(checked 2026-10-10)22,077 ratings. The listing is the 2023 first-generation model; whether it shares ratings with any other model wasn't checked.
Amazon's #1 best-selling over-ear headphones, and owners love the comfort. Experts are lukewarm: Wirecutter measured less noise reduction than the $100 Soundcore Space One, SoundGuys calls the bass bloated and the value low at $349, and Bose has since released a 2nd Gen.
Top complaints
- ANC trails cheaper and newer rivals
Wirecutter says that at its highest setting it reduced less airplane-band noise than the budget Soundcore Space One (20.0 dB vs 22.0 dB in its chart) and isn't remarkable enough for its original $350 price. SoundGuys rates its value 4.9 and lists cost as a con. A low-star Walmart reviewer calls the noise cancelling ineffective. Tom's Guide disagrees, calling it top-tier ANC that blocks close to 90% of unwanted sound.
- Bass-heavy sound with an EQ that can't fix it
SoundGuys says the sub-bass is 'over-emphasized dramatically' and its custom EQ attempt sounded worse than the default. Wirecutter calls Bose's EQ too simplistic to be useful. Low-star Walmart reviews complain of one side sounding louder than the other and a poor Android app experience.
- Dated features and connection glitches
SoundGuys calls the hardware outdated: no USB-C audio, Bluetooth 5.1, and pairing that 'may not work right away'. Tom's Guide notes there are no touch or motion controls, no spatial audio, and the ANC can't be turned off. Amazon's summary mentions connection issues and some units that stop working. Walmart reviewers describe headphones that disconnect or turn themselves off.
What owners love
- Comfortable for hours
SoundGuys scores comfort 9.0 and calls it friendly to long sessions. Wirecutter says the squishy pads suit many glasses wearers, and Amazon owners say they can wear it for hours.
- Solid battery life
SoundGuys measured 27 hours 14 minutes, a few hours over Bose's claim. Tom's Guide cites 24 hours with ANC, and Amazon owners praise the battery.
- Easy buttons and a wired mic cable
Wirecutter says the physical controls are easy to use by feel and likes the included cable with a three-button remote and mic. Tom's Guide found that cable gave clearer calls.
- You'd be paying close to the $349 list price
- You want a detailed EQ or USB-C audio
- Maximum noise cancelling is your priority
- Comfort over long sessions
- Simple physical buttons
- Buyers who find it well below its $349 list price
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: good headphones but not remarkable enough for the original $350. The EQ is too simple and the ANC trails the budget Soundcore Space One.
- SoundGuys: 7.5. Comfortable and portable with good ANC, but cost, the default sound, a limited EQ and outdated hardware are cons. Its 2026 roundup calls it 'a bit dated'.
- Tom's Guide: Excellent always-on noise cancelling with comfy design. It lacks touch and motion controls and spatial audio, and the ANC can't be switched off.