| Customer Reviews Collected from bose.com |
Bose - QuietComfort 20 Headphones (Samsung and Android) - Black
Average Customer Rating:
4.1
Rating breakdown 499 reviews
5 Stars
295
4 Stars
83
3 Stars
48
2 Stars
39
1 Star
34
Customer Reviews for Bose - QuietComfort 20 Headphones (Samsung and Android) - Black
Customer Rating
5
Super portable, superb noise cancelling earbuds
on February 22, 2016
Posted by: GeroniMoe
Gender:Male
I purchased these primarily for air travel. I don't only fly on the normal airline aircraft, some of which can be very noisy themselves, but also regularly fly on military aircraft (such as the C-17 Globemaster III and the LC-130 Hercules). While the technology to completely muffle/eliminate these beasts' engines noise isn't available, the Bose QC20 earbuds make the experience much nicer (and healthier).
In the past, I either had to use in-ear plugs and forego listening to music or movies, or use regular earbuds and wear over-the-ear hearing protection - neither of which was ideal.
The batteries last long enough for pretty much any trip - and can be quickly recharged from any USB power source. I carry a portable USB charger to top off my phone, tablet, headphones, etc.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the airline headphone adapter is a separate purchase - for the price of this device, that should be an included accessory.
Another non-complaint suggestion is regarding the location of the "brick" that holds the electronics - it's at the plug end of the cord, with a very short cord leading to the headphone plug. Having this closer to where the wires split to go to each 'bud would make the experience more comfortable.
All of this being said, I would purchase these again without hesitation. I recommend them to all of my friends and colleagues, and I'm about to purchase another set for my girlfriend to use while traveling the same routes I do.
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com
Customer Rating
5
State of the art noise cancelling, great sound
on February 22, 2016
Posted by: bradpdx
Gender:Male
I own an old set of Bose QC-2s that have served me well when traveling for years, and got these as an upgrade. The QC-20 is a horse of different color, providing dramatically better noise cancellation in a tiny package that is far easier to deal with on airplanes and in public spaces. The effectiveness of the technology cannot be understated - it is truly dramatic, with up to 45dB of cancellation (for non-engineers, that's a whole lot). Sound quality is terrific, and is enhanced by the lack of background noise. Some may think the price high, but quite simply less expensive products don't perform anywhere near as well, which tells me that the QC-20 is in fact an excellent value. Highly recommended.
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com
Customer Rating
4
Amazing sound, but that end bulk
on February 20, 2016
Posted by: mattrang12
Gender:Female
The sound is amazing and the on/off noise cancellation feature is super convenient. I've found myself using it everywhere in this noisy city (NYC).
The only thing I would say that is bad about this product is that the control box is awkwardly at the end. It literally will not fit in most jeans with your already big phone. It will dangle outside of your pocket (constantly hitting your side as you walk), although it's light. I think it's worth the trouble for peace and quiet in the city.
Just don't take the "the only earphone you will ever need" thing literally because this is definitely not one for the gym due to issue listed above except 100x more apparent.
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com
Customer Rating
3
Good & Not So Good
on February 17, 2016
Posted by: BobK
Gender:Male
The problem I'm trying to solve is noise from a motorcycle exhaust. This is a "drone" type of noise and while regular foam ear plugs help somewhat they are not the answer. Before looking into changing the exhaust system I thought I would try a noise cancellation solution and in particular the Bose QC20s. At first I experimented with my Bose QC25 headphones using them in driveway and revving up the bike engine. The noise levels were greatly reduced and initially this appeared to be a solution. Obviously I couldn't put my helmet over the headphones so I purchased the QC20 ear buds. When I tried them in the driveway I thought this was the perfect solution. I also rode a short distance around the neighborhood and still was impressed with the reduced noise levels.
The real test though was taking the motorcycle out on the highways and for a long ride. This is when the issues started to occur. First let me say that it is somewhat of a challenge to keep the buds in place while putting a helmet on as the helmet tends to pull the buds out of the ears so you have to hold them in place with one finger while sliding the helmet down over your head. It's awkward and can be done but the buds never end up the way you would like them. However, they are still somewhat effective.
After getting up to speed I notice a strange popping, chirping, clicking sound. This apparently was due to wind gusts that probably are difficult for the cancellation circuitry to invert and cancel out. So for the entire trip I listened to "chirp, chirp, bleep, bleep, click, click". This gets old after a while but I was thinking I could put up with this given the reduced noise levels that I was experiencing.
However, the game changer was after an hour of riding the buds started to really hurt. I started to get a pain up near the temple area which was strange. Not wanting to immediately suspect the ear buds I stopped, took off the QC20s and replaced them with my normal foam ear plugs. The pain immediately went away so indeed this problem was due to the QC20s. Yes, I tried all three sizes that came with the unit but the only ones that worked and stayed put were the medium sizes. By the way I didn't play any music during this ride so the pain could not be attributed to loud music.
I might add that given the way these buds mount in the ear(s) that any application (walking, jogging, cycling, etc.) would be enough movement to cause the buds fall out. They just aren't secure enough (in my opinion) to stay in place unless you are pretty much standing still.
On a positive note I must say that the music reproduction part of these units is pretty good and the control device for volume, mode, etc. is quite convenient and manageable even with motorcycle gloves on.
While there was a good amount of noise reduction by the QC20s due to the other issues I will returned these units for a refund as it was too much to put up with given the cost of the QC20s. So I'm still searching for a solution to my problem.
Response from bose.comBy Julius, Bose Service, February 22, 2016
Hello Bob,
Thank you for the review. We appreciate the feedback. While the Bose QC20 noise-canceling headphones will definitely block noise, they are not quite designed to be used in the situation you described. With the QC20 noise-canceling microphones sealed in a motorcycle helmet instead of open to the air, the noise-canceling may not function as intended. Most customers find them to be very comfortable and secure for use while traveling, and they are excellent at blocking noise from an airplane engine. The tips should also allow the headphones to stay securely in you ears while being very comfortable.
Thank you for trying the headphones. If you ever have any questions in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us at 800-380-4831. We are here to help Monday through Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday 9am to 7pm EST.
Thank you for the review. We appreciate the feedback. While the Bose QC20 noise-canceling headphones will definitely block noise, they are not quite designed to be used in the situation you described. With the QC20 noise-canceling microphones sealed in a motorcycle helmet instead of open to the air, the noise-canceling may not function as intended. Most customers find them to be very comfortable and secure for use while traveling, and they are excellent at blocking noise from an airplane engine. The tips should also allow the headphones to stay securely in you ears while being very comfortable.
Thank you for trying the headphones. If you ever have any questions in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us at 800-380-4831. We are here to help Monday through Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday 9am to 7pm EST.
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com
Customer Rating
4
Pretty Good Headphones
on February 15, 2016
Posted by: Drdannyb
Gender:Male
These are great for keeping sound out and stay in the ear pretty well.
My complaint is that where the left and right part split/connect should be longer and farther away so when you are wearing them to sleep there is more room to move around and they would not sit so close to your neck. The way they are makes them slightly uncomfortable while you are sleeping because of this.
Also, you can hear talking on a plane pretty clearly. Not sure why.
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com
Customer Rating
5
Highest Quality Sound, Extremely Comfortable!!!
on February 14, 2016
Posted by: Joey C
Gender:Male
My son has the QC-20's and let me try them. Unbelievable!!! When he switched on the noise cancellation feature I was blown away. With the way the Bose earbuds fit your ears it's like listening in a sound proof both.
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com
Customer Rating
4
could be excellent
on February 12, 2016
Posted by: ali
Gender:Male
the product is good,but the problem is having that big peace of noise cancellation peace that you don't know how to deal with, its to big for the pocket and the phone to be fit in at the same time, and when ever pulling your phone out of your pocket you get the peace disconnected.
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com
Customer Rating
2
Love it!
on February 7, 2016
Posted by: Stone
Gender:Female
I love this product. My music flows beautifully, wouldn't make a change in headphones ever again!
Written by a customer while visiting bose.com