Noise Cancellation or Sound Quality

No other headphones at this price point can compare with the noise cancellation of the Bose QC-15s. If eliminating outside noise is what is important to you, this is what you should buy. Period.

But the Bose QC-15's sound quality can't compete with many other noise cancelling headphones at this price point.

Do a side-by-side test with the Sennheiser PXC-450 or Beats by Dre Studio in a reasonably quiet room, and the difference is startling. The Bose sound almost weak and tinny by comparison. They don't come near the rich, driving sound of the other headphones. It makes you wonder why the hell they cost $300.

Now go sit in your car, tune the radio to a static-filled station, and crank it up loud. Plug the Beats into your iPod and listen. You'll have to really turn up the volume to drown out the car radio noise. Same with the Sennheisers. The Bose's noise cancellation, however, will block out most of the static, allowing you to listen to your music at a comfortable volume. Now you know why they cost $300.

I did exactly that, using some headphones from friends, and the results convinced me to keep my recently-purchased QC-15s.

Not that the Bose sound bad. They're completely adequate, albiet lacking a bottom end and exaggerating some of the highs. But that price tag goes toward noise reduction, not $300-quality sound.

They're also extremely comfortable. I wear mine for up to six hours at a time with no discomfort. I love them, but I use to them block out server room noise at work and to get some quiet when traveling by plane or train.

If I was using them at home or in situation where I required some, but less, noise cancellation, I would opt for the Beats or Sennheisers.

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