The Tool Desk
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Change noise cancellation or switch between Quiet and Aware
- Set up your available modes: Open the Bose app and select Modes. Add the modes you want as favorites. Bose says only favorite modes can be reached from the headphones; Quiet, Aware, and Immersion are favorites by default.
- Cycle modes on the headphones: Press and hold the Multi-function button. When the voice prompt announces the mode you want, release the button.
- Choose a mode in the app instead: Open Modes and select the mode directly.
Bose’s model-specific mode instructions describe how to manage favorites and switch modes.
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What each mode does
| Mode | Noise control and surrounding sound | Audio behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet | Full noise cancellation; reduces outside sound. | Standard stereo. |
| Aware | Transparency; lets surrounding sound come through. | Standard stereo. ActiveSense can apply cancellation to sudden or loud sounds if enabled. |
| Immersion | Full noise cancellation. | Immersive Audio set to Motion. |
| Cinema | Full noise cancellation. | Immersive Audio set to Still; tuned for video. |
| Custom | Noise control is set by you. | Configure audio and noise-control settings in the Bose app. Bose says you can create up to seven custom modes. |
| Off | Noise cancellation is disabled. | Unlike Aware, Off does not use the microphone arrays to detect and reproduce surrounding sound. |
Mode behavior and the custom-mode limit are described in Bose Support’s mode guide. The distinction between Aware and ANC Off is also explained on Bose’s product page.
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Turn on Aware with ActiveSense
ActiveSense is an option within Aware mode, not a separate listening mode. When enabled, it automatically brings in noise cancellation for sudden or loud nearby sounds and reduces it after the sound stops. To enable it, open the Bose app, go to Modes > Aware, and switch on ActiveSense. Bose describes the feature as a way to remain aware without intermittent noise interrupting audio; it does not make Aware equivalent to Quiet.
#1 Best Overall
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
See Bose’s ActiveSense and mode instructions for the app controls.
Adjust EQ and sound settings
In the Bose app, tap the EQ shortcut on the home screen, or open Settings > Equalization. Bose offers Flat EQ, Bass Boost, Bass Reducer, Treble Boost, Treble Reducer, and Custom EQ. Select a preset or use Custom EQ to tune the sound to your preference; no single setting is best for every listener or track.
Rank #2
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
The available presets and app paths are listed in Bose’s equalizer instructions for this model.
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- Check the selected mode first. Confirm that Quiet is active. Aware intentionally lets environmental sound through, and ActiveSense only responds to sudden or loud sounds when enabled.
- Consider the environment. Bose says extremely loud surroundings can briefly overwhelm the noise-cancelling microphones, causing crackling or distortion.
These checks come from Bose’s troubleshooting guidance for noise cancellation.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Battery-life context for Immersive Audio
Bose lists up to 24 hours of battery life, or up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio. Those are manufacturer figures, not guaranteed runtimes: Bose’s test used ANC on and audio playback at 75 dBSPL, and the company says actual battery life varies with settings and use. See Bose’s product page for the product and test qualification.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #4
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLATION: Effortlessly combines noise cancelling headphones technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- PREMIUM COMFORT: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
