Matthew CoxWhen considering premium headphones, Bose QuietComfort and Beats Studio Pro are top contenders. Both offer unique strengths in comfort, sound quality, performance, and features. This comprehensive side-by-side aims to break down each aspect, providing ratings, comparisons, and suggested alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
BOSE QuietComfort
Bose QuietComfort excels in comfort, balanced sound, and noise cancellation, making it the ideal choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers.
Beats Studio Pro
Beats Studio Pro shines in its dynamic bass-heavy sound, stylish design, and slightly better battery life, catering to those who prioritize style and a vibrant listening experience.
How Do They Compare?
Bose QuietComfort | Beats Studio Pro | Alternative Pick | |
Comfort | 9 | 8 | Sony WH-1000XM5 (10) |
Isolation | 9 | 8 | Sennheiser HD 660S (10) |
Noise Canceling | 9 | 8 | Sony WH-1000XM5 (10) |
Build Quality | 10 | 8 | Bowers & Wilkins PX7 (9) |
Value | 9 | 8 | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9) |
Design | 8 | 9 | Bowers & Wilkins PX7 (9) |
Connectivity | 8 | 9 | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9) |
Microphone | 8 | 9 | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9) |
Portability | 9 | 8 | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9) |
Battery Life | 9 | 9 | Sony WH-1000XM5 (10) |
Extra Features | 8 | 9 | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9) |
Comfort
Rating: 9/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose QuietComfort headphones are renowned for their exceptional comfort, featuring lightweight construction and memory foam ear cushions. The ergonomic design ensures minimal pressure on the ears and head, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. The headband is well-padded and the clamping force is balanced, providing a secure yet comfortable fit.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro headphones offer good comfort with generously padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. While slightly heavier than Bose QuietComfort, the weight is distributed evenly, reducing strain during prolonged use. It has a snug fit, which is particularly beneficial for active use, but may feel tight for users with larger heads over long periods.
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort is superior in long-term comfort due to its lighter weight and plush ear cushions.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10)
Sound Quality
Rating: 9/10 – Bose QuietComfort: These headphones are known for their balanced audio profile. The mids are clear, highs are crisp, and bass is well-defined without being overpowering. Audiophiles appreciate the natural and accurate sound reproduction, making them suitable for various music genres. We like the detail and clarity, particularly the impressive separation of instruments and vocals.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro headphones feature a refined bass-heavy sound signature. The bass is prominent but controlled, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. Mids and highs are clear, though some users might find them slightly overshadowed by the bass. The headphones deliver energetic and engaging sound, perfect for bass enthusiasts and contemporary music lovers.
Verdict: For a balanced sound, Bose QuietComfort is the winner. If you prefer a bass-heavy profile, Beats Studio Pro is the better choice.
Alternative: Sennheiser HD 660S (10/10)
Performance
Rating: 9/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose excels in overall performance, offering balanced sound quality and superior noise cancellation. The integration of advanced technology results in minimal distortion and high-fidelity audio. These headphones are perfect for users who prioritize audio fidelity and a peaceful listening environment, whether for music, movies, or calls.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro delivers a dynamic listening experience with a focus on bass, making them ideal for users who enjoy vibrant and energetic sound. The headphones perform well across various genres, especially those that benefit from enhanced bass. It can maintain clarity at high volumes, providing a satisfying listening experience.
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort leads in overall performance due to its superior noise cancellation and balanced sound.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10)
Isolation / Attenuation
Rating: 9/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose QuietComfort headphones offer excellent passive noise isolation, reducing ambient noise effectively even without active noise cancellation. The snug fit and dense ear pads contribute significantly to this isolation, making them suitable for use in noisy environments.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro provides good passive noise isolation, though it is slightly less effective than Bose. The ear cups create a decent seal around the ears, blocking out a significant amount of external noise, but some leakage may occur in very noisy settings.
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort offers better passive noise isolation.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10)
Active Noise Cancelling
Rating: 10/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose is known for its industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC). The QuietComfort series uses advanced algorithms and multiple microphones to cancel out ambient noise across a wide range of frequencies. This makes them ideal for travel, commuting, and office use, creating a serene listening experience.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro headphones also feature effective ANC, though it doesn’t quite match Bose’s precision. The noise-canceling performance is robust, effectively reducing background noise but not to the same extent as Bose. While Beats’ ANC is very good, it is bested by Bose in highly variable noise environments.
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort is superior in active noise cancelling.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10)
Durability / Build Quality
Rating: 9/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose QuietComfort headphones are built with high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting durability. The design is both elegant and functional, with a focus on practicality. Expert reviews highlight the sturdy construction and the use of premium materials, making them a reliable choice for daily use.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro also features high-quality materials with a focus on style. The build is sturdy, and the headphones feel solid in hand. However, the glossy finish may show wear over time. We appreciate the robust construction but the design elements may be more prone to cosmetic damage.
Verdict: Both offer excellent durability, but Bose QuietComfort has a slight edge in long-term wear and tear.
Alternative: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 (9/10)
Value
Rating: 8/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose QuietComfort headphones are priced at a premium, but the features and performance justify the cost. They are ideal for users seeking top-notch sound quality and noise cancellation, making the investment worthwhile for audiophiles and frequent travelers.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro is similarly priced, offering great value for those who prioritize a bass-heavy sound and stylish design. They provide excellent performance in their own right and are particularly appealing to users who appreciate the Beats brand aesthetic.
Verdict: Value depends on user preference: Bose for sound quality and noise cancellation, Beats for style and bass.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10)
Design
Rating: 8/10 – Bose QuietComfort: The design of Bose QuietComfort headphones is sleek and understated, focused on functionality and comfort. The minimalist aesthetic appeals to users who prefer a classic look. The ergonomic design and practical features are great.
Rating: 9/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro headphones boast a stylish and contemporary design, available in various vibrant colors. The aesthetic is bold and modern, appealing to a younger audience. It’s hard not to like the fashionable look and customizable options.
Verdict: Design preference is subjective; Bose for simplicity and comfort, Beats for style and color.
Alternative: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 (9/10)
Connectivity
Rating: 8/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose QuietComfort headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0, providing stable connectivity and an option for wired use. The headphones pair easily with devices, and the connection remains strong within a standard range. The Bose shines with its seamless pairing process and reliable performance.
Rating: 9/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro headphones offer Bluetooth 5.1 with enhanced connectivity features, including multiple device pairing. The headphones integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, thanks to the H1 chip. Noteworthy is the convenience of switching between devices and the strong, stable connection.
Verdict: Beats Studio Pro offers slightly better connectivity features.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10)
Microphone
Rating: 8/10 – Bose QuietComfort: The microphone quality of Bose QuietComfort headphones is clear and crisp, making them suitable for calls and voice commands. The noise-rejecting dual-microphone system ensures that your voice is heard clearly even in noisy environments. The microphone has performance, and is suitable for professional use.
Rating: 9/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro also offers good microphone quality with built-in Siri integration for Apple users. The voice clarity is excellent, and the headphones effectively filter out background noise during calls. Standout features include the microphone’s reliability, especially for users within the Apple ecosystem.
Verdict: Both offer good microphone quality, but Beats Studio Pro has an edge with Siri integration.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10)
Portability
Rating: 9/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose QuietComfort headphones fold flat and come with a compact carrying case, making them easy to travel with. The lightweight design enhances portability, and the case provides good protection.
Rating: 8/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro headphones also fold compactly and include a carrying case. However, they are slightly bulkier than Bose, which may affect portability. While the Beats sport a convenient foldable design it is larger than the Bose when fully folded.
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort is slightly more portable due to its lighter weight and slimmer profile.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10)
Battery Life
Rating: 8/10 – Bose QuietComfort: Bose QuietComfort headphones offer up to 20 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation on. The quick-charge feature provides several hours of playback with just a short charging time, making them convenient for travel and long commutes. Users and experts appreciate the reliable battery performance, noting that it meets the demands of frequent travelers and daily commuters.
Rating: 9/10 – Beats Studio Pro: Beats Studio Pro provides up to 22 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation on. The fast-fuel technology allows for quick charging, providing three hours of playback with a 10-minute charge. We were impressed by the battery performance and quick charging capabilities, making these headphones ideal for users on the go.
Verdict: Beats Studio Pro offers slightly longer battery life and faster charging, making it the better option for users who need extended use and quick recharges.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10)
Extra Features
Rating: 8/10 – Bose QuietComfort: The Bose Connect app allows for firmware updates and customizable settings. Users can adjust the levels of noise cancellation and access other features to enhance their listening experience. The app’s has a user-friendly interface offering additional customization options, which add to the overall functionality of the headphones.
Rating: 9/10 – Beats Studio Pro: The Beats app offers customization options, including sound profile adjustments and firmware updates. The headphones also feature Siri integration, allowing for voice commands and seamless interaction with Apple devices. The app adds a range of functionality including the added convenience of using Siri, which enhances the user experience, especially for Apple users.
Verdict: Both offer valuable extra features; choice depends on preference for app functionality and ecosystem integration.
Alternative: Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10)
Summary Table
Bose QuietComfort | Beats Studio Pro | Winner | Alternative Pick | |
Comfort | Lightweight, plush ear cushions | Well-padded, slightly heavier | Bose QuietComfort | Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10) |
Sound Quality | Balanced audio | Bass-heavy sound | Depends on preference | Sennheiser HD 660S (10/10) |
Isolation | Excellent passive isolation | Good passive isolation | Bose QuietComfort | Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10) |
Noise Cancelling | Industry-leading | Effective but slightly behind Bose | Bose QuietComfort | Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10) |
Durability / Build Quality | High-quality, robust build | Stylish, sturdy build Bose QuietComfort | Bose QuietComfort | Bowers & Wilkins PX7 (9/10) |
Value | Premium but justified | Great for bass and style | Depends on preference | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10) |
Design | Sleek and functional | Stylish and vibrant | Depends on preference | Bowers & Wilkins PX7 (9/10) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, stable | Bluetooth 5.1, multi-device pairing | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10) |
Microphone | Clear and crisp | Good with Siri integration | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10) |
Portability | Folds flat, compact case | Folds compactly, slightly bulkier | Bose QuietComfort | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10) |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WH-1000XM5 (10/10) |
Extra Features | Bose Connect app, adjustable ANC | Beats app, Siri integration | Depends on preference | Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10) |
Conclusion
Both Bose QuietComfort and Beats Studio Pro offer exceptional quality in their respective areas. Bose QuietComfort excels in comfort, balanced sound, and superior noise cancellation, making it the ideal choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers. On the other hand, Beats Studio Pro shines in its dynamic bass-heavy sound, stylish design, and slightly better battery life, catering to those who prioritize style and a vibrant listening experience. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, either headphone could be a great addition to your audio gear.
Sony WH-1000XM5
For those looking for the best overall performance, Sony WH-1000XM5 emerges as a top alternative across most categories.
