Bose QuietComfort 3 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£310
  • Avg. price in US: ~$350
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Bose QuietComfort 3 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.7

Technical Score

20.0%

6.8

User score

Good
6.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.4

Sound

20.0%

3.2

Features

10.0%

8.0

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

5.3

Battery

4.0%

6.7

Calls & Controls

Good
6.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(70)
amazon
3.2
(58)
amazon
3.7
(38)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(70)
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(58)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(38)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 4.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    1.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort 3 (QC3) is a compact, on-ear wired headset featuring proprietary Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology designed to electronically identify and significantly reduce ambient sound. Weighing approximately 145 grams, these headphones offer a lightweight, padded design for extended travel comfort and include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing approximately 20 to 25 hours of use per charge. Key pros include high-performing noise reduction tailored for engine rumbles, balanced audio with clear lifelike sound, and a space-saving fold-flat design for portability. Notable cons include the requirement of battery power for any audio playback, a proprietary battery that must be charged externally, and potential long-term durability issues with the pleather ear pads.

Technical Specifications of Bose QuietComfort 3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.4

Sound

20.0%

3.2

Features

10.0%

8.0

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

5.3

Battery

4.0%

6.7

Calls & Controls

6.7
Bose QuietComfort 3 has a technical score of 6.7 points, which is higher than that of 79.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(70)
amazon
3.2
(58)
amazon
3.7
(38)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(70)
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(58)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(38)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.8
Bose QuietComfort 3 has a user score of 6.81 points, which is lower than that of 82% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
5.5
Bose QuietComfort 3 has a popularity of 5.5 points, which is higher than 54.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

7.4
Bose QuietComfort 3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 72.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Bose QuietComfort 3 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Bose QuietComfort 3 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Bose QuietComfort 3 uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Bose QuietComfort 3 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 3 supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 3 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Bose QuietComfort 3 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

yes
Bose QuietComfort 3 includes a boom microphone. 84.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Bose QuietComfort 3 supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 47.4% of headphones and equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bose QuietComfort 3 does not offer ambient sound mode. 76.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bose QuietComfort 3 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Bose QuietComfort 3 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

25 hours
Bose QuietComfort 3 offers battery life with ANC of 25 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 61.4% of headphones and equal to 4% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

2 hours
Bose QuietComfort 3 needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 48.5% of headphones and equal to 39.1% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bose QuietComfort 3 does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

200 mAh
Bose QuietComfort 3 has a battery capacity of 200 mAh, lower battery capacity than 95.9% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bose
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

145 g
Bose QuietComfort 3 weighs 145 g, lighter than 71.3% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Bose QuietComfort 3 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Bose QuietComfort 3 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bose QuietComfort 3 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose QuietComfort 3 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort 3 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 33.5% lower weight
    Bose QuietComfort 3 is lighter than the average headphone (145 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Bose QuietComfort 3 is lighter than the average headphone (145 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.145 g vs 218 g
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bose QuietComfort 3 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose QuietComfort 3 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose QuietComfort 3 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose QuietComfort 3 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Boom microphone included
    Bose QuietComfort 3 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
    What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
    When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose QuietComfort 3 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 33.5% lower weight
    Bose QuietComfort 3 is lighter than the average headphone (145 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Bose QuietComfort 3 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Removable battery
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose QuietComfort 3 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bose QuietComfort 3 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose QuietComfort 3 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Boom microphone included
    Bose QuietComfort 3 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 10 mm tighter earcup height
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 66.7% lower battery capacity
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (200 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 5 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 11 years older release date
    Bose QuietComfort 3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2006 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.
    June 2006
  • 10 mm tighter earcup height
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort 3 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.50 mm vs 60 mm
  • 66.7% lower battery capacity
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (200 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
    What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
    When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=720 mAh

    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (200 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.200 mAh vs 600 mAh
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Bose QuietComfort 3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).
    Bose QuietComfort 3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).£310 vs £90
  • 5 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
    When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >40 hours

    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.25 hours vs 30 hours
  • 11 years older release date
    Bose QuietComfort 3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2006 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.
    June 2006
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Bose QuietComfort 3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2006 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.2006 vs 2017
  • 17.5% lower user score
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.81 vs 8).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Bose QuietComfort 3 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.81 vs 8).6.81 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Bose QuietComfort 3 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Bose QuietComfort 3?

  • Excellent active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency engine rumbles during travel
  • Incredibly lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear due to soft ear cushions
  • Compact, on-ear design that is less bulky than previous over-ear models like the QC2
  • Includes a high-quality rechargeable lithium-ion battery and compact travel case
  • Attractive, premium build quality that feels well-manufactured

What customers dislike about Bose QuietComfort 3?

  • Headphones do not work at all without battery power (no passive mode)
  • High retail price compared to the overall audio performance
  • On-ear design can lead to sound leakage and less effective physical isolation than over-ear models
  • Audio quality is good but lacks the detail and high-end accuracy expected by audiophiles
  • Faux-leather material on ear pads and headband is prone to peeling and disintegrating over time

Expert reviews

R
reviewed.com
14/07/2011
Summary of the review
T
tomsguide.com
15/05/2014
Summary of the review
A
arstechnica.com
19/11/2006
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
22/10/2006
Summary of the review
A
av-magazin.de
date unknown
Summary of the review
H
hifitest.de
14/10/2009
Summary of the review
I
i-fidelity.net
date unknown
Summary of the review
A
avguide.ch
12/03/2007
Summary of the review
C
connect.de
12/02/2008
Summary of the review
M
maclife.de
01/10/2009
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
23/12/2013
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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