The Bose QuietComfort se headphones alternatives line of headphones and earbuds are renowned for their excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities and comfortable over-ear or in-ear design. However, Bose products also come at a premium price point.
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If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives to the popular Bose QuietComfort models that still deliver great sound quality and noise cancellation, there are plenty of excellent options available on Amazon.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best Bose QuietComfort alternatives across various form factors that you can order today from Amazon in the United States, Canada or Australia.
Overview of Key Features to Look for
When evaluating alternatives to choose from, keep these key factors in mind:
- Active Noise Cancellation: Also known as ANC, this electronically cancels out ambient environmental noise to enhance your audio experience. The level of noise reduction varies across models.
- Sound Quality: Well-tuned drivers and audio components that reproduce clear mids/highs and full bass are vital. Codec support like aptX is also useful.
- Comfort: Over-ear cushions or eartips should form a comfortable seal without being too tight. Comfort is critical for long listening sessions.
- Battery Life: While listening time can vary based on volume and ANC use, 8+ hours is ideal for wireless over-ear models. More budget-friendly options may have shorter battery life.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0+ with support for the best wireless audio codecs. Some include wired options as well.
With these key factors and your budget in mind, let’s dive into the top alternatives across form factors.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Top Bose QuietComfort 45 Alternative
Features:
- Class-leading ANC with updated processors
- 30 hour battery life (ANC on)
- LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codec support
- Precise sound managed by Integrated Processor V1
- Speak-to-chat and adaptive sound control
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $348 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$449 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$549 on Amazon.com.au
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the direct upgrade pick for Bose’s flagship over-ear active noise cancelling headphones, the QuietComfort 45.
It edges out even Bose’s renowned noise cancellation with the new Integrated Processor V1 powering improved algorithms. The sound profile is also highly customizable on the Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ presets and 360 Reality Audio tracks.
Comfort levels are fantastic as well thanks to the soft fit leather with light clamping force. For over $100 cheaper than Bose, they are the best premium wireless headphones you can get.
2. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 – Budget Bose QuietComfort 45 Alternative
Features:
- Up to 40 hour playtime with ANC on
- Customized EQ via app
- Decent active noise reduction
- Multipoint Bluetooth connections
- Affordable sub-$100 price point
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $79.99 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$99.99 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$138 on Amazon.com.au
If you want noise cancellation capabilities without the premium price tag, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones deliver excellent value.
Battery life reaches an impressive 60 hours without ANC or 40 hours with it enabled. Sound customization is available through the mobile app with over 22 EQ presets.
ANC won’t be as effective as the Sony or Bose models. But for under $100, sound and comfort quality punches well above its weight. It’s among the best budget alternatives out there.
3. Cleer ENDURO 100 – Long Battery Life Bose Alternative
Features:
- 100+ hour battery life
- Solid noise isolation
- Durable, sweatproof design
- Deep bass response
- Reasonable $150 price point
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $149 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$179 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$219 on Amazon.com.au
The Cleer ENDURO 100 wireless headphones don’t have active noise cancelling features. But what they lack in ANC, they more than make up for in marathon battery life.
You can expect over 100 hours of listening time on a single charge. IPX5 waterproofing also makes them perfect for workouts and running.
Pair that extreme battery performance with deep punchy bass and decent passive noise isolation. If you want long wireless playback for travel instead of noise cancellation, ENDURO 100 is a compelling choice with amazing value.
4. Shure AONIC 50 – Premium Bose 700 Headphones Competitor
Features:
- Best-in-class audio resolution
- Advanced noise cancellation
- Customizable via app
- Premium design and build
- Integrated Bluetooth 5.0
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $349 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$449 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$649 on Amazon.com.au
Consider the Shure AONIC 50 wireless headphones if you want upgraded audio performance from Bose’s 700 ANC model.
These premium cans deliver expansive spatial audio with rich textured bass and sparkling treble.ANC depth matches Bose’s performance as well.
While more expensive than Bose, the polished metal and leather build screams luxury. It’s also comfortable for hours long listening sessions.
If stellar wireless sound quality with noise cancellation is your top priority, the Shure AONIC 50 won’t disappoint.
5. Cowin SE7 – Best Budget Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Alternative
Features:
- Active noise cancellation
- Up to 30 hours battery with case
- IPX5 sweat resistant
- Multiple EQ sound modes
- Cost under $60
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $59.99 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$69.99 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$89 on Amazon.com.au
Among budget wireless earbuds with noise cancelling, the Cowin SE7 punches way above its ultra affordable price point.
You get up to 8 hours playback on the buds themselves or 30 hours total including the charge case. Sweatproof protection also makes them ideal for workouts.
While noise cancellation and sound quality obviously won’t compete with premium true wireless earbuds, they work very well considering the sub-$60 pricing. The different EQ modes help tune the sound profile too.
For occasional everyday listening rather than audiophile-grade performance, SE7 earbuds deliver excellent value similar to Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
6. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX – Stylish Bose 700 On-Ear Alternative
Features:
- Luxurious leather and aluminum design
- Adaptive active noise cancellation
- App support and one-touch control
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio
- 35 hours battery life per charge
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $399 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$549 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$699 on Amazon.com.au
The luxurious Beoplay HX headphones from Bang & Olufsen are a sleek yet effective alternative for the Bose 700 headphones.
Crafted with premium materials like real lambskin leather and aluminum, it looks and feels like a high-end pair of headphones. Features are robust too including Dolby Atmos support, 35 hours battery life, adaptive ANC, and convenient app control.
Audio quality aims for a well-balanced sound signature that should satisfy most listeners rather than 55 competing. Still, at $150+ cheaper than Bose, they deliver similar capabilities with upgraded style and design.
7. 1MORE EVO True Wireless Earbuds – Feature-Packed Bose Rival
Features:
- Hybrid dual driver system
- ANC and transparency modes
- EQ and sound presets
- 28 hours total battery life
- Qi wireless and wired charging
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $169 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$198 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$299 on Amazon.com.au
As an alternative to Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II, consider 1MORE’s EVO true wireless model if you want more features and customizability.
The dynamic + balanced armature driver setup within each earbud delivers detailed treble and rich bass reproduction aided by an in-app equalizer and presets. You get both ANC and transparency modes as well to optimize noise reduction or let ambient sound in.
With 7 total hours battery life from the buds themselves or 28 hours with the wireless charging case, it beats Bose’s 24 hour max total rating. Lots of value gained for under $200.
8. Marshall Monitor II ANC – Rocking Bose 700 Alternative
Features:
- Iconic Marshall amp design aesthetics
- 30+ hours battery life
- Analog tactile controls
- Custom sound via mobile app
- Improved active noise cancelling
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $249 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$329 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$429 on Amazon.com.au
Lovers of rock and roll style should consider the slick Marshall Monitor II ANC as a fun alternative to the Bose 700.
The iconic Marshall amp cloth and analog controls carry a retro yet premium vibe. You can also customize sound via the app with various EQ presets or save your own profiles.
Of course, being from an audio brand, sound quality aims for exciting yet balanced audio well-suited for rock/pop genres. For $100+ less than Bose 700 cans, they make a fine wireless ANC choice.
9. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 – Sophisticated Bose 700 Rival
Features:
- Metallic and leather luxury design
- Adaptive noise cancellation
- AptX Adaptive codec support
- 30+ hour battery life
- Smooth detailed sound
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $349 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$479 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$549 on Amazon.com.au
For sophisticated style and sound as an alternative to the Bose 700, consider Bowers & Wilkins’s flagship PX7 wireless ANC headphones.
Crafted using premium metals and leather in a gorgeous design, it exudes luxury tuned for audiophile-grade performance. Sound quality aims for well-balanced with smooth detailed treble and tight bass aided by Qualcomm’s high-quality AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec.
The excellent companion app lets you tweak noise cancelling levels on the fly. Battery life also hits a respectable 30+ hours for full day usage.
If you want prestige aesthetics and sound capabilities from your Bose 700 alternative, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 delivers.
10. Philips PH805 – Top Value Bose QC45 Alternative
Features:
- Over 30 hour battery life
- Comfortable memory foam cushions
- Precise active noise cancellation
- Tight bass and crisp treble
- Less than $150 price point
Price:
- 🇺🇸: $141 on Amazon.com
- 🇨🇦: CA$189 on Amazon.ca
- 🇦🇺: AU$219 on Amazon.com.au
Rounding off our list is an ultra affordable sub-$150 over-ear ANC option from respected audio maker Philips – the PH805 wireless headphones.
It provides excellent battery life up to 30 hours for all-day power. Sound quality aims for a lively exciting profile tailored towards pop music genres with punchy bass and bright treble. Add great comfort from the memory foam ear cushions seals the deal.
For almost $200 less than the Bose QC45 flagship, the Philips PH805 cans supply almost as good performance for much cheaper. Casual listeners get plenty of value here.
Key Takeaways: Great Bose Alternatives Available for Less
Bose undoubtedly makes some of the best noise cancelling headphones and earbuds you can buy today. However, the luxury audio brand also charges a premium price for their renowned models like the QuietComfort 45 and 700 over-ear headphones.
Thankfully, the alternatives above prove you can get excellent ANC and sound quality for music & calls for cheaper from other respected audio brands. Options across budgets and form factors exist like the 1MORE EVO earbuds or Cleer ENDURO 100 headphones costing