Bose QuietComfort 25

Before there was Beats, there was Bose. The QuietComfort line is the original über-popular headphone line, even if it's aimed more at business travelers than teenagers and celebrities.

Powerful lows and crisp, bright highs with no distortion at top volumes; Exceedingly comfortable; Best noise-cancellation technology available; Can be used as passive headphones without power

Runs on a AAA battery rather than a built-in, rechargeable option; Sculpted sound signature is not for purists; No auto-off function

Bose QuietComfort 25 review: The best noise-canceling headphones get better

The QuietComfort 25 model takes Bose's already stellar noise-canceling headphones and levels them up to new heights.

Extra-comfortable design; clearer, more dynamic sound; highly effective noise-canceling circuitry that's been slightly improved; new folding design allows the headphones to fit in a smaller carrying case; if the battery dies, the music now doesn't die; 21- to 30-day risk-free home trial

Fairly pricey

Bose QuietComfort 25 Headphones Review

Since their introduction in 2009, the Bose QuietComfort 15 have been the premier headphones for anyone who wanted the best in active noise-cancelling headphones. Even as many competitors tried to take the crown, the QC15s remained on top.

Attractive; sturdy design; Comfortable fit; Can play music without battery; Excellent active noise-cancelling technology; Loud; balanced audio

Expensive

Over ear headphones you could spend a whole day wearing in quiet comfort

Four hours into my flight and the faint hum of the plane's engine sounds more like a roar. It's not the sound that's driving me mad, but rather the feeling it will never stop. Ever.

Active noise cancelling; Lightweight; Comfortable; Nice carry case

Interchangeable - not rechargeable - battery

Review: Bose QuietComfort 25i (QC25/QC25i)

If there's one company that tends to do well in the field of noise cancellation, it's Bose. We've seen its headphones used by so many on overseas trips, and now we're about to see a new model on the heads of people who love sound, with the highly portable QC25i.

Battery lasts around 30 or so hours; Balanced sound; Headphones work when there's no power; Remote works for iProducts; Highly portable; Comes with a nice case

Cable ends in 2.5mm jack; Noise cancellation mics on the inside don't lend themselves well to excess vibration; Headphones could have more volume