Preference in Noise Cancelling Headphones?

[Corylax18]

37 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

Costco has Bose QuietComfort 45 SE for $299

It doesn't look like I can use to those for conference call though, can I?

Why not? I dont know what the "SE" means, but I would avoid buying these from Costco.

Costco gets their own SKU's for TVs for example, often with drastically reduced feature sets, so in many cases you're actually getting a lot less for your money than you would paying more, for the real thing. Walmart started the practice, but any retailer with enough buying power to buy out a whole factory's yearly production probably has the option. 

"Conference Call" has become a pretty sweeping term these days, but I've taken literally hundreds of calls on my Bose headphones. Zoom, Teams, WebEx and gototmeeting all work through my laptop. I've also never had a problem connecting through my cell phone to all types of calls. They should work just like any other audio output. 

[BrightonCorgi]

12 minutes ago, Corylax18 said:

Why not? I dont know what the "SE" means, but I would avoid buying these from Costco.

I did not see any reference to audio calls or microphone on the spec sheet.  I can return them easily to Costco which is a benefit for me.  All of those services you mention are customers of mine.

[Corylax18]

13 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

I did not see any reference to audio calls or microphone on the spec sheet.  I can return them easily to Costco which is a benefit for me.  All of those services you mention are customers of mine.

Yeah, I would compare that "SE" spec sheet to the standard QC 45 II's spec sheet on the Bose website. It appears that it is a Costco exclusive SKU, it doesnt appear on Amazon or Bestbuy's sites. It sounds like it may be an "I phone "SE" type situation. If they do have microphone/call features removed, then $299 is a ripoff, you can often find the full spec headphones at that price, or cheaper if they're on sale. 

I know that both the standard 35s and 45s have microphones and work perfectly fine on calls.  

[PuroDiario]

I use B&O BeOplay. I think is superior sound quality to Bose at not too punitive price point. It is true though that not as heavy and nice noise cancellation. They do not clamp as tight to your head, which i personally prefer. I think the design is much more appealing too. Probably not the consensus favorite option though.

 

Airbuds, i have not found any option that in my view performs above Airpods Pro if you are an iphone user. My most important work tool is the airpods with the iphone honestly and i will continue to pay the stupid prices they ask for as long as i have to.

 

@Elpresidente for working out, if you want to bifurcate options by use case, Adidas has a headset which does an impeccable job at clamping (you will be able to do backflips with those things staying in place) and sound is good enough for the use. Not recommended for other uses as clamp / other features make them less optimal.

[Stogeyfish]

Aftershokz - bone conduction headphones. 

Depending on model, they are waterproof or water-resistant.  Fits snug against the head and allows you exercise/move without them falling off.  Since they leave the ears open you can hear noise, which is great when you are moving around outside.  You can always use earplugs when traveling.

[jazzboypro]

Love my Bose 700

[Hammer Smokin']

I've owned the Sony XM 5's since this past Christmas. 

Originally I purchased Sennheiser momentum 4 but they were horrid so I exchanged them for the XM5's. 

I've been very happy with the XM5's, but realize I don't have anything to compare them to. 

They have not dropped a Bluetooth connection yet. I use them when I'm watching movies at night. I'm very happy with them. 

[Fuzz]

Still using my Bose QC35. Bought 3 of them for myself and my folks. At the time, I preferred them over other NC options like the Sony and Sennheiser headphones. Can't wear earbuds for long periods as they are too uncomfortable. Have replaced the pads twice, but the headphones are still going strong.

[BoliDan]

Are you looking for ear bugs over the ear? I use these Samsung wh1000m4, they are fantastic 

https://a.co/d/hP19b9a

 

[El Presidente]

10 minutes ago, BoliDan said:

Are you looking for ear bugs over the ear? I use these Samsung wh1000m4, they are fantastic 

https://a.co/d/hP19b9a

 

I have a set of those Dan. Unfortunately mine annoyingly drop out of bluetooth connection from time to time. I haven't been able to get that issue sorted.  Outside of that they are excellent. I have also have the M3 and they have been flawless. Unfortunately, they are nearing end of life. 

 

 

[marper331]

I have the Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds 2 and they are fantastic. I use these at the gym. I have a pair of Bose 700 over the ear headphones for travel.

[wathabanos]

On 4/10/2023 at 6:14 PM, Corylax18 said:

I love the Bose QC 35 II's. I have two pair now and will probably buy a third eventually. I've tried the Sony's, but they were just very uncomfortable for my head and ear size/shape. I also have a pair of QC 45s, but I don't find that the Noise cancelling, Bluetooth quality or sound quality are any better than the 35s. The 45s are WAY lighter weight that the 35s, to the point that they feel flimsy to me. Almost like toys. I use mine roughly 6 hours a day and take all my calls and meetings with them. Other people have said that I sound much better on the 35s as well. I think Bose should be pretty close to releasing a QC 55 (or whatever they end up calling it) so if you can wait, it may be worth it to see what they offer. 

I’ve got the 45s now and the HD700s. The 45s are loads better. Also if your QC35 or 35 II power switch is acting up call Bose and tell give you a pair of 45s for free, even if your 35s are out of warranty!! That’s how I ended up with both.

another had said apple AirPods Max and yea wonderful but pain in the ass unless you use Apple and I think El Prez is a android guy (ewww I know). I’d recommend the Bose QC45s if you want an old school can feel with one of the best ANC headsets available. 

[Ybor]

Another vote for Bose 700. No issues in the last three years with mine. Battery lasts for 16 hours on max ANC even after 3 years of daily WFH use. Microphone is great. Only slightly irrational is that when connected to phone and computer, it can act up if both play sounds at the same time and I usually have to disable bluetooth one device to correct. Not a dealbreaker for me but something to be aware of as I’m sure all Bluetooth headsets have their own quirks.

[El Presidente]

Bose QC 45's ordered. 

Many thanks good people 

[01Vert]

On 4/13/2023 at 3:44 AM, El Presidente said:

Bose QC 45's ordered. 

Many thanks good people 

Take time to work with the included silicone fitment pieces.  Buddy works at Bose and he stressed exploring options on both the inner tip and the outer ring to get the best out of them both in comfort and noise canceling.  I actually use two different size tips due to my ear canals being slightly different and it made a big difference in comfort.  You can also use small tips and large outer tings as the two sizes are unrelated to each other and touch different parts of the ear.   
 

download the app iirc to pair but I don’t really use it other than that.  

[jaybo41]

On 4/10/2023 at 7:56 PM, grabow32 said:

Over ear ones - I like the Bose QC 700

If you have an iPhone - In-ear ones - Beats Fit pro. They have a little wing that holds them into your ear much better in my opinion. Also, they seem to constantly be on sale. 

Love my Bose NC 700s.  The noise cancellation is excellent.  For context, I had a road crew digging up the road in front of my house.  At times, it shook the house.  The work was going on literally all day.  I put those 700's on and I could very faintly hear it, as if nothing was going on.  When I took calls, nobody heard anything but my voice.  

Happy with the sound quality and they definitely hold up to doing physical activity.

My ONLY knock on them is, the case is large, they don't fold down all that well.  If that's important to you, the QC 35's might be a better option if you're thinking Bose.  

I use AirPods Pro for the pure convenience and portability.  

[Hammer Smokin']

18 hours ago, 01Vert said:

Take time to work with the included silicone fitment pieces.  Buddy works at Bose and he stressed exploring options on both the inner tip and the outer ring to get the best out of them both in comfort and noise canceling.  I actually use two different size tips due to my ear canals being slightly different and it made a big difference in comfort.  You can also use small tips and large outer tings as the two sizes are unrelated to each other and touch different parts of the ear.   
 

download the app iirc to pair but I don’t really use it other than that.  

aren't QC45's over the ear, and not earbuds? 

[01Vert]

On 4/15/2023 at 3:08 PM, Hammer Smokin' said:

aren't QC45's over the ear, and not earbuds? 

Dammit was thinking the QC 2s.   In the ear.    Reading is obviously not my strong point…..

 

 

[Hammer Smokin']

1 hour ago, 01Vert said:

Dammit was thinking the QC 2s.   In the ear.    Reading is obviously not my strong point…..

all good..you literally had me googling thinking there was some form of Bose over the ear, moldable ear pads...I was confused, lol.