Bose QuietComfort 25 Vs 15: Which One Is Better?

When it comes to noise-cancelling headphones, Bose unquestionably sets the gold standard. The brand’s experience shines through in the creation of headphones that excel in both noise canceling and music quality.

The problem stems from the fact that regardless of the Bose headphones you choose, satisfaction is nearly guaranteed.

This extensive comparison seeks to address the Bose QuietComfort 25 Vs 15 dispute by analyzing all critical aspects required for smart headphone purchase. While both versions have advantages, they cater to different purposes.

Begin your journey into the complexities of these two headphones to make an informed decision that is precisely suited to your needs.

Bose QuietComfort 25 Vs 15: Which One Is Better? –  A Complete Guide

To begin, here’s a quick comparison of their essential specs. Take a look at the table below. Let’s get started with the design and construction comparison.

Specification

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 25	Bose QuietComfort 15
Connectivity Technology	Wired.	Wired.
Battery Type	Single AAA battery.	Single AAA battery.
Battery Life	35 hours.	35 hours.
Cable Length	1.42 m.	1.68 m.
Cable Type	3.5 mm.	3.5 mm.
Detachable Cable	Yes.	Yes.
In-line Remote/Mic	Yes.	Yes.
Weight	6.9 ounces.	7.4 ounces.
Dimension	2.5 x 5.88 x 9.38 inches.	8.5 x 8.75 x 2.75 inches.
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Bose QuietComfort 25	Bose QuietComfort 15
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Protective Case
Cable	Cable
Warranty Card	Warranty Card

Fit & Comfort

Bose’s devotion to comfort is evident across their headphone collection, and these two models are no exception.

You should expect a comfortable wearing experience regardless of your pick, but since our comparison tries to distinguish between them, there must be a standout. Let’s figure out which one it is!

Initially, donning the QC 15 may provide a sensation of comfort—soft earpads, a secure fit, and a pleasing head positioning.

However, after time, you will discover that continuous use is not as beneficial. Discomfort develops as a result of an unusual pressure sensation on the ears, making extended wear less than optimal.

Enter the Bose QC 25, which significantly increases the comfort factor. It is significantly lighter than the QC 15, and it provides comfort throughout use. The clamping force is just right, and even wearing them around your neck will not cause undue strain.

The large ear cups fit any ear size, which is comforting for individuals with larger ears. The ear pads’ combination of soft leather and memory foam gives a soothing, cushioned embrace.

The materials used to make the headbands differ as well. While the QC 15 depends on faux leather cushioning, the QC 25’s use of high-quality soft Alcantara fabric enriches the experience by providing a delightfully soft touch.

It’s difficult to describe the level of comfort because it must be experienced personally. Here, the clear winner emerges.

Now for the important question: How does the sound quality compare with these Bose headphones? I’ve painstakingly examined their aural qualities, and I’m thrilled to share my auditory experience with you all.

Design & Build

In terms of physical characteristics, both headphones have an appealing design with a shiny metallic finish on the outer ear cups.

Notably, the QC 15’s round ear cups have grown into the more fitting oval-shaped ear cups of the QC 25, which is a beneficial improvement for users of varied sizes. Bose resolved numerous issues reported by QC 15 users in the QC 25 model.

The new version has distinct marks to distinguish between the right and left ear cups, which eliminates the confusion of its predecessor. Furthermore, the QC 25’s folding flexibility is quite useful for travelers and those who are frequently on the move. 

Examining the cords, the QC 15’s appeared flimsy and prone to damage, in contrast to the QC 25’s tougher, thicker cord, which contributes to increased durability. In terms of appearance, the QC 25 beats over the Bose QC 15, exuding a sleek and professional demeanor that can match any outfit.

Although both headphones have their advantages, the QC 25’s finer features, such as designated ear cups and a superior cord, offer it a minor advantage.

However, design is only one component of the equation; comfort is also important. Let’s look at the comfort of these two headphones and see which one is more comfortable to wear.

Sound Quality

Both the QC 25 and QC 15 are recognized as industry pioneers, featuring some of the best audio performance available.

While the QC 25 is positioned as a successor to the QC 15, I wasn’t expecting a significant difference in sound quality between the two models. Nonetheless, when I listened to the same piece of music on both, I was startled by the discernible changes.

Bose has purposely designed these headphones with individual audio fingerprints, maybe to give each model a distinct personality.

The QC 15 delivers a slightly subdued presentation that is distinguished by a balanced and seamless aural landscape, resulting in a delightful listening experience.

The auditory spectrum maintains a harmonious equilibrium, free of any jarring or discordant elements—a seamless sonic synthesis.

The voyage through the lows, mids, and highs is unremarkable, with the bass existing without significance. The QC 15 reproduces sound with fidelity, replicating the purpose of the original recording. If you’re expecting a lot of bass, the QC 15 might not deliver.

The QC 25, on the other hand, shines in terms of sound quality, improving the listening experience. Each note is expertly caught, displaying a level of sharpness that increases the aural excursion.

However, the headset does not perform well in the high-frequency range. The highs lack definition, especially at higher volume levels.

Although there are instances of rapid transitions in the highs, the mid and lower registers retain a respectable clarity, making the QC 25 particularly ideal for genres such as acoustic, pop, jazz, indie, and other mellower musical forms.

Determining which headphone is preferable gets difficult because they all excel in different ways. The QC 15 has a significant edge in terms of bass power, making it perfect for bass-heavy genres. QC 25, on the other hand, appeals to the intricacies of jazz or independent music fans.

As a result, the final judgment is a tie, as neither headphone falls short in terms of audio quality; the decision is based on personal music preferences.

With this, I’ve attempted to excavate the various sound characteristics of these headphones, paving the way for an informed choice.

Now for the upcoming comparison, which will assess their noise-canceling abilities—a characteristic that is crucial to their design purpose. Which will win in this battle: the Bose QuietComfort 25 or the Bose QuietComfort 15?

Noise Cancellation

Bose has earned a reputation as a pioneering force in noise-canceling technology, a skill they have developed over years of innovation. The brand’s noise-canceling expertise is regarded as remarkable, establishing it as an industry leader in this arena.

While the QC 15 is credited with introducing noise-canceling to the market, it has been somewhat overshadowed by more superior successors such as the QC 25, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest noise-canceling headphones available on the market today.

The QC 25 thrives in highly noisy conditions. When the noise-canceling mode was activated, a staggering 85% of ambient noise was muffled, rendering the surroundings practically inaudible—only the beautiful strains from the headphones remained.

As a result, the QC 25 is unquestionably the winner in this area, cementing its dominance in the field of noise canceling.

Microphone or Call Quality

When it comes to call quality, the difference between the Bose QC 25 and QC 15 is small. Beginning with the Bose QC 25, I noticed that my speech projected with exceptional clarity to my companion, especially in noisy places like busy streets or near construction sites.

It expertly filtered out unnecessary sounds, offering a concentrated call experience. Similarly, the QC 15 presented phone calls with outstanding clarity on both sides.

Despite the commotion of a busy New York City street, the individual I spoke with noted that my voice came across as if I were close beside them, with the audio remaining loud and clear. 

Both headphones have equivalent recording quality, producing average results that might often come across as thin and muffled. Given their equivalent call quality, it’s fair to declare this round a tie. With this assessment completed, it’s time to look into the intricate specifics of their battery life.

Battery Life

The Bose QuietComfort 25 utilizes a different method than rechargeable batteries seen in devices such as the QC 35 II and Bose 700. Its active noise canceling feature is instead powered by a single AAA battery. This arrangement provides a great battery life of up to 35 hours.

The disadvantage is that there is no way to recharge the battery when it runs out. While the QC 25 allows you to continue playing music even if the battery dies, the active noise cancellation does not work without a charged battery. 

Notably, the QC 15 has the same 35-hour battery life on a single AAA battery, but it lacks the ability to play music or power ANC once the battery is depleted. Unlike the QC 25, the QC 15 requires a working battery to operate.

The Bose QC 25 outperforms the QC 15. It’s worth noting that the use of non-rechargeable batteries in these headphones may create problems in current times due to their inconvenience and environmental impact, which is something to think about.

Control System

Both headphones come with an audio cord that contains an inbuilt microphone and a three-button control.

However, one significant disadvantage is that their remote capability is geared toward Apple devices, which is a typical constraint encountered in many wired headphone remotes. When utilizing several Android phones with the QC 25, I discovered that the remote’s capabilities differed.

In some circumstances, I could adjust the volume, manage calls, and control playback, whereas in others, only the play/pause function worked. This pattern may be seen on the majority of Android devices. 

When coupled with an Android device, the QC 15’s remote allowed me to stop/play music and answer/decline calls, but it lacked volume control. Given this, their performance in this area is practically comparable, ending in a tie. Let’s look at their connectivity characteristics now.

Connectivity

Neither of the headphones has Bluetooth functionality; they can only be used in wired mode by attaching the 3.5mm cable to a compatible smartphone.

Notably, the QC 25’s cable has a 2.5mm micro connector on one end that fits into the headset, which is less common than the typical 3.5mm to 3.5mm cords. Given the trouble of obtaining a matching wire, Bose’s design choice is perplexing.

After we’ve gone over all of the relevant comparisons, it’s time to declare the winner of this head-to-head matchup.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

Many customers value the option to connect wirelessly and enjoy high-quality audio playback. The Bose QuietComfort 25 and 15 have their own options in this category.

The QC 25 does not support Bluetooth and relies only on a cable connection. The QC 15, on the other hand, lacks Bluetooth capability, limiting both versions to wired use.

However, it’s worth noting that, while both models include an audio cord with an inbuilt microphone and a three-button remote, the remote’s full functionality is largely intended for Apple devices.

Certain capabilities may not function properly when used with Android smartphones, providing room for improvement in terms of variety and platform compatibility.

App Feature

In terms of app features, the Bose QC 25 and QC 15 provide a fairly consistent experience. Neither model supports advanced app features such as equalization settings or modifications.

The Bose Connect app, which is primarily focused on device maintenance and software upgrades, doesn’t distinguish between these two models considerably.

This closeness of in-app offers supports the assumption that Bose may have chosen not to spend substantially on app features for these specific models.

As a result, anyone looking for deep customization, sound changes, or equalizer presets via the app may find themselves wanting more from both the QC 25 and QC 15.

Extra Feature

While both the Bose QC 25 and QC 15 have remarkable noise-cancelling capabilities, there are differences in their overall performance and supplementary functions. Beginning with the QC 25, this model excels in a variety of areas.

Its design features redesigned oval-shaped ear cups that provide comfort to users of all sizes. Furthermore, the QC 25 incorporates markers on the ear cups for easier identification, resolving a problem from the prior generation.

This edition also has active and passive noise reduction, which, when combined with a sturdier and more comfortable design, improves the whole listening experience.

Furthermore, the QC 25 has an exceptional battery life of up to 35 hours on a single AAA battery, enabling for extended use even in noisy surroundings.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Bose QuietComfort 25: Pros And Cons

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Bose QuietComfort 25: Pros And Cons

When comparing the Bose QuietComfort 25 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, consider the following pros and cons:

Which is the Winner?

According to the full comparison, the Bose QC 25 is the clear victor in a number of categories. Its enhanced noise-canceling technology, balanced sound profile, increased comfort, and sturdy design are significant improvements over the QC 15.

Furthermore, the ability to continue listening to music even after the battery has been exhausted is a huge benefit. Taking all of these considerations into account, I wholeheartedly recommend the Bose QuietComfort 25 over the QC 15.

After thoroughly examining their qualities, if neither of these options meets your needs, consider the alternatives listed in the next section.

Alternative Options

Consider the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Sony WH1000XM2 as suitable alternatives to the Bose QC 25 and 15.

The QC 35 II is an improved wireless version of the QC 25, with improved noise canceling and build quality. It can be used wirelessly or wired. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM2 has a vibrant sound profile with detailed music, as well as 30 hours of battery life and powerful digital noise cancellation technology.

It gives diverse noise reduction options with four noise-canceling modes to choose from. With this information in hand, it’s time to call this comparison a wrap.

Bose QuietComfort 25 Vs 15: Which One Is Better – FAQs

1. What are the key changes between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Bose QuietComfort 25?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bose QuietComfort 25 are both popular noise-cancelling headphones, but they differ in numerous crucial ways. The QC 35 II is a wireless variant that enables Bluetooth connectivity and includes features like Google Assistant integration.

In contrast, the QC 25 is a wired model that connects via a physical audio connection. When compared to the QC 25, the QC 35 II offers a more modern look, enhanced comfort features, and more app support.

2. Which model has stronger noise cancellation, the QC 35 II or the QC 25?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II features better noise cancelling than the QC 25. The QC 35 II has superior noise-canceling technology and provides configurable degrees of noise cancellation via its app.

While the QC 25 also provides effective noise cancellation, the QC 35 II’s technology is more advanced and gives somewhat better performance in blocking out ambient sounds.

3. Can I use the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC 25 for phone calls?

Yes, both the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC 25 have built-in microphones and can be used to make phone calls. They have superior noise-rejecting microphones that help improve call quality by eliminating background noise, making them suited for hands-free communication in loud locations.

4. Which is better for travel, the QC 35 II or the QC 25?

Because of their noise-canceling qualities, both the QC 35 II and QC 25 are suitable for travel. However, the QC 35 II has the advantage of wireless connectivity, making it more handy for usage on aircraft or when traveling.

The QC 35 II’s wireless functionality eliminates the need to deal with tangled connections, and its long battery life provides extended usage during long journeys.

5. How do the battery life of the QC 35 II and QC 25 compare?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II boasts a built-in rechargeable battery that delivers up to 20 hours of playback with noise canceling turned on.

The QC 25, on the other hand, runs on a single AAA battery and can provide up to 35 hours of listening with noise canceling enabled. While both models provide remarkable battery life, the QC 25’s use of disposable batteries may be less practical for some users than the QC 35 II’s rechargeable battery.

Final Thoughts

The decision between the Bose QuietComfort 25 and the Bose QuietComfort 15 is resolved by this exhaustive analysis, which aims to illuminate the differences between these two models. The comparison of the Bose QC 25 and QC 15 reveals that both headphones have admirable qualities.

The QC 25 improves on its predecessor, the QC 15, with refined looks, more comfort, and superior noise-canceling capabilities. Furthermore, the QC 25’s shift to wireless networking adds a level of convenience.

The QC 15, on the other hand, stands solid with its dependable noise cancellation and balanced sound profile.

Individual preferences ultimately dictate the choice between these two models, with the QC 25 catering to wireless connoisseurs seeking sophisticated capabilities and the QC 15 offering an affordable option for effective noise cancellation and music quality.

Investigate the data offered and make an informed decision based on your preferences. Here’s to a smooth ride with your chosen headset. Thank you very much.