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Bose Headphones 700
Over-Ear Wireless ANC

Bose

Headphones 700

The gold standard for office calls, but a sterile experience for audiophiles.

2019Updated Jul 2026

At a Glance

The Bose 700 remains the premier choice for professionals who prioritize microphone isolation and voice clarity during calls in noisy environments. Its noise cancellation effectively silences low-frequency drones, making it a reliable travel companion despite its inability to fold.

Audiophiles should look elsewhere as the sound signature is frequently described as flat and uninspiring. Long-term users also report significant battery degradation and connectivity glitches when paired with multiple devices, suggesting its value diminishes over time.

Pros
  • Unparalleled microphone noise suppression for calls
  • Top-tier ANC performance against low-frequency drones
  • Modern, durable stainless steel headband design
  • Reliable touch controls in various weather conditions
Cons
  • Sterile and unexciting sound profile
  • Mediocre 20-hour battery life that degrades over time
  • Non-folding design limits portability
  • Finicky multi-device Bluetooth connectivity

Source Breakdown

Compare scores and insights across source types

Reddit Sentiment

Analyzed 20 threads & 53 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
70
Best Quote

"The NC 700 didn't let through much wind noise but its ANC basically turned off in the presence of wind."

While generally praised for its effectiveness, particularly against droning noises, users note that the ANC struggles significantly in windy conditions and lags behind newer competitors.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
45
Best Quote

"The Bose 700s have possibly the most detailed sound of the three. However, I personally didn't care for it, because it sounded too "sterile"/"boring" and I couldn't find any EQ setting that could change that."

The sound quality is frequently described as sterile, boring, or lacking excitement, with some users finding it inferior to competitors even after EQ adjustments.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
75
Best Quote

"I personally find the NC700 to feel lighter on my head, while the 1000XM5 strikes a balance where it clamps hard enough to feel secure but not so hard like the APM that it feels uncomfortable."

Comfort is generally good, with many users finding them light and comfortable for extended wear, though some note shallow earcups and a tighter clamp than older models.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
40
Best Quote

"I love my 700s unfortunately the battery life is just not good enough after two years of constant usage. After a few hours usage the battery has depleted quite a lot."

Battery life is a consistent complaint, with users reporting significant degradation over time and finding it insufficient for a full day's use, especially compared to newer models.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
70
Best Quote

"The build quality of the NC700s is way ahead of the Ultras in my view."

Build quality is generally seen as good, with many users preferring it to newer Bose models, though some note minor issues like scratch marks or less premium materials compared to top-tier competitors.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"The noise suppression on the 700 mic’s is unparalleled- I can do anything, vacuum, run a faucet, play music or have people talking in the background and the person I’m talking to on the call has no idea."

The call quality and microphone performance are consistently highlighted as exceptional, with users praising the noise cancellation for calls even in noisy environments.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
45
Best Quote

"The NC700s cut out when using two Bluetooth devices."

Connectivity is a point of contention, with users experiencing issues switching between devices and occasional Bluetooth glitches, though the touch controls are sometimes appreciated.

Editorial News

Analyzed 10 major publications

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
95
Best Quote

"In every way, the Bose NC 700 are the best noise-canceling headphones on the market."

Reviewers consistently praise the noise cancellation as top-tier, with multiple sources calling it 'magnificent,' 'superb,' and 'best-in-class,' effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
65
Best Quote

"It’s a giant truckload of meh. It makes a half-hearted attempt to emphasise detail, with slightly forward highs and prominent mids."

While some find the sound detailed and balanced, others describe it as 'dull,' 'meh,' or lacking excitement, with a preference for competitors like Sony for a more lively or detailed audio experience.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
85
Best Quote

"With a featherweight frame and cushy, leatherette ear pads, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are supremely comfortable."

The headphones are generally described as comfortable for extended wear due to plush earcups and a lightweight frame, though some note a slightly tighter clamp force than competitors.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
55
Best Quote

"The 700's 20 hours of battery life is good, but not great."

The 20-hour battery life is considered adequate but falls short of competitors, with some reviewers noting it's not class-leading and may require charging on longer trips.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
70
Best Quote

"Unfortunately, the feel in hand is less premium than the price tag would suggest."

The design is praised for being sleek and modern, but the predominantly plastic construction is noted as feeling less premium than the price suggests, with some minor concerns about durability.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"The 700s don't stop at besting Sony's with passable call quality; rather, they set a new standard with vocal clarity that's far better than any headphones we've heard before."

The call quality is consistently highlighted as a major strength, with reviewers calling it 'best-in-class' and noting exceptional vocal clarity even in noisy environments.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
80
Best Quote

"The new touch controls are the best I’ve used on any headphones, and worked reliably even in inclement weather..."

Features like adjustable ANC levels, responsive touch controls, and multi-point connectivity are well-received, though the Bose Music app is criticized for lacking advanced features like EQ, and PC connectivity can be buggy.

YouTube Creators

Analyzed 15 detailed reviews & 257 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
90
Best Quote

"The noise canceling is awesome and the sound quality is such an improvement compared to the QC."

Users consistently praise the Bose 700's noise cancellation as outstanding, with many stating it's among the best available.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
65
Best Quote

"The sound can be best described as pleasant for normal, modern music. Highs, mids, lows...everything is balanced."

While some users find the sound quality pleasant and balanced, many feel it's not exceptional for the price and can be surpassed by competitors, though EQ updates have improved it for some.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
55
Best Quote

"The 700s do clamp your head slightly tighter, but if you wear glasses, this drastically improves the noise cancelling."

Comfort is a divisive point; while some find them very comfortable and lightweight, others report issues with clamping force, especially when wearing glasses, and find them less comfortable than predecessors or competitors.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
50
Best Quote

"Ive had my NC 700 headphones for 3 years and they still work perfectly besides only holding 16 hours of charge."

Battery life is mentioned as adequate but not outstanding, with some users noting it holds a charge well over time, while others mention it only holding around 16 hours.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
85
Best Quote

"I bought the NC700 because it's a much higher build quality than all of them, USBC, and because it's the newest."

The build quality is generally perceived as high, with users appreciating the modern design and materials, though some express concerns about potential fragility of certain parts.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"The Bose 700 are great and really standout when making phone calls."

Call quality and microphone performance are consistently highlighted as a major strength, with users reporting crystal clear voice transmission even in noisy environments.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
60
Best Quote

"Trying to get used to the touchpad and understand how exactly the connection works though, sometimes its confusing."

Features like touch controls are polarizing, with some finding them intuitive and others frustrating, and connectivity issues like Bluetooth pairing problems are noted, though app updates have improved some aspects.

The Professional's Silence

The Bose Headphones 700 represent a pivot from the classic QuietComfort aesthetic toward a sleek, stainless-steel silhouette. While tech blogs initially hailed the design as a futuristic leap, long-term users on Reddit and YouTube have identified a clear functional divide. The hardware is built for the boardroom, not the recording studio. Its primary triumph is an eight-microphone system that isolates the user's voice with surgical precision.

As one YouTube reviewer noted:

The Bose 700 are great and really standout when making phone calls.

Initial Impressions vs. Long-Term Reality

Professional reviewers initially awarded the Bose 700 high marks for its "magnificent" noise cancellation and premium feel. However, the long-term data from owners reveals a different story regarding endurance. While the ANC remains effective against constant hums, Reddit users report that the system struggles significantly with wind noise, sometimes cutting out entirely. Furthermore, the 20-hour battery life—already trailing behind Sony’s 30-hour standard—tends to dip toward 16 hours after two years of consistent use.

One long-term owner highlighted this frustration:

I love my 700s unfortunately the battery life is just not good enough after two years of constant usage.

The Audio Friction

The most significant point of contention lies in the sound signature. Tech blogs often describe the audio as "balanced," but enthusiast communities are far more critical. The consensus among those who prioritize music is that the 700s lack the dynamic range and excitement found in competitors. The sound is technically accurate but emotionally hollow, a trait that EQ adjustments fail to rectify.

One user summarized the audio experience bluntly:

The Bose 700s have possibly the most detailed sound of the three. However, I personally didn't care for it, because it sounded too

sterile"/"boring" and I couldn't find any EQ setting that could change that."

Ergonomics and Connectivity

The non-folding design remains a polarizing choice. While the lack of hinges suggests better long-term durability, it forces a larger footprint in travel bags. Connectivity also remains a sore spot; while the touch controls are generally responsive, the software frequently stumbles when managing two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, leading to audio dropouts that professional reviews often overlook.