Bose has built much of its headphone reputation on noise cancellation, and the standard Bose QuietComfort headphones are a practical entry point to that lineup without paying for the company’s most expensive model. They’re currently $179, down from $229, which price trackers show as their lowest price so far. For someone who wants strong active noise cancellation, long-wearing comfort, and the Bose sound profile without moving into premium pricing, this is the model to look at first.

The important distinction is that these are not the QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Bose released both models in 2023, and the Ultras sit higher in the lineup with extras like Bluetooth 5.3 and Immersive Audio, which makes the sound feel as if it is coming from different directions. Those features may be useful for some listeners, but they are not essential for everyone. The regular QuietComfort headphones still cover the basics most people care about: effective noise cancellation for commutes and work, a transparency mode to hear what is happening around you, and multipoint Bluetooth so you can stay connected to two devices and switch between them more easily.

PCMag rated the Bose QuietComfort headphones “excellent,” and the 24-hour battery life is one of those details that makes them easy to live with. You can charge them, toss them in a bag, and get through a few workdays or a long travel day without thinking about the battery. The adjustable equalizer is helpful as well, especially because not everyone likes the same Bose tuning out of the box. The physical buttons may be the most divisive part here—they don't look as modern as touch controls, but they are easier to use without looking, which is useful on a walk, on a train, or while wearing gloves.