Bose QuietComfort 20 review: Expensive, best noise-canceling in-ear headphone

Bose has been a go-to choice for noise-canceling headphones since the company's original QuietComfort headphones debuted in 2000. The line has been updated over the years with an on-ear model (the QC15s) and new over-the-ear models (the QC3s), but the QuietComfort 20 you see here is the company's first in-ear headphone with active noise cancellation. It actually comes in two versions -- the standard QC20 is for non-Apple products, and the QC20i is designed for use with Apple products. Both cost a lofty $299.95.

Despite some downsides, including a high price, the Bose QuietComfort 20 offers the best noise-canceling in an in-ear headphone and should tempt frequent travelers looking for a more compact alternative to a full-size NC headphone, such as the Bose QuietComfort 15.

The Bose QuietComfort 20 and 20i are compact in-ear headphones that sound good, are very comfortable to wear, and offer surprisingly impressive noise cancellation; The noise cancellation is powered by an integrated rechargeable lithium battery that delivers up to 16 hours of battery life.

Expensive; they don't sound as good as many competing in-ear headphones in this price range; rechargeable battery isn't replaceable.

Bose QuietComfort 20 Review

Noise-cancelling in-canal earphones have been far less popular and common than the on-ear and over-ear ear noise cancelling full-size headphones, like Bose's QuietComfort 15($599.99 at Amazon). With the QuietComfort 20, Bose aims to change this. The $299.95 (direct) in-ear pair is offered in two varieties—the QuietComfort 20, intended for use with Android, BlackBerry, and Windows phones, and the QuietComfort 20i, intended for iPhone, iPads, and iPods. Bose hasn't eliminated the inline battery and circuitry compartment that is essential to an in-ear noise cancelling pair, but it is now quite thin and far less cumbersome. The real victory here, though, is the noise cancellation itself—it's by the far the most advanced, flexible noise cancellation we've ever experienced, and that alone would earn it our Editors' Choice award. The audio performance isn't for audiophiles seeking flat response, but the QC20 packs a full, rich low-end and crisp highs that work well with pop, rock, and mo...

The Bose QuietComfort 20 is a giant leap forward for noise cancellation earphones, and easily the most effective pair we have tested thus far.

The best noise cancellation circuitry on the market; Rich bass response and crisp highs; Comfortable, secure fit; Works in passive mode

Sound signature is very sculpted, and not for purists; Light on accessories like extra eartips