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Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 Review
August 4, 2021 *
For almost 60 years, Bose has been a leader in the audio equipment market. The manufacturer of choice for many audiophiles continues to see off even the stiffest of competition. Bose’s products consistently outperform those from newer brands like Beats by Dre, Jaybird, Raycon, and Skullcandy.
However, their equipment comes at a cost, and the company’s Bose 700 model wireless, over-ear headphones with controllable noise canceling are no exception. Priced at $379, the reality is that they’re up to $100 more expensive than some of their closest competitors.
But are they worth it? Briefly taking affordability out of the equation, there’s some great news: Bose’s Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are very, very good. Price aside, there’s almost nothing to fault.
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
Bose’s 700 model wireless headphones have been around for a while now. A sticking point has always been their high price. Although they cost between $50 and $100 more than various alternatives, customers regularly purchase this model. Their popularity is a testament to what they offer to more discerning music fans. In addition, there’s something else now working in their favor.
Apple has subsequently released AirPods Max cost $549 – which is a $170 premium over the Bose option. In comparison, Bose’s 700 wireless headphones appear more affordable. The considerably more expensive Apple alternative has found itself on the receiving end of criticism.
Features
First impressions out of the way, Bose’s Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are immediately impressive. Features include:
- Controllable noise canceling
- Simple touch controls
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Built-in voice commands
- 20-hour battery life
In fact, the list goes on somewhat, also extending to a choice of colors, a hard carry case, support for Alexa and Google Assistant, USB-C charging, the inclusion of a 42-inch audio cable, and more.
Traditionally, Bose headphone products have been all about providing an unparalleled experience when listening to music. At the same time, hardcore audiophiles aren’t typically shopping for wireless solutions. Instead, those seeking the absolute best audio experience are still very much fans of traditional wired connections.
The company, it seems, is well aware of this. Accordingly, Bose’s Noise Canceling Headphones 700 caters nicely to a wider market beyond just avid music fans. With outstanding voice pickup, they’re also ideally suited to making and taking calls.
As video conferencing and Zoom meetings become the norm, the Bose 700s transition nicely into professional environments. Equally suited to both entertainment and work, their $379 cost starts to feel more justifiable.
Sound Quality
Outstanding sound quality is almost a given with any Bose product. It’s unsurprising, then, that the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 outperform just about every other wireless headphone choice out there.
More work-focused than many past Bose models, the excellent sound quality on offer extends to other applications, too. For example, hands-free calls have rarely been crisper, even on more costly wired alternatives.
With that, the Bose 700s have the power to turn any space into the perfect place to listen to music or get work done. With controllable noise canceling a further major selling point, they’re also great for simply shutting out the world for a while when it’s time to relax.
Usability
Intuitive controls make the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 a breeze to use. Buttons on either side manage power and noise cancellation, plus options for launching Spotify and a choice of digital assistants.
There’s also a touch panel that further controls play, pause, volume, and call answering. This functionality means that it’s rarely necessary to reach for a connected device.
With up to 20 hours of juice on a single charge, their battery life is highly impressive as well. In comparison, even with their $170 premium and weighing considerably more, Apple has still only been able to squeeze the same battery life out of its 50 percent heavier AirPods Max.
With noise cancellation placed front and center, buyers also get a total of 11 levels of adjustment in this regard, allowing them to dial in precisely how much of the outside world to let through.
Furthermore, while Bose has never been about fashion in the way that brands like Beats by Dre and Skullcandy are, the design of the 700s is both slick and attractive.
Elsewhere, the accompanying Bose Music app is packed with features and adds an extra degree of usability.
Final Verdict on the Bose Headphones 700
All in all, the Bose 700s are a costly proposition, but one that’s hard to beat when it comes to wireless headphones. If buyers use them for both work and pleasure, their $379 retail price is undoubtedly easier to swallow. Still, even purely as a means of enjoying music, they remain largely beyond comparison in terms of true wireless listening.
Bose’s excellent build quality also helps its 700 model wireless, over-ear headphones feel every inch the premium product. However, like most tech, they’re only ever a drop or a liquid spill away from a potential disaster. Thankfully, buyers report their Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 holding up well, but if something does go wrong, they’re an expensive piece of kit to repair or, heaven forbid, replace.
Bose Headphones Warranty Protection
An extended headphone warranty is always a good idea. Available via a Bose Extended Protection Plan, three-year coverage including accident protection costs $65.99.
Alternatively, buyers can save over 30 percent by choosing Upsie. A three-year Bose headphone warranty from Upsie is around a third cheaper than a policy from the manufacturer and offers comparable or superior coverage.
Benefits of Upsie’s headphone warranty packages include protection against manufacturing defects, mechanical failures, drops, spills, liquid submersion, and issues with sound volume, quality, controls, and microphones.
Local repairs are included, or customers can also choose to ship in faulty or damaged headphones for Upsie to take care of directly. They’ll then be fixed and returned to you via free two-day shipping.
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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.