I reviewed several premium noise-cancelling headphones including the Sony WH-1000XM3, WH-1000XM4, and Sony XM5, as well as other top names like the Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
Today, we are adding the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 to the list. Some of you may wonder why I am reviewing an older model of the Bose after newer generations like the XM5. You have a point, but I decided to review them for some reasons.
The first reason is that they are Bose headphones, a brand that has been producing top-class audio gear for decades and has earned respect in this cut-throat competition.
The Second reason to review Bose 700 NCH is Bose QuietComfort 35 II. They impressed me so much so I was curious to review another pair from the same brand. The third and most important reason to review Bose 700 NCH is its price. It costs $379. So I wanted to check whether they are worth spending this amount or if it's just another can from Bose with some minor changes.
$379 is a considerable sum of money, wouldn't you agree? Sony XM5 costs $398 which is nearly the same as Bose 700. So, which one should you buy and why? Letβs Compare Bose 700 with Sony WH-1000XM5 and QuietComfort 35 II from Bose.
Pros:
Cons:
Sound
Build
Battery
Value
Whatβs in the box?
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Audio cable
- Carrying case
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick Start Guide
Who should get Bose Headphones 700 ?
- Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones are for those who want top-notch noise-cancelling performance and have no budget constraints.
- When working in the office, these provide excellent noise-cancelling capabilities.
- The Bose NC 700 headphones are the ideal choice for commuters who dislike the sound of a plane or bus engine.
Bottom Line:
We reviewed the Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones and found that they have exceptional noise cancelling, high sound quality, and a sleek design. However, their battery life could be better, and they only support AAC and SBC codecs. They are equally comfortable as the Sony XM5 but less comfortable than the Bose QC 35 II. Overall, the Bose 700 is a good buy for those who prioritize noise cancelling and call quality. We rate them 8.5 out of 10.
How is the Design and Build Quality of Bose Headphones 700?
For $379, the Bose 700 delivers the premium touch and feel that discerning customers demand. Its sleek design and superior materials ensure a comfortable and immersive listening experience that lives up to Bose's reputation for excellence.
These headphones have a tough stainless steel headband and comfy rubber padding for extended use. The earcups are angled for noise isolation and cover ears completely to block out external noise.
The synthetic protein leather earcups on the Bose 700 provide both durability and comfort, but at times, I experienced sweating and warmth. The headband boasts a sliding mechanism for adjusting the fit, which is much smoother than the clicking sound of other headphones. Although the Apple AirPods also features a sliding mechanism, the one on the Bose 700 feels less premium in comparison.
In my experience, the QuietComfort 35 II headphones are more comfortable than the Bose 700. The Bose 700 has a slightly stronger clamping force which can be a bit uncomfortable, whereas the QuietComfort 35 II offers less pressure. Additionally, the earcup cushion pads are simple to replace by gently pulling them out and inserting new ones.
While the Bose 700 headphones have a premium appearance, the earcups are made of high-quality plastic and not entirely metal. However, the combination of three materials used in the construction of the Bose 700 makes them both comfortable and easy to carry.
With other headphones, accidental button touches can be frustrating. But with Bose 700, this problem is eliminated thanks to its unique, swipe-based control system. Adjusting the volume and changing tracks is easy. Simply swipe up to increase volume, swipe down to decrease, swipe forward to skip ahead, and swipe backward to go back. Enjoy seamless, hassle-free listening with Bose 700.
I must emphasize the remarkable packaging that comes with this product. The carrying case has a luxurious look. It's bigger than that of the Sony 1000 XM5. When you open the case, you will notice a practical flap that exposes an audio cable and a USB-C charging cable.
If you're trying to decide between the Bose 700 and its competitors, such as Sony and the QuietComfort 35 II, it's important to compare them to make an informed decision. In my opinion, the Bose 700 has a more premium build and unique design compared to the Sony WH 1000 XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
While they feel more durable, there are some design flaws to consider. For example, they cannot be folded like the Sony XM5 and are not as comfortable as the QuietComfort 35 II. However, the Bose 700 definitely gives you a premium feel for which you paid. Overall, I would rate the design and build an 8.5 out of 10.
How are the touch controls of Bose 700 NCH?
One advantage of the Bose 700 NCH design is its button and touch controls. The makers prioritized user convenience during the design process. There are two buttons on the right ear cup and one on the left. The power button also functions as the Bluetooth button. Press it to turn on the headphones. The Bluetooth light on the right ear cup indicates the connection status of the device.
Let me explain how the touch surface on the right ear cup works.
- Play/Pause audio: Double tap
- Skip forward: Swipe forward
- Skip Backward: swipe backward
- Increase volume: Swipe up
- Decrease volume: Swipe down
- Answer/End a call: Double tap
- Decline a call: tap and hold for a second
bose noise cancelling 700 headphones
How is the Sound Performance of Bose Headphones 700 ?
When it comes to sound quality, the Bose 700 NCH delivers. I found them to be even better than the QuietComfort 35 II. While they don't support AptX and AptX HD, the sound is still crystal clear, open, and wide. However, at this price point, I was hoping for more advanced codecs. While AAC and SBC are good, the right codecs matter a lot when it comes to getting the best sound quality possible.
The Bose 700 offers impressive power and volume, with minimal distortion at 90% volume. Its bass is deep and punchy, and while this may vary based on individual music preferences, I found it to be enjoyable overall.
Additionally, the clear vocals and instrument separation showcase the speaker's high-quality sound. While there is debate over whether the Bose 700 or Sony XM5 is superior, the Sony XM5's bass is comparably better, while the Bose 700 boasts a wider soundstage, creating a more airy feel.
The Bose 700 headphones boast a well-balanced mid-range and exceptional imaging. While there is always room for improvement, these headphones offer a comprehensive package that includes deeper bass, an expansive soundstage, clear vocals, and excellent instrument separation. Although the treble could use some work, it's worth noting that the Bose 700 headphones outperform many of their competitors.
How is the Active noise cancelling of Bose 700?
When it comes to noise cancellation, Bose 700 NCH surpasses expectations. While passive noise cancellation is effective, active noise cancellation takes it up a notch. With ten levels of noise cancellation, ranging from top-notch at 10 to almost ambient mode at 0, the Bose 700 headphones are a frontrunner in the industry. It's safe to say that Bose has firmly established itself as one of the best noise cancelling headphone manufacturers out there with these cans.
The Bose 700 headphones are designed with internal and external ear cup microphones that continuously monitor the listener's surroundings and use microphones to produce opposite signals to eliminate noise.
Compared to the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II, the Bose 700 performs better in terms of noise cancellation, and this is easily noticeable. While the Bose 700 is a dedicated noise cancelling headphone that costs $379, it falls short when compared to the Sony 1000 XM5.
Although there is a slight difference, the XM5 is the clear winner. However, the Bose 700 boasts superior build quality and a minimalist design, which, combined with its industry-leading ANC, offers healthy competition to the Sony XM5.
Whether you're a student seeking silence while studying in the library or a commuter worn down by the constant noise of bus engines and honking, Bose 700 headphones offer the perfect solution. I would rate them 9 out of 10 for the active noise cancellation.
How is the call quality of Bose 700 NCH?
Professionals who frequently participate in phone meetings can rely on Bose 700 NCH for clear and effective communication. With a total of eight microphones, the Bose 700 offers exceptional voice pick-up with four dedicated microphones and advanced noise cancellation capabilities with the remaining four.
The Bose 700 excels in various settings, including the office, busy streets, and windy environments, as demonstrated by our testing. The beamform array effectively isolates your voice from any surrounding noises, ensuring that the person on the other end of the call hears you clearly.
I was particularly impressed with the microphone and call quality of these headphones, earning them a 9 out of 10 for call quality based on our tests. Bose 700 NCH is a top contender for those seeking reliable and high-quality headphones for calls.
How is the Connectivity of Bose Headphones 700?
According to the specifications, the Bose 700 has Bluetooth version 5.0, which may seem outdated, but I experienced no connectivity issues. As claimed, the connection remained stable up to 33 feet, and in my testing, it remained connected up to the specified distance, even through walls and doors. However, I was disappointed with the supported audio codecs only SBC and AAC codecs are supported, which is below average for a $379 product.
When comparing the supported audio codecs of Bose 700 and Sony XM5, the XM5 clearly wins. Along with AAC and SBC, XM5 also supports LDAC which is considered a high quality audio codec. Audio codec plays a crucial role in sound quality, and it isn't unfair to expect higher codecs at this price tag.
If you run out of power, you have the option to use the 2.5 to 3.5 mm audio jack with Bose 700, but in my opinion, it's not very useful because when I tested Bose 700 NCH with an audio cable, they sounded less loud compared to wireless.
I want to mention an important feature of the Bose 700 headphones. They can connect to two devices simultaneously, which is very useful when using a laptop and mobile device at the same time. Switching between devices is seamless. just pause the audio on the first device and play audio on the second. The headphones can save up to eight devices in their device list.Let's see what Bluetooth light indicates
- Slowly pulses blue: Ready to connect
- Blinks blue: Connecting
- Solid blue: Connected
- Light Off: Disconnected
bose noise cancelling 700 headphones
How is the Charging and Battery performance of Bose Headphones 700?
When it comes to headphones, it's worth noting that the Bose model may not match up to competitors like Sony, Sennheiser, and AirPods Max in terms of battery life. While the Bose headphones can last up to 20 hours and 40 minutes at an 80% volume level, there are other options out there that offer more impressive battery performance. However, the Bose headphones do have a convenient feature in their USB-C fast charging, which provides 3.5 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging.
It's important to keep in mind that the Bose headphones lack an auto-pause feature, which can lead to unnecessary battery drain if left playing music on a table or other surface. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000 XM5 headphones have a motion detection sensor that automatically pauses the music when not in use, making them a more practical option for those who value battery life.
In fact, our previous tests have shown that the Sony WH-1000 XM5 headphones lasted up to 30 hours. The Airpods Max, another ANC headphone option, lasts up to 22 hours, only slightly better than the Bose 700 headphones.
If you want to charge your Bose 700 headphones, simply connect the USB cable to the USB C port located on the right earcup. A white light on the right earcup will blink to indicate that charging is in progress. Once the charging is complete, the light will turn solid white. Moreover, the headphones come equipped with a voice prompt that informs you about battery status by indicating the remaining playtime, rather than the battery percentage.
While the Sony XM5 beats the Bose 700 in battery life, it's unlikely that anyone will wear headphones for 20 hours straight. During my testing, I found that the Bose 700 headphones lasted for a maximum of 12 hours, which is more than sufficient for practical use. Thus, while the Bose 700 headphones don't have better battery life than the Sony XM5, they are still a reliable option. I would rate them 8 out of 10 for battery life. What would be your rating?
Now let's see what the battery light indicates about the battery status.
- Solid white: Medium to full charge
- Solid red: Low charge
- Blinks red: Need to charge
- Blinks red and white: Error - contact Bose customer service
- Quickly blinks white: Updating headphones
FAQ
Does Bose 700 come with an airline adapter?
No, the package doesn't include an Airline adapter. You need to separately purchase it.
How to pair Bose 700 headphones with the mobile?
First, turn on the headphones with the button situated on the right earcup. then press and hold the power button for a few seconds so it will enter into pairing mode. Turn on the Bluetooth of your device. When you see the name Bose 700 on your mobile, touch it, and done.
Can Bose 700 headphones connect to the two devices simultaneously?
Yes, Bose 700 can connect up to two devices and you can switch between these two devices as per your need.