search "QC25 speaker not working").

What is more devastating is, when I contact the customer service, the solution I got was a replacement costing $300. Well, for $300 I can almost get a brand new more modern headset. I would expect Bose could offer a repairing or replacement at a much lower cost, or an update at a significant discount, given the fact the problem is with the manufacturer.

To Bose: I know there is no legal basis for you to do anything more for a product out of warranty. But for a known flawed product, do you really want to see so many "unlucky" customers being angered by the disappointing solution provided by your customer service?

Exceptional Product Service – My wife purchased a pair of these a few years back, they were damn expensive in our view but they worked really well and we were satisfied with the purchase. They were only ever used on a few occasions when we done a couple of overseas trips. Around 12 months ago we went on a domestic flight and when my wife turned them on the left side was… Read more

completely dead.

I was absolutely seething that such an expensive piece of kit had just failed for no reason whatsoever and this was the second Bose product I had that had failed. The other was a Bose Sound Dock for iPhone, I wasn’t as concerned with that as Apple had upgraded the connector by then and it wasn’t worth getting another one. I am an electronics technician and I don’t buy the rubbish that things are designed to fail after a period of time ect. As far as I was concerned an item such as this has a reasonable lifespan and should only fail after considerable wear and tear.

Anyway we are due to travel again shortly and my wife wanted another pair to which I had already said we won’t ever be buying Bose again. There are some cheaper units on the market now and I started looking around. At the same time I was still really angry about this so I actually called up Bose in Sydney to see what they thought.

I spoke with a Product & Tech support rep who immediately agreed with me that it was unsatisfactory for these to have failed like they had with such little use. Although they were well out of warranty he said that if the condition of them was as I had told him they would take a look and see what they can do. Of course they were like the day they were taken out of the box with not even a finger mark on them.

Then a very efficient return process commenced where they emailed me a label to print and affix to the package and I put them in the post. A few days later I received a band new pair of headphones with a fresh 12 month warranty.

I think this is outstanding service and clearly demonstrated their preparedness to stand by their product. So given my experience I am extremely satisfied and happy once again to pay damn good money for Bose quality and also know that in the advent something fails prematurely that Bose will ensure they make amends.

5years and still going strong – Purchased them early 2015 and been amazing since then, had to replace the pads maybe 5 times but that's pretty much it. the sounds quality is amazing, the packaging and airplane adapter is very handy.  Show details

Keeps me going at work – Sound quality is great - the noise cancelling does take a bit of time to get used to. Also battery life is not great however. Have added a bluetooth connector to make the headphones wireless.

Best purchase I've made in a long time – I'm not a music buff and sound quality has never been high on my priority list. I have an iPhone and the standard apple headphones and that's always been enough for me. However, as a frequent traveller, I was told I should invest in noise cancelling headphones, and now I will never look back! I researched the different models and reviews available… Read more

and it was a bit overwhelming. I had never tried them before and was shocked at the price tag. How good can headphones be to warrant $700 in some cases?!?! I purchased these in April 2019 and they were replaced by newer models, so I scored these for $173 brand new. They arrived, and the packaging was impressive, I love the case they come in and enough room to keep spare batteries and other adapters etc in. The headphones are actually great without turning on the noise cancelling option, so that was a great bonus. Being on a plane and turning on the noise cancelling though, was amazing! Drowned out the engine hum completely, and totally reduced the sounds of kids crying etc in the aircraft. I was so impressed my mum and sister purchased the same pair, and we are all very happy. My advice, don't get too caught up on features and comparison to later models. If you just want a quality product for occasional/specific use, find an older model like this from a reputable brand, and you can't go wrong. I would not have paid $400 for headphones, but for $175 I am very very satisfied. Battery lasted maybe 30+ hours in actual flight time, and it's just a standard replaceable battery (not rechargeable) so it was easy to pop in a spare when it did die. This model is not wireless, but that's also no issue when on a plane. I dont think wireless would have mattered, so again, not an extra feature worth the extra price to me. This did exactly what I wanted and I would recommend them to anyone.

Great sound and noise-cancelling – I was tossing up between these and the QC35, I've heard good things about both. In the end I got these because they were cheaper and also you can use them without batteries in wired mode (which doesn't provide noise-cancelling). So normally I use these wired for listening to music at work and sometimes I also turn on noise-cancelling. I typically… Read more

don't use noise-cancelling on its own (although you can). I would probably do that if I used them for a flight, for example.

I am not an audiophile but the sound seems fine to me. The noise-cancelling is very effective. I actually find the wired quite convenient because it's easy to use with different devices and switch it up. It comes with a handy carry case and they are stored neatly.

Best noise cancelling I’ve heard – I bought these headphones for a holiday to Europe and I’ll say these are extremely comfortable to wear. I never had to take them off to rest my ears like I have with some other headphones. The sound quality is excellent and the noise cancelling functionality is the best I’ve experienced. Show details

Great Headphones – The headphones are great for cancelling noise the sound is great the only issue I have is the battery doesnt last more than 2 weeks and thats after using them for about 3 hours a week if that. Other than the battery life i'm happy with the product and would recommend them.  Show details

Poor quality workmanship – The cable connector bent to the point where it damaged my iPod on the SECOND use!! Seriously. The second time I used them. Both JB Hi-Fi (where we purchased the product) and Bose refused to replace the faulty cable, so we had to spend another $50 to be able to use the product we purchased for $200. Disgraceful. Will never purchase Bose products again. Buyer Beware!!!  Show details

Excellent headphones! – Bought these headphones back in June and have been using them daily for long periods, they are very comfortable and the sound is very clear thanks to the noise cancelling feature. I use eneloop pros inside the headphones and i just simply swap them with recharged ones when they run out of juice, I think it is a lot more convenient than recharging… Read more

the built-in battery in the QC35 and better for long term. Can't think of any major complaints so far, loving them!

Great product! Price and comfort – I recently Purchased this item for my up coming holiday, on the plane for noise cancelling! Plus it Came in handy on the ship too. Comes with great case for battery, headphones and attachment for aeroplane. Highly recommend for domestic and overseas travelers. Perfect for a Xmas, birthday present for the traveler in your family. Price was… Read more

very good for what you get.

Black case is compact in size and fits into luggage easily.

Headphones are what you would expect from Bose, very clear and light weight.

Great product, poor features – I had a pair of the QC15s, loved them. They were a little bulky but very light and great sound quality when the noise cancelling was on. Once they got stolen, I purchased a pair of the QC 25's. At first i preferred the feel and the softness of the QC15s, however they grew on me, and were aesthetically better, in my opinion. Ultimately, aside from… Read more

the feel, I didn't really notice a difference in the sound quality..at all. Within a year however, the speaker in the right ear just stopped working. I got them replaced by JB Hi Fi with proof of purchase. One and a half years later with the new, new pair, the seam of the cushion came apart and the foam came out (this is with no neglectful use or user damage) the glue just simply dissolved. On going to JB once more, it wasnt replaceable (outside warranty by 5 months) and i am just wearing it, literally. The battery i feel could have been worked out of this model and a rechargeable could have been used (as it was already designed in the QC3, a model around at the same time as the QC15). The only reason i can imagine it wasn't introduced was to milk the market before releasing the far superior QC35 a year later which is both wireless and rechargeable. For the amount of cash i forked out for these headphones ($450), relying on Bose's reputation and the apparent quality from what i saw in the store, i got ripped off. Bose can possibly fix the problem, but i need to send the Headphones away and it will be at my cost...for their manufacturing defect...Go figure. I will take my business elsewhere next time.

Solid performers – Overall very good quality headphones and happy with the purchase. Would be perfect if they had a rechargeable battery and were wireless. Pros: comfortable for extended wear, excellent build quality, durable, excellent sound quality, excellent noise reduction, handy carry case and easy to store Cons: lack of rechargeable battery, not wireless  Show details

Great headphones but with a major flaw – I purchased this product after my old Bose headphones became open with a cord fault. I like the music performance of the Bose headphones however I am totally disgusted with the resilience of the ear cuffs. They deteriorate almost immediately and eventually fail. I had the same problem with my old Bose headphones. Yes, you can buy replacements… Read more

but they are not cheap and you need regular replacements. If you want a pair of headphones that maintains it's looks then don't buy these. I have written to Bose suggesting they look into this issue but they were only concerned about warranty timing.

These are GREAT for airline travel – I bought these headphones for international airline travel and they have been worth every cent I paid. The airline noise is almost eliminated and the movies or music come alive. I have been able to wear them for the entirety of 14 hour flights without irritation to my head or ears. A AAA battery lasts through more than one flight and is easily… Read more

replaced. I did buy an extra cable and travel with an extra airplane plug in case one breaks.

I believe Bose has a newer model now which is Bluetooth, but for me this one will make a few more trips across the Pacific. I never use this headset anywhere else as I have others with higher quality sound, but when you need noise cancelling you cannot beat Bose.

Very good – Purchased these headphones last month ,excellent noise cancellation but only negative is that they use batteries which you need to replace to enable that noise cancellation works ,batteries tend not to last long about a month .Comfort wise excellent ,sound quality with noise cancellation excellent ,without this feature ok sound ,would recommend… Read more

keeping spare batteries ,comes with good quality carry case for protection of headphones ,again shop around prices vary from retailer to retailer

Don't ever get on a flight without this – For a long time, my workhorse was a pair of JVCs that did the job on my frequent international flights. And then, these popped into my lap. I have used numerous noise cancelling headphones over the years ( active and also passive) but these are on a whole different planet completely. They are extremely comfortable (unless you're wearing… Read more

glasses which negates the dampening a tad) and the batteries go forever!

The added inline control is also nice for when you don't want to touch your phone.

It might be an older model, but don't let that discourage you!

Great headphone with minor issues – Having owned the QC25 for almost a year now. These sound great, are comfortable, noise cancelling is amazing. So why 4 stars. They are very expensive for wired headphones so I expect everything to be top notch. The removable 3.5mm wire it the issue. It is very flexible and thin. I don't expect it to last, which has been a common complaint.. It is… Read more

also very difficult to get plugged into and out of the headset, which I believe will also lead to its demise. I would expect the connection to be better fitting than this. The case is nice but a very tight fit. If you leave the wire plugged it, it has to be bent out of the way... Minor details but when you pay Bose prices, you expect perfection. Would I buy again, maybe, but only on sale at the $279 price point. Had I bought these before the price drop, I would have been even more disappointed.

Good performance but terrible durability – My right ear cusp stopped playing music a year after purchasing my cans. It was just after the manufacturers warranty period and I looked after my headphones well. Felt really cheated with this product. If you decide to buy these, make sure to get at least 2 years warranty on these. The performance is quite good however as NC works very well and they are comfortable to wear.  Show details

Fantastic Sound – Absolutely the best sounding head phones that I have every owned. I have purchase the superseded Quiet Comfort 15, yet this model is far better and the clarity is more precise and crispy clear sound than all the rest. It is standard for BOSE to be the TOP of the sound system no.1!  Show details

Amazingly comfortable, can easily be made BT capable – I love these headphones. Amazing NC and super comfortable to wear for long periods. You can even make the bluetooth capable with the Airmod, which is a nice solution for wireless. I won't fly without them; they make the plane a much more enjoyable experience. Battery life is great too!  Show details

Great headphone – Very comfy to wear and noise cancellation is superb. What I like about this headphone is you can use it even when battery is flat. Of course, there is no noise cancellation at that time. It can be a little pricey but sad to see that it is now discontinued.  Show details

quiet as a mouse – I bought this for my mom when she travels. She loves the sound of it. It's a sturdy design, the white and blue colour is pretty also. I would definitely get the next model up when it becomes available and when the price is right. the price could be a little cheaper.  Show details

Best sound – I was interested in Headphone all the time and has research and tried for couple of months I decided Bose QC25. Sennheiser hd-25 has good sound as well but after using 1 hour, my ear is sore but QC25 got no problem. it's very comfortable on your ear as well  Show details

Amazing noise cancelling. Perfect for flying or living with noisy people – I purchased these for use when flying overseas and I don’t think I could ever fly without them again. I tried to use some normal headphones at first, but I couldn’t hear the movie I was watching so I switched to the Bose ones and the difference is amazing. Even without the noise cancelling feature switched on it is still does a good job. In… Read more

terms of sound quality, I think it’s very good, with good bass without being too bassy. They’re comfortable for extended periods of time as well.

Worth the price – I love these. The noise cancellation is much better than the cheaper ones I had before. When the batterys run out for the noise cancellation they are still great headphones. Love these on the bus commute. If you are still using in ears that come with your phone give these a go. You'll love it. P.s. i dont work for bose, this review sounds like I'm selling them, just in love  Show details

Perfect for travelling – Bought it for a long plane ride and it was great choice, the noise-cancelling is amazing at blocking out the engine noise and it comes with an airplane adaptor. The audio quality is not as nice when noise-cancelling isn't on, but still passable. Very comfortable to wear and only needs an AAA battery.  Show details

Excellent Clarity and Comfort – These headphones are one of a kind. They have world-class, exceptional noise cancelling features, the cord is robust and sturdy and iPhone compatibility is fantastic. With only one battery they last a good while, don't use alkaline batteries, however. A definite travellers companion, perfect for extra long flights or short ones. These headphones are one of the comfiest I've had.  Show details

Best traveling gadget – This is by far the most expensive headphones I ever bought but I can tell you it is worth every dollar why you travel. Works great on airplanes, trains, buses etc. It blocks out most of the engine noise. Just remember to bring a spare battery or the noise cancelling wont work when you run out. They still work as normal headphones with no batteries though.  Show details

Best for flights! – Best noise cancelling headphones I've had. I previously had the QC15 which were just as good but my car got broken into and I replaced that with the QC25. I travel a lot for work so these NC headphones is a must inflight. Very comfortable and NC is amazing. I fall asleep with these on inflight and the best thing about these is that they are corded… Read more

and takes a single AAA battery and lasts quite a few flights (at least 15 hours) before I have to replace the battery.

A long-time favourite but not perfect – One of the classics and a traveller's must. I think I got unlucky though - the padding on the ear piece has started to flake and come away, which is really disappointing. Nothing provides better protection from the outside world, however, especially on long flights. And the cord is prone to snapping/breaking at the ends because of the unusual design.  Show details

Just Acceptable – I bought the QC25s hoping they would give me a better sound when working but have to say I’m a bit disappointed. As noise cancelling earphones go (hard wired) they do their job, especially with airconditioning and other low volume noises. I tried them on my ride on mower and was very impressed- they were much better, and more comfortable than my… Read more

industrial ones. My main gripe is with the sound quality of music above the half way mark where I feel the music is distorted and the base is overwhelming. I’m using there’s with an IPod touch and unfortunately their is little adjustment except for Apple’s lowest common denominator controls there. I have other Bose earphones but these don’t quite live up to my expectations. I note that they are now discontinued but there is still stock around.

Travellers must Have! – Absolutely love this bad boy. It's been my buddy for the last 2 years. Recently had an issue with it called up Bose Australia within minutes they said they will replace mine with a new pair. No hassles nothing . As long as you have the purchase order no with you everythinh else will work smooth. But saying that there was a bit if confusion getting the new pair in hand but that was an awesome work done by Auspost . Let's leave that aside .  Show details

great sound and noise cancelling works well – I bought these to treat myself for the international travel I do from time to time. They are very comfortable and the sound is awesome. The noise cancelling works well and I even now keep wearing to sleep on the plane to block out other noise. I didn't realise you need a AAA battery but that is not a big deal. Need to keep a spare handy at all times for those long flights now :)  Show details