I used to be a convert to the Apple AirPods. I used to have a pair of Beats over-ear headphones, however as soon as the noise-canceling AirPods Professional got here out, I believed that over-ear headphones merely supplied squashed ears and one other huge case to hold in my already full baggage. After a few weeks of touring, overlaying north of 10,000 miles with the Bose 700 headphones, it turned obvious that my over-ear headphone stereotypes have been nothing greater than whole misconceptions, due to the plethora of high-tech options on these headphones.

At a considerably steep value (retailing for $379), right here’s what you’ll want to know in regards to the Bose 700 headphones.

What a traveler ought to search for in a very good pair of headphones

Let’s face it: All of us love encompass sound (which deepens the constancy of audio so it sounds extra pure) and noise-cancellation options that cut back exterior noise. However as good as these two options are, they’re not on the prime of my wishlist.

Wired and wi-fi connectivity

As a frequent traveler, I all the time wish to make sure that my headphones provide wired and wi-fi connectivity. That method, I can wirelessly use the headphones for audio on my telephone or laptop computer or use the wire to plug them into the seatback inflight leisure system. Whereas this isn’t a troublesome prerequisite to satisfy these days, as most headphones over $100 provide this, it’s nonnegotiable in any headphones I put money into.

Most notably, the Apple AirPods solely provide a connection by Bluetooth. Whereas some newer IFE programs provide Bluetooth audio, I’ve but to see this characteristic on any of my flights. So, when you’re simply touring with AirPods and wish to watch the films on the display screen in entrance of you on a aircraft, you’re prone to be caught with the crummy inflight earbuds the airways give you — if they provide them in any respect.

Sturdiness

I additionally wish to ensure that my headphones are sturdy. After I journey, my family and friends typically get a kick out of how a lot I squeeze into my backpack. Consequently, I’m in search of a powerful case that may hold the headphones protected when my 16-inch MacBook Professional is unexpectedly jammed again into my backpack on prime of my headphones after going by an airport safety checkpoint.

Painless calls

Lastly, I all the time search for a stable microphone that received’t choose up background audio. Let’s say your flight will get canceled and there’s an extended line to get rebooked. As I shared in a current article, getting by shortly to an airline agent is one of the best ways to get rebooked and be in your method. When calling your airline, the very last thing you need your agent to say is, “I’m sorry. I can’t hear you. There’s loads of background noise. Please name again.” That’s why a transparent microphone that doesn’t choose up background conversations or bulletins is particularly essential for vacationers.

Bose 700 options

Listed here are among the options of the Bose 700 headphones that I’ve grown to love.

Noise cancellation

After I let my tech-geek good friend know I’d be reviewing the Bose 700 headphones, he advised me that among the newer Sony headphones (just like the Sony WH-1000XM5) have higher noise cancellation. Although I’ve but to attempt the Sony headphones, the Bose 700 headphones’ noise cancellation impressed me.

You’ll be able to change noise cancellation from 1 (minimal) to 10 (most) by the Bose Music app. There’s additionally a bodily button on the aspect of the headphones, which may change the noise management, however extra on that later.

Going for a stroll on a busy avenue with vehicles driving round 30 mph round me, I used to be left listening to quiet wooshes as vehicles drove by me with the headphones on 10. On my American Airways flight, I performed some calm, quiet Spanish guitar music within the air. Whereas I might nonetheless hear some aircraft noises, the headphones blocked bathrooms flushing and neighboring passengers speaking. As we started our descent, the primary time I eliminated the headphones, I assumed to myself, “Wow, this aircraft is loud,” after being shocked by how a lot noise there was with out the headphones.

The Bose Music app

After unboxing the headphones, the directions advised me to obtain the Bose Music app (obtainable on iOS and Android). After downloading the app and allowing it to entry Bluetooth, I might shortly join my headphones to my telephone straight within the app. One in every of my favourite options of the headphones was the flexibility to hook up with each my telephone and laptop computer concurrently. That method, I didn’t need to manually change the audio connection between the 2.

It’s also possible to join your individual Bose Music login, however fortunately, having a Bose Music account isn’t required to make use of the headphones.

From the Bose Music app, you’ll be able to modify the noise cancellation and equalizer, see ideas, customise shortcuts and entry many extra options.

Intuitive controls

Controlling the headphones is easy with the three bodily buttons (energy/Bluetooth, voice assistant and noise management) and the touch-sensitive gesture pad. The headphones got here with a simple-to-use information that can assist you discover ways to use the controls on the best ear cup:

Whereas it wasn’t arduous to study these controls, they didn’t all the time work the primary time round. For instance, two faucets on the best ear cup didn’t all the time pause my music. I additionally had a tough time with the noise management button. Generally it was arduous to have the noise cancellation return to the utmost of 10, so I discovered myself utilizing my telephone and the Bose Music app to alter many of those controls.

A smooth design with two colour decisions

In my view, the Bose 700 headphones are lovely. They’re among the most trendy headphones available on the market. You have got the selection of both going with luxe silver or black. When folding the headphones again into their case, every ear cup rotates 90 levels to slot in simply. At round 9 ounces, I by no means felt like they have been too heavy, and the comfortable headband made for hours of comfy listening.

A protracted-lasting battery

Bose claims that the battery will last as long as 20 hours. In our assessments with blended use (telephone calls, full noise cancellation and shifting the headphones from laptop computer to iPhone and again), the battery lasted 12 hours and 35 minutes. Whereas that’s a far cry from 20 hours, after simply half-hour of charging from the USB-C wire (included within the headphones), the headphones have been again to 30% battery.

Backside line

The Bose 700 headphones have unparalleled craftsmanship and high quality; nevertheless, the elephant within the room is the hefty price ticket. Sony has a number of headphones for underneath $200, which provide nice sound high quality, higher battery life and high-quality noise cancellation. Nonetheless, the Bose 700 headphones provide superior consolation whereas ticking off all of the gadgets on my prolonged headphone wishlist. I wouldn’t hesitate to advocate them to a good friend.