Bose reveals new flagship 700-series noise cancelling headphones
By James Fordham, June 1 2019
Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II noise-cancelling headphones have long been a must-pack in the serious business traveller’s carry-on kit, remaining a firm favourite of road warriors since 2017.
But recently, we’ve seen the status quo challenged with serious competition from other brands, which has been turning Bose loyalists to competitors.
Bose has hit back with today’s announcement of the new Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.
While it may not be the catchiest name, it’s a clear signal that this isn’t just an incremental improvement on the previous QuietComfort product range – instead, Bose promises that this is an all new product that improves on the offerings of the QuietComfort 35 II with new features and better sound quality.
.jpeg)
How they work
At the heart of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are microphones that are placed both inside and outside the earcups. Feeding this data into an electronics system, the 700’s mcirophones measure and react to sound in your environment to produce the opposing cancellation signal and deliver it near-instantly.
Of course, the QuietComfort 35 II has already proven its chops when it comes to active noise cancellation, and Bose concedes that the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 only offer “slightly better” noise reduction than the QuietComfort 35 II.
The new 700s also offer 4 microphones dedicated to voice-pickup – these automatically isolate your voice from competing noises so that you can take a call or give instructions to your voice assistant with ease.
There’s also a new touch interface, which means you can use gestures to control the headphones and manage content.
Bose claims that the battery life is up to 20 hours, and the 700s require 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery – but there is a quick charge option that will net you 3.5 hours of use when you charge the headphones for 15 minutes.
Weighing in at 0.56lbs (~254 grams) for the headphones and 177 grams for the carrying case, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 still retain the portability of their predecessor – but unfortunately it doesn’t seem as though they will retain the same price point.
Australian pricing is yet to be revealed, but US pricing is $50 higher than the QuietComfort 35 II’s at $399.95 (~AUD $580).
Pre-orders are open on the Bose website now, with a ship date of June 30 2019.
James has been interested in aviation ever since his first flight. When he’s not travelling, he’s still on the road indulging his motoring hobby, or trying a new whisky.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Mar 2018
Total posts 16
Damn you Bose!!
Qantas - Platinum One
18 Jan 2011
Total posts 82
They have also announce new in-ear headphones which are noise cancelling and totally wireless (scroll down - it lists the headphones then the earphones)
10 Jul 2017
Total posts 32
$580, thats a lot
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Aug 2017
Total posts 116
Good to see a upgrade the 35’s while still a solid set of headphones have been getting left behind by others lately as per the article.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 320
I need a new set and like Bose but until they address the padding falling to bits within a couple of years I think I will move to an in ear style.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
you could always just...i dunno...replace the pads
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Oct 2015
Total posts 4
Mine have started doing this - all of the glue is separating. Very frustrating!
05 Dec 2018
Total posts 146
The design looks like free headphones your get on the plane. If they don’t look good on the models, good luck for normal people.
17 Sep 2018
Total posts 5
I will stick to my Sony WH1000s for now unless Bose has improved their sound quality (which I personally found lacking)
05 Dec 2018
Total posts 146
Same here the Sony 1000 series are fantastic.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Feb 2016
Total posts 8
Purchased the 35's for myself a couple of months ago.... hubby found them.... now in his carry on. So looks like I need to buy another set for me.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 Mar 2015
Total posts 53
How do they fold? and hope that are as comfortable as QC35
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Dec 2016
Total posts 16
I have had my Bose 35's first series for over 3 years and just love them my partner has series two and didn't belive how good they were till they tried them now a dedicated fan
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
21 Mar 2018
Total posts 6
That will mean more bargain value for qc35 Mark 2. They were selling 6 months ago for just over $300 on either amazon or eBay
20 Sep 2017
Total posts 5
I won't replace my Senheiser PXC550 with anything else (except maybe the Senheiser Momentum ear buds - when the price comes down). Nothing comes close to the audio quality of these in terms of noise cancelling headphones (I've tried the Bose, Sony and even B&O).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Jun 2019
Total posts 1
Did some research & recently bought some PXC550 on Amazon Auz for $265. My older Bose's were very good but a recent trip to the UK with the Senheiser's provided 40 hrs use and they are awesome. :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 117
OMG! Went to the Bose website to check if they had a new In-the-ear noise cancelling headphones. Found the QC2 in rose gold! Now I can match everything 🤣
Etihad - Etihad Guest
22 Jun 2019
Total posts 1
Does anyone when they are available for preorder in AU? Haven’t seen them on the AU Bose page or anywhere else...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Feb 2016
Total posts 1
Just read a review on ‘What Hi-Fi’ that cites a UK release date of 11 July, so perhaps thereafter. I’ve sent off a question to Bose this morning as to when they will be released to the Australian market.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
30 Jun 2019
Total posts 1
I have to say Sony has converted me away from the BOSE
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Bose reveals new flagship 700-series noise cancelling headphones