OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Bose QuietComfort SE Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:24 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Bose QuietComfort SE Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

80%

7.6

Technical score

20%

9.1

User score

★Better than 90% of headphones
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

52%

8.2

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

6.0

Connectivity

6%

6.1

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 86% of headphones
9.1

User score

User score
9.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 4,638 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 95% of headphones
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Bose QuietComfort SE

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

52%

8.2

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

6.0

Connectivity

6%

6.1

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

7.6
User score
User score
9.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 4,638 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.1
Popularity
Popularity
8.9/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Popularity:
Bose QuietComfort SE has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 84.7% of products in this category.
8.9
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

60%

7.9

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

8.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Driver size
40 mm
â–² Better than 29% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
â–² Better than 61% of models
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
4
Number of microphones
4
â–² Better than 88% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88% of headphones and equal to 5.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
Connectivity
wireless
â–² Better than 51% of models
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5.1
Bluetooth version
5.1
â–² Better than 84% of models
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5.1, newer Bluetooth version than 84% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
9 m
Maximum Bluetooth range
9 m
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 9 m, lower Bluetooth range than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Audio latency
270 ms
Audio latency
270 ms
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 270 ms, higher audio latency than 96.8% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
Multipoint support
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
EQ support
yes
â–² Better than 77% of models
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
Companion app
yes
â–² Better than 78% of models
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
24 hours
Battery life
24 hours
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 24 hours, lower battery life than 58.8% of headphones and equal to 3.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
24 hours
Battery life with ANC
24 hours
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 24 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 65.4% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
Charging time
2.5 hours
Charging time
2.5 hours
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 53% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
Quick charge
yes
â–² Better than 67% of models
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
750 mAh
Battery capacity
750 mAh
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 750 mAh, higher battery capacity than 71.9% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Bose
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
240 g
Weight
240 g
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 240 g, heavier than 57.6% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
3.6
Clamp force
3.6
â–² Better than 60% of models
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.6, lower clamp force than 60.4% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
Show more

Bose QuietComfort SE vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • LE Audio support
    Bluetooth LE Audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • 14% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bose QuietComfort SE
    the average pair of headphones
    Bose QuietComfort SE has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.12 vs 8.000).
    9.12 vs 8
  • 15.9% better value for money
    Bose QuietComfort SE has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (8.42 vs 7.3).
    8.42 vs 7.27
  • 52.3% more popular
    Bose QuietComfort SE is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.94 vs 5.9).
    8.94 vs 5.87
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Water resistance
    Water resistance
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • USB-C charging
    USB Type-C
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 29.3% higher battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    750 mAh
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (750 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    750 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • Rechargeable battery
    Has a rechargeable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • LE Audio support
    Bluetooth LE Audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • AptX Low Latency
    aptX Low Latency
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Low Latency, the average pair of headphones does not. 8% of headphones support aptX Low Latency.
  • AAC codec support
    AAC
    yes
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • Fast pairing support
    Fast pairing
    yes
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    Multipoint connections
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    4
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Sidetone
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Mute function
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Find-my-headphones feature
    Find my headphones
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This pair of headphones supports find-my-headphones features, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.7% of headphones support Find My Headphones.
  • 6 newer release date
    Release date
    2022
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2022 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2022
    2022 vs 2016
  • 120 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    270 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (270 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    270 ms vs 150 ms
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    2.5 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    2.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 6 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    24 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 10.1% higher weight
    Weight
    240 g
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    240 g vs 218 g
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    24 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 2x more expensive
    Bose QuietComfort SE is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 2x more expensive
    Bose QuietComfort SE is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 10.1% higher weight
    Weight
    240 g
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    240 g vs 218 g
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    Earcup inner width
    40 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <33 mm – >60 mm
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    2.5 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    2.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 6 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    24 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    24 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 120 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    270 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (270 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    270 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
areadvd.de
27/03/2023
Summary of the review
XXL REVIEW: Bose QuietComfort SE Headphones – Does this fairly priced Bluetooth ANC headset deliver across the board?
(Translated)Show original
T
test-achats.be
Date non spécifiée
Summary of the review
Bose QuietComfort SE Review - Testachats
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
02/03/2024
Summary of the review
Bose QuietComfort SE Headphones Lab Test - L'éclaireur Fnac
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
22/03/2023
Summary of the review
Test Casque Bose QuietComfort SE (QCSE) - Les Numériques(clubic.com) | 12 octobre 2022 | Test Bose QuietComfort SE : un excellent casque ANC vendu à u...
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
08/12/2023
Summary of the review
Bose QuietComfort SE Black - Maurice_1984 - Product reviews
(Translated)Show original
T
test-aankoop.be
19/04/2026
Summary of the review
Bose QuietComfort SE test and review - Testachats
(Translated)Show original
C
consumentenbond.nl
19/04/2026
Summary of the review
Bose QuietComfort SE - Test, Reviews & Prices
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 4,638 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Bose QuietComfort SE

  • World-class active noise cancellation (ANC) effective for travel and office use
  • Extremely comfortable, lightweight design suitable for long-term wear
  • Tactile physical buttons that are more reliable than touch controls
  • Strong multi-point Bluetooth connectivity for switching between devices
  • Rich, warm sound profile with clear vocals and adjustable EQ via the app
  • Fast charging capability (15 minutes of charging for 3 hours of use)

What we don't like about Bose QuietComfort SE

  • Subpar microphone call quality that can sound thin or 'muffled'
  • Comes with a soft carrying case which offers less protection than a hard shell
  • Occasional audio stutters or 'pings' when using multi-point pairing
  • High latency on PCs can cause audio/video sync issues
  • No IP rating for water or sweat resistance
  • Lacks advanced features like 'Auto-Pause' (wear detection) found on competitors

Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort SE is a specialized retail version of the QC45, featuring 40mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint connectivity, and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It offers a 24-hour battery life with USB-C fast charging that provides 3 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge, alongside high-fidelity audio supported by TriPort acoustic architecture and adjustable EQ via the Bose Music app. Its main characteristics include top-tier active noise cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes, a lightweight 240g foldable design, and physical button controls for reliable operation. Pros include its exceptional long-term comfort with plush synthetic leather cushions, excellent voice isolation for calls using four beamforming microphones, and a lower price point compared to the standard model. Cons include the lack of an IP rating for water resistance, the inclusion of a soft carry case rather than a protective hard-shell case, and the absence of on-ear detection to auto-pause music.

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