Bose QuietComfort 20 USB Charging Secure Fit Headphones

Last updated: October 18, 2022

Bose QuietComfort 20 USB Charging Secure Fit Headphones
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We looked at the top Headphones and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Headphones you should buy.

Overall Take

The lone pair of wired, earbud-style headphones in our top four makes a powerful case for itself with surprisingly effective noise cancellation, secure silicone tips and a portable earbud design. Android fans might be turned off by the Apple-centric compatibility, but the crisp sound across all genres make these buds worth it.

In our analysis of 141 expert reviews, the Bose QuietComfort 20 USB Charging Secure Fit Headphones placed 17th when we looked at the top 25 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Shut out the world and lose yourself in your music–or hear what’s around you. It’s your choice with the first in-ear noise cancelling headphones from Bose. Quiet Comfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones are engineered to let you enjoy better sound every day, everywhere you go. Turn on noise cancelling to reduce surrounding distractions and focus on your music. Or, at the touch of a button, activate Aware mode so you can hear what’s happening around you without removing the headphones. Inside, exclusive TriPort technology brings your music to life while additional Bose technologies provide dramatic noise cancellation rivaling any full-sized headphone on the market today. Proprietary Stay Hear+ tips create a soft, secure fit. The inline microphone and remote let you switch to calls on your iPhone, and provide control for select iPod, iPhone and iPad models. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 16 hours of use. And even when the power is off or the battery runs out, you can still use these headphones to enjoy Bose quality sound. Included: Quiet Comfort 20 headphones; 3 pairs Stay Hear+ tips (S, M, L); clothing clip; rechargeable lithium-ion battery (built-in); USB charging cable; carrying case.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

The Bose QC20 came out on top because it provided better active noise cancelling than any other model we tested by far. In this regard it even bested the larger QuietComfort 35 Series II, our pick for the best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones (though the QC35 has additional passive isolation that the QC20 lacks; more on this later). The sound quality is nothing to write home about, but in our tests this set sounded good enough. And we measured the battery life at over 17 hours, which is long enough for the QC20 to outlast almost any flight between recharges.
This iPod/iPad/cellphone-centric model from Bose combines elements of in-ear and earbud earphones. Though the QC20i earphones are pricey, they deliver very good sound quality and excellent active noise reduction, the best of the in-ear models we've tested.
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.
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Extremely comfortable. Amazing sound quality. Aware mode will keep you alive
Superb noise cancellation. Extremely comfortable and stable fit. Slim battery pack. Audio plays without power
The best noise cancellation circuitry on the market. Rich bass response and crisp highs. Comfortable, secure fit. Works in passive mode.
First class noise cancellation. Clear sound across all genres. Comfortable, easy to insert earbuds. Good feature set
An all-around great product that's among the best in its category. You'll almost certainly be happy.
Excellent noise isolation. Simple, durable design. Comfortable stable fit from the StayHear+ tips.

What experts didn't like

Expensive; they don't sound as good as many competing in-ear headphones in this price range; rechargeable battery isn't replaceable.
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Battery module is huge
Expensive. Bulky inline mic/controller. Battery life could be better
Sound signature is very sculpted, and not for purists. Light on accessories like extra eartips.
DSP creates a synthetic quality to the music. Battery/electronics bar is awkward. Expensive
Slightly bass-heavy audio reproduction.

Our Expert Consultant

Calvin West   
Music and video producer

Calvin West, a music and video producer, recorded his first album at 19 and has been in the music business since. Currently based in Spain, where he has worked with artists and labels around the world providing services in music mixing, mastering and lyric video production.

View our Headphones buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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