The Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones one of the latest models in the Bose QuietComfort range has yet again stepped up to the mark by significantly improving the popular QuietComfort brand

When it comes to Noise Cancelling Headphones for Frequent Flyers and Business Travellers the most well known name is Bose, for a start they introduced the first set of Active Noise Cancelling Headphones for Business Travellers the Bose QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones back in mid 2000, since this first set they have released two subsequent models, each with greatly improved noise cancellation capabilities and extra features to keep the most demanding business traveller happy.

Price: From US $349.95  

New features

The main features that can be seen in the QuietComfort 3 that distinguishes it from a set of QC 2s is the sets size, and the switch from a AAA type battery to a custom lithium-ion battery.

On the point of size as you can see from the comparison below the Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones are a fair amount smaller than the previous model, which for those business travellers who like to pack light this is a big bonus.

As for the custom rechargeable lithium-ion battery there are both advantages and disadvantages in Bose taking this option. The downside is that you need to maintain yet another battery and charger type; however the upside is that with this design Bose has been able to both extend the battery life of the set (around 20-25 hours) as well as dramatically reduce the size of these on ear headphones.

Performance

Noise cancellation wise the Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones are up there with the best and if not the best we have ever tested, the new noise cancellation implemented technology in the QC 3 set is outstanding taking this technology to the next level.

One note as this set is smaller than its predecessor it has a little less ear padding therefore the passive noise cancellation effectiveness is a less. Having said that this is only noticed when the Active Noise Cancellation electronics is turned off when switched on the newer noise cancellation technology shines through providing superior results.

One of the flights I tested this set on was particularly noisy, your typical mostly holiday maker flight with more than a few noisy kids, and even though this technology only cuts out repeating low frequency noise such as the drone of the engine and wind noise, it seamed to a great job with the higher frequency sounds, dulling them down and allowing me to some well earned rest.

Talking about performance the next point I should cover is sound quality, now Bose being Bose are renowned for their high quality gear and the QC 3 did not disappoint with near flawless sound from strong great quality low range bass up through to the high range.

Layout & Other Details

Layout of the Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones is fairly straight forward with the custom battery slots on the top part of the right ear cup and the power switch & Power/Noise Cancellation indicator light slightly lower on this same cup, with the audio cable plugging into the bottom of the left ear cup.

This set is silver in colour (sorry no other color options) and folds compactly into the 3 In by 8 In by 2 In (72mm by 213mm by 51mm) storage case.

What’s in the box?

Along with the set of Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling headphones in the box you will also find:

1 X lithium-Ion battery – rated 25 hours each that’s a lot of flying (Australian model has 2 X batteries)

1 X Battery Charger (with 6 plug adaptors for Australia/New Zealand, China, Europe, Korea, UK/Hong Kong/Singapore, USA/Japan)

1 X Case which holds all plugs adaptors, cords & battery charger

1 X 4.5 ft (137 cm) cable with 3.5 mm phono plug which plugs into Headphones (custom plug at headphone end)

1 X 5 ft (152 cm) extension cable (3.5 mm female phono one end to 3.5 male phono other end)

1 X ¼ inch Stereo phono plug adaptor

1 X 2 pin airline to phono adaptor

1 X User Manual

1 X Business Card holder

What we like:

• Noise Cancelling Effectiveness one of the best we have tested – Slip this set of Noise Cancelling Headphones on your ears and you will be in sound tranquillity rather than cabin class Chaos

• Sound Quality Sound Quality for this set is quite amazing producing awesome sound from low to high frequencies.

• Comfort is an important factor when selecting a good set of Noise Cancelling headphones and this set is up there with the best we have tested. You would be able to easily ware the Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones for the longest of long haul flights. Other sets we have tried they could not be worn for more than a few hours without feeling sweaty and sore

• Ease of Use  These headphones are very easy to switch on and off along with swap the battery while on your head.

• Custom battery and Battery Charger – As mentioned above this is either an advantage or disadvantage whichever way you look at it but for me a light set that lasts the distance is what I want.

What we dislike:

• Price The price is on the high side, but having said that you do get what you pay for and this is a top quality set.

• Noise Cancellation feature must be activated to listen to music (no bypass mode) and therefore if you ran out of batteries because you forgot to charge after your last long haul flight then you are out of luck.

Score 4.5/5

Final Word

As I have stated in my previous NC headphone reviews, I find it hard to sleep on an Aircraft at the best of times even business or first class, but with this set cabin noise and outside air noise is virtually eliminated allowing for a good sleep allowing you to arrive at your destination well rested.

Despite its few flaws this is a set that I am proud to own the Quality and Noise cancelling abilities of the Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones are second to none.

This is truly a high quality set in terms of noise cancellation, sound quality and design, which I and I know you, will take and use anywhere.  

If you do decide to by this set I highly recommend you also purchase an additional battery (Australian & New Zealand versions comes with additional batteries)

Price: From US $349.95