Bose QuietComfort Headphones: How to Connect, Charge, and Control Them
Bose QuietComfort headphones deliver outstanding comfort and noise cancellation. Here is how to pair them, use the controls, and get the best sound.
At a Glance
Charge the headphones fully before first use
~21sPair the headphones with your phone
~38sQuick Tip
Bose headphones can pair with up to eight devices and actively connect to two at once. This means you can have them connected to both your phone and your laptop and audio will switch automatically when you start playing from either device.
Switch between noise cancellation and ambient sound
~23sDownload the Bose Music app
~29sUse the right earcup controls for playback
~38sQuick Tip
During a phone call, tap once to answer an incoming call and tap once again to hang up. You can speak normally into the integrated microphones. There is no need to hold the headphones or your phone.
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Bose QuietComfort headphones have been a gold standard in noise-canceling comfort for years. The name says it all — the headphones are designed to be the most comfortable pair you can wear for hours while blocking out the world around you. The current generation combines Bose's well-regarded noise cancellation with a modern USB-C charging system, long battery life, and the Bose Music app for deeper customization.
Bose offers several QuietComfort models. The QuietComfort 45 is the reliable, straightforward option. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones add immersive audio technology that creates a spatial sound experience. Both share the same basic setup process and control scheme, so these instructions apply to either model.
Battery life varies by model — the QC 45 provides up to 24 hours with noise cancellation on, while the QC Ultra provides around 24 hours as well. Both charge via USB-C and support quick charge: 15 minutes of charging provides about 3 hours of listening, which is useful when you are in a rush. The headphones can also be used in wired mode with the included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable when the battery is depleted.
Bose's noise cancellation approach is different from Sony's. Rather than multiple levels of adjustment, Bose uses a system called Aware Mode (ambient sound) and Quiet Mode (noise cancellation). The QuietComfort Ultra adds a middle setting called Immersion. The transition between modes is smooth and the headphones respond quickly when you switch.
One comfort advantage Bose consistently receives praise for is the earcup padding. The memory foam and plush leatherette material makes extended wear noticeably more comfortable than many competitors, particularly for people who wear glasses, since the earcups are soft enough to seal well without pressing hard against the frames.
Pairing with the Bose Music app lets you customize the noise cancellation experience, access an equalizer, and use the Self Voice feature, which mixes in some of your own voice during calls so you do not feel disconnected when speaking.
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