This head-to-head showdown between Beats and Bose isn't just about comparing two popular brands. It's about audio quality, comfort, battery life, noise cancellation, and more. We'll talk about the unique features of Beats and Bose to help you choose.
We've also scoured the market to bring you the key information for each brand across their headphone ranges. We've tested and reviewed many other headphones from different brands in our best headphones buying guide if none of the Beats and Bose headphones appeal to you.
Our goal is to help you find the perfect headphones, whether from Beats, Bose, or another brand. But for now, let's get started.
Beats vs Bose: Price & value
- Bose headphones offer superior sound and noise cancellation, ideal for audiophiles.
- Beats are more affordable with stylish designs but compromise on audio quality.
Bose headphones, like the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, are pricey. Because of their advanced noise-cancellation technology and sound quality, they're a good investment for audiophiles and frequent travelers. In the long term, users get excellent value for money because of the enhanced audio performance and comfort.
However, Beats headphones, like the Beats Studio3 Wireless, are usually cheaper than their Bose counterparts, so they appeal to younger people and people who prioritize style over functionality.
Although Beats headphones have trendy designs and good bass, they don't sound great compared to Bose. That said, many users appreciate Beats' aesthetic appeal and brand reputation as part of their identity and lifestyle.
Bose might be worth the investment if you want superior noise cancellation and clarity. Conversely, if you like stylish headphones with decent sound at a more accessible price point, Beats might be a better choice.
Beats vs Bose: Features & functions
- Beats headphones prioritize style and portability with great sound and Active Noise Cancellation
- Bose excels in comfort and audio clarity.
Starting with Beats, the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones emphasize style and portability. With the Apple W1 chip, they're seamless with Apple devices and can do things like "Hey Siri." In addition, the headphones feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which blocks out external noise effectively. Some users might notice a slight hissing noise when no music is playing. On-ear controls allow quick adjustments to volume and tracks during use, making Beats ideal for genres like hip-hop and electronic music.
Conversely, like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Bose headphones are all about comfort and noise-cancellation. You can fine-tune the noise-cancellation system based on your environment. Bose also excels at audio clarity, rendering vocals and mid-range sounds in great detail. Touch-sensitive controls make it easy to use, and voice assistant integration makes it even better.
With Bose headphones, you can talk easily without removing them because they have features like "Conversation Mode," which lowers playback volume and amplifies external sounds.
However, for those who consider headphones fashion accessories, the Beats offer a more vibrant aesthetic and various colors, which could be a big draw.
Beats vs Bose: Performance
- Bose headphones excel in noise cancellation and clarity, while providing comfort.
- Beats offer bass-heavy sound, but may cause discomfort for some due to fit issues.
Its noise-cancellation technology makes the Bose headphones stand out. They make a tranquil listening environment with their finely tuned ambient noise removal, which makes them great for travelers or people who need to concentrate in noisy environments. The sound quality is consistently clear and bold, especially in the mid-range, rendering vocals and instruments with impressive clarity. The bass is slightly subdued but easily adjustable, so users can customize their listening experience.
In contrast, Beats headphones, especially the Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear model, are well known for their bass-heavy sound signature, so they appeal to people who like hip-hop and electronic music. This one sounds more balanced than previous models, though sometimes it's a little muddled. Though audio quality is subjective, Beats delivers a satisfying experience for casual listeners who want vibrant bass.
With Bose headphones, you don't get ear fatigue after prolonged use due to their lightweight materials and ergonomic design. Even though Beats headphones are adjustable, some users may find the ear cups don't fit all ear sizes, making them uncomfortable.
Beats vs Bose: which is better?
Bose and Beats headphones offer distinct advantages, so your choice will ultimately depend on your preferences. With its superior sound quality, especially in the midrange, the Bose 700 headphones are designed for long-term comfort. A remarkable amount of external noise is blocked out with their industry-leading noise cancellation technology.
Alternatively, the Beats Studio3 headphones are more stylish and have an impressive battery life. They're also a little more affordable at retail price, although prices can fluctuate.
Do you think we're going to call it a tie? If not, here's the verdict: Bose wins. Both headphones aren't bad, but we think the Bose's audio quality is better. Beats headphones provide decent sound, but if you're spending $350 on headphones, you should expect more than "acceptable" sound. The Bose headphones aren't cheap, but we think it's worth it.
