Is Bose QC25 wired or wireless?
Introducing the Bose QC25
The Bose QC25 are a popular set of noise cancelling headphones first released in 2014. They are an over-ear headphone model known for providing excellent noise cancellation and high-quality audio in a comfortable on-ear design.
The QC25 headphones utilize Bose’s proprietary noise cancellation technology to block out ambient noise and distractions. This allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in their audio content without being disturbed by external sounds. Reviews commonly praise the QC25’s impressive noise cancelling capabilities (Rtings, 2018).
In addition to stellar noise cancellation, the QC25 are also well-regarded for their sound quality. The headphones deliver clear audio with punchy bass, smooth mid-range, and crisp highs. Many audiophiles and critics consider the QC25 to be among the best sounding noise cancelling headphones available (Reddit, 2015).
With their combination of top-notch noise cancellation, audio fidelity, and comfortable design, the QC25 have become a very popular choice for everyone from travelers to commuters since their release.
Sources:
Rtings. (2018). Bose QuietComfort 25/QC25 Headphones Review. Retrieved from https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-25-qc25
Reddit. (2015). Bose QC25 – Overview. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/2yrtlo/bose_qc25_overview/
QC25 Connectivity Options
The Bose QC25 headphones come in both wired and wireless versions, giving users flexibility in connectivity. The original QC25 model is a wired headphone that connects via a 3.5mm audio cable. It does not have built-in Bluetooth capabilities.
Bose later released the QC25 in a wireless version as well, which allows you to pair the headphones to your device via Bluetooth. This gives you the freedom to move around without being tethered to your phone or music player by a cord. The wireless QC25 contains internal rechargeable batteries and uses Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity.
So in summary, the QC25 is available as both a wired headphone with a detachable audio cable or as a wireless headphone that can pair with devices via Bluetooth. This allows customers to choose the connectivity option that best suits their needs and usage.
Wireless Capabilities
Although the Bose QC25 headphones are wired by default, you can add Bluetooth capabilities by using an optional wireless adapter. For example, the Bolle&Raven Wireless Bluetooth Adapter allows the QC25 to wirelessly pair with mobile devices via Bluetooth connectivity.
Reviewers praise the wireless functionality enabled by adapters like these. The Bluetooth pairing works smoothly, with no major connectivity issues. Users report a wireless range of up to 30 feet from the audio source device before audio starts cutting out or dropping.
So while not natively wireless, the QC25 can be upgraded to effectively function as Bluetooth headphones when using a separate wireless adapter accessory. This gives listeners the flexibility to go cordless if desired.
Wired Functionality
The Bose QC25 headphones have the capability to connect via a wired audio cable, offering a more traditional way to listen without the need for batteries or Bluetooth. The QC25 comes with a removable audio cable that can be replaced as needed.
The wired functionality supports both 3.5mm and 2.5mm connection cables. The included cable has an inline remote and microphone for controlling music and phone calls when connected to compatible devices. This allows you to easily pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and take calls without having to touch your phone.
When powered on while connected via the audio cable, the QC25 still provides excellent noise cancellation to block out ambient sounds. This produces an immersive listening experience with deep, clear audio. The wired mode functions whether the headphones have battery power or not.
The wired connection of the QC25 provides high quality, reliable audio for listening to music, videos, games, and phone calls. It’s a convenient backup option if the batteries run out or if you prefer the direct wired approach over wireless in certain situations.
Noise Cancellation
One of the standout features of the Bose QC25 headphones is the excellent noise cancellation technology. Both the wired and wireless versions of the QC25 utilize advanced noise cancellation circuitry to block out ambient noise and distractions.
The noise cancellation works by using tiny microphones on the earcups to pick up low-frequency ambient noise around you. The headphones then produce an opposite audio signal to cancel out the ambient noise before it reaches your ears.
This active noise cancellation allows you to focus on your music or audio without being bothered by external noise from airplane engines, traffic, crowds, and other noisy environments. Users report the noise cancellation being extremely effective at blocking consistent low rumbles.
The noise cancellation feature requires power to work. On the QC25, it is powered by a single AAA battery in each earcup. The battery powers the noise cancellation circuitry but does not power the audio playback. With a fresh battery, Bose claims up to 35 hours of noise cancellation playback time.
Overall, the renowned noise cancellation abilities of the Bose QC25 headphones allow you to immerse yourself in your audio content, undistracted by the world around you.
Audio Quality
The Bose QC25 headphones deliver very good sound quality overall, with deep powerful bass and crisp, clear audio for music, movies, and phone calls 1. The headphones have an excellent bass response, with a low frequency extension down to 10Hz according to Rtings.com testing 2. This deep bass extension means you’ll be able to hear the full range without any lack or roll-off in the lowest notes.
Midrange and treble performance are also noteworthy, lending vocals, guitars, and other instruments a clean and accurate sound. The overall frequency response is quite balanced, without excessive boosts or dips in any range. Audio remains distortion-free even at loud volumes thanks to the efficient drivers and amplifier. Taken together, these factors make the Bose QC25 an excellent choice for all genres of music, audiobooks, videos, and phone calls.
Comfort and Design
The Bose QC25 headphones feature a lightweight and comfortable design perfect for long listening sessions. The earcups and headband are generously cushioned with soft synthetic leather, allowing the headphones to rest gently on the head without pinching. According to SoundGuys.com, “The Bose QC25 are comfortable and were one of the first great ANC headphones.”
Weighing only 6.9 oz, the QC25 won’t weigh down your head during extended wear. Rtings notes that “The thin, padded headband is covered in a fabric that matches the overall color scheme of the headphones.”
For portability, the QC25 fold up into a compact shape to easily fit into the included carrying case. Amazon says the “Distinctive design” folds down, making the headphones highly portable. The foldable design allows you to conveniently transport the headphones while traveling or commuting.
With plush earpads, a flexible headband, and foldable design, the Bose QC25 offer superior comfort and portability compared to many noise cancelling headphones on the market.
Accessories
The Bose QC25 comes with some handy accessories right in the box. It includes a sturdy carrying case to protect the headphones when traveling or storing them. The case has a hard outer shell and soft inner lining to keep the headphones safe from bumps and scratches.
It also comes with a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. The cable is detachable from the headphones, allowing you to connect the QC25 to your smartphone, laptop, or any device with a standard headphone jack.
For airplane travel, the QC25 includes an airline adapter. This allows you to connect the wired audio cable to airline entertainment systems that use double-pronged jacks.
For additional accessories, Bose sells replacement parts and cables on their website. You can find replacement ear pads, audio cables in different lengths, an extra airline adapter, and additional carrying cases in different styles and sizes.
Third party companies also make QC25 accessories like custom ear pads, decorative stickers, hard shell cases, and headphone cable organizers. So you have plenty of options to customize or accessorize your QC25 headphones.
Summary
The Bose QC25 headphones come in both wired and wireless versions. The wired QC25 connects via a standard 3.5mm audio cable, while the wireless version uses Bluetooth connectivity. Both models provide the same excellent active noise cancellation that Bose is known for, blocking out ambient noise very effectively. This makes the QC25 great for travel and commuting when you want to tune out background noise.
In terms of audio performance, the QC25 delivers clear audio reproduction and punchy bass. The sound signature is tuned more for consumers rather than audiophiles, providing an enjoyable listening experience for a variety of music genres. The headphones are also extremely comfortable, with plush earcups that fit securely over the ears. The lightweight design and soft padding allow you to wear the QC25 for hours without fatigue.
Overall, the Bose QC25 is an excellent pair of headphones whether you opt for the wired or wireless version. The combination of stellar noise cancellation, good sound quality, and superior comfort make these headphones a top choice for frequent travelers and commuters looking to block out distractions.
Where to Buy
The Bose QC25 headphones are available for purchase directly from the official Bose website as well as major authorized retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
The typical price range for a new pair of Bose QC25 headphones is $200 – $300 USD. However, you can often find discounted prices between $150 – $200 for refurbished or used models on sites like eBay and Amazon.
Bose offers free shipping and returns on orders placed through their website. Major retailers also typically have free shipping options and easy returns if purchasing the QC25 headphones online.