If you’re in the market for headphones, odds are good that you’re considering two of the most popular (and potentially greatest) brands: Bose and Beats. Both of them have been able to create some loyal fans over time, but what about when comparing them in terms of sound performance, comfort, design and more? In this guide I’m going to show you the main differences between Bose vs Beats headphones, from their overall sound quality to their features.
I’ve actually tried both brands myself, so I’ll be referring back to my experiences with each throughout this article so you can make an educated decision. Whether you’re listening for fun, while traveling or at the gym, here’s an update on which brand might be best suited to your needs. So let’s jump into this deep dive comparison.
What You’ll Find in This Article:
- Audio Quality: Bose vs Beats
- Comfort and Fit – Which is More Comfortable Brand?
- Design: Sleek or Bold?
- Battery Life and Charging: Never Run Out of Power
- Noise-Reducing Technology: Block Out the World
- Price and Value: Bose vs Beats Headphones
- How to Turn On Beats Headphones
- How to Pair a Beats Headphone
- Which Headphones Have the Best Bass?
- Do Beats and Bose Headphones Last Long?
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Word: Which One is Right for Me?
The best place to start in your search for headphone is by considering the most important thing: sound quality.
Audio Quality: Bose vs Beats
When it comes to headphones, sound is everything. Besides, if you’re not getting the audio experience you want what’s the point of them? In this section, I’ll piece out how Bose and Beats stack up in audio quality.
Bose: Rich, Clear, and Balanced
If you care about clarity and balance in your music, Bose is an excellent option. Bose headphones deliver a natural sound profile that makes every genre, whether it’s classical, pop, or a podcast, sound accurate and clean. The sound doesn’t favor any one frequency, resulting in a rich, full listening experience.
My first encounter with Bose headphones was testing the QuietComfort 35 II on a seven-hour flight. It put out such a concise and crisp sound; I heard every layer of audio from the deep bass rumbles to cymbal highs in a rock track. The vocals were also clean and natural, bringing the music into the space above anything else.
The clarity and balance achieved by Bose sound in different genres of music do not make their name as an audiophile go-to brand for nothing. Whether you’re listening to music or a podcast, the accurate, unadulterated sound you hear is ideal for long listening sessions.
Beats: Punchy and Powerful Bass
Beats by Dre, in contrast, is famous for booming bass. If you’re a lover of hip-hop, EDM or any genre where deep and punchy bass is vital, then Beats might be the one for you. The company has gained attention by designing Sound devices that skew low-end in frequency response, causing your music to punch more.
When I put on the Beats Solo Pro, it was clear right away that the audio signature was bass-heavy. This may not be for everyone, but I absolutely loved it. The low-end was loud and clear, so the music felt lively and enjoyable. However, do remember that the mids and highs took a back seat when compared to Bose headphones. So even if you get that punch of bass, you could be sacrificing some of the clarity and balance Bose is known for.
That thumping DS Beats is absolutely for those who like to hear a dynamic, head nodding sound, particularly if you are into high energy genres. If you like the sound to be balanced without many extremes, Bose could come in a better way.
Comfort and Fit – Which is More Comfortable Brand?
Sound quality is important when selecting headphone. After all, you won’t wear them for long if they’re uncomfortable. Both Bose and Beats have excellent comfort, but they’ve gone about it in somewhat different ways.
Bose: Cushions For Hours Of Comfort
Comfort is something you notice right away when you put on a pair of Bose headphones. The ear cups are padded and use soft fabric material to ensure comfort during long wear. The QuietComfort series is especially praised for its ergonomic construction, which uses lightweight materials that don’t cause discomfort after an hour or two of use. The padded headband adds to the comfort, making them incredibly comfortable for me throughout the day. Anything less would irritate me.
I’ve had Bose QuietComfort 35 II’s on for long-haul flights and not felt a single ache even after hours of use. Ear cushions feel tight around my ears, but they don’t press in too hard and are of the breathable variety that didn’t overheat my ears, which is always a plus.
Beats: Sleek but Snug
Beats headphones, by contrast, are built for a sportier, snugger fit. They are made to stay in place on your head during more rigorous activities, such as workouts or runs. While Beats headphones provide a secure fit, they can be a little tight and not as comfortable, especially around the ears during long listening sessions. The Beats Studio 3 Wireless, for instance, has a slightly tight fit that I found fine to wear for an hour or two, after which I could feel the pressure building up around my ears, which is not ideal for extended listening sessions.
If you’re going to be using the headphones for exercise or even travel, that tight fit can actually be a good thing since it helps keep them firmly in place. However, if long-wear comfort is your top priority, Bose may have the advantage here.
Design: Sleek or Bold?
When it comes to design, Bose and Beats could not be further apart. Depending on your fashion, the aesthetics of your headphones can be nearly as important as their sound and comfort.
Bose: Understated Elegance
These are Bose headphones, which means they’re going to tend toward minimal and professional aesthetics. There’s usually a minimalist color scheme (think black, silver or white), which makes them look neat and smart. With a minimalist design, the DUO Pods are also perfect for anyone who wants to achieve that polished and high end vibe without being over the top.
When I put on my Bose QuietComfort 45, I feel good enough about them to work it. They’re not flashy, but they look sophisticated and feel high-quality. The branding on the Bose cans is unobtrusive so if you’re not a fan of headphones that scream for attention, this could be a winner.
Beats: Bold and Trendy
Beats by Dre, on the other hand, is about attention. Their headphones are colorful and stylish with a more playful, modern look. Whether you’re using the Beats Solo Pro or Beats Studio3, these headphones are designed to turn heads. The headbands are usually oversized, with their signature B logo staring at you on each earcup, and those logos let everyone know you’re using a premium product.
And for those who like a bit of personality in their gear, Beats has a slew of colors and styles to choose from. If you are a fashion forward listener and want your headphones to be as loud and bold as your personality, Beats would serve you well.
Battery Life and Charging: Never Run Out of Power
One of the worst things about headphones is when they die at the wrong time. Fortunately, Bose and Beats have good battery life, but it may not be as simple as you think once you get into charging speed and overall life.
Bose: Long-Lasting Battery Life
Bose headphones, like the QuietComfort 45, have superb battery life and can hold a charge for up to a day. This is more than sufficient for long commutes, flights, or extended listening sessions. If you don’t have time to wait, 15 minutes of quick charging gives you up to 2.5 hours of playtime, which is incredibly convenient when you have a packed day ahead!
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, for example, have personally lasted me multiple days on the same charge. If you’re traveling and won’t always have access to an outlet, this can be the best-case scenario.
Beats: It Charges Pretty Quick, but Has a Little Less Battery Life
Shutterstock Beats headphones, including the Beats Studio3 Wireless, provide up to 22 hours of playback on a full charge, that’s not quite as strong as Bose has to offer in terms of battery life though still very respectable. One of the feats that Beats headphones are known for is their Fast Fuel technology. This means you can get 3 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge, which is extremely useful if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for it to fully refuel.
Noise-Reducing Technology: Block Out the World
When you’re looking to escape from the outside world, noise-canceling technology can be a game-changer. Both Bose and Beats have noise-canceling features, although the performance differs.
Bose: Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
“Bose has always had the best active noise canceling (ANC) tech.” Their QuietComfort 45 headphones are the best in the business. They are fantastic at cancelling the outside world, be you on an airplane or in a noisy coffee shop. The ANC is strong enough to block out the drone of an engine or people talking nearby and you can listen in peace.
Anecdotally, I’ve tried out Bose’s noise cancellation on long-haul flights before and it truly is a wonder. I was able to just tune everything else out and be in my own world of music.
Beats: Solid ANC But Not Quite as Good
Beats headphones are also noise canceling, including the Beats Studio3 Wireless, but they don’t have the return function for outside sounds that is as effective as Bose. It’s quite good at killing background noise, but it doesn’t isolate you from the world in quite the way Bose’s top-end ANC does. If all you really want is quiet and immersion, Bose is your winner here.
Price and Value: Bose vs Beats Headphones
Price and value are certainly important considerations when you’re buying headphones. Both Bose and Beats make high-end products, but they serve subtly different markets and listening experiences. Let’s compare the pricing and value propositions of both brands to help you decide for yourself.
Bose: You Get What You Pay For
Bose is a well-established name in premium audio gear, and this applies to their headphones as well. Models like the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are typically priced in the higher range, usually between $300 and $400. That might sound expensive, but you’re paying for best-in-class audio quality, unbeatable noise cancellation, and supreme comfort.
For example, the QuietComfort 45s offer up to 24 hours of battery life and frequently receive praise for being lightweight with soft ear pads. The Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 take it a step further with entirely new features: sophisticated noise-canceling technology and a modern, cool design.
When it comes to value, Bose headphones are a longterm investment on quality. The build quality is solid, they are comfortable enough to wear all day long, and the listening experience is simply good enough that it justifies the price.
Beats: The Cool Factor With Booming Bass
Beats by Dre, which Apple now owns, sells headphones that combine design and performance. Models like the Beats Studio3 Wireless and Beats Solo Pro range in price from $250 to $350. Those headphones are known for their bass heavy sound profile that listeners of hip-hop, EDM and other bass-heavy genres might find flattering.
The Studio3 Wireless highights features like Apple’s W1 chip for easy pairing with all your Apple devices, 22 hours of battery life, and active noise cancelation. The Solo Pro features a more compact on-ear design, on-board controls, and a foldable construction for easy portability.
Beats headphones may not match Bose in terms of noise cancellation or sound balance, but they are a great choice for those who want stylish headphones with a punchy sound, especially when paired with Apple products.
How to Turn On Beats Headphones
It is relatively easy to power on your Beats headphones. Here’s how you can do it:
- Find the Power Button: Most Beats headphones come with a power button (mostly found on right earcup and an in-line remote for wired models).
- Power ON: Press and hold power button about 5s and LED indicator will flash. This means that the earbuds are turned on and you can start pairing them.
- Power Off: Press and hold the power button again until the LED light goes out to turn off the headphones.
If you’re unsure how to get your Beats headphones powered on, check out our How to Turn On Beats Headphones Quick Start Guide.
How to Pair a Beats Headphone
Connecting your Beats wireless headphones is as easy as using them. Here’s how to do it:
- Put your Beats headphones in Pairing mode: Turn on your Beats headphones; Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds until the LED indicator blinks, indicating that your headphones are in pairing mode.
- Get the Bluetooth Turned On: Take your phone, tablet or computer and open up the Bluetooth settings, turn on the Bluetooth functionality.
- Choose Your Beats Headphones: Tap on your Beats headphones from the list of devices.You should hear a confirmation noise (or notification) from the output of your device when it successfully connects.
Once you’ve turned them on, you’ll need to pair your Beats headphones with your device. Here’s a guide on How to Pair a Beats Headphone.
Which Headphones Have the Best Bass?
If you’re specifically after headphones with powerful bass, you can explore our list of Headphones with the Best Bass.
- Beats: With a bassy sound signature that’s much appreciated by genre enthusiasts, Beats headphones such as the Beats Studio3 Wireless and the Beats Solo Pro pack lots of low end bass so genres like hip-hop and EDM really hammer.
- Bose: Bose headphone, while perhaps more balanced in terms of sound quality out of the box, do not go too crazy on bass levels (models like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700) without clogging up the mids and highs.
For anyone who values bass, Beats is their brand. But if you just want a well rounded medium amount of base sound Boses are great.
Do Beats and Bose Headphones Last Long?
If you’re curious about alternative options or copies of Beats headphones, check out our Beats Copy Headphones article for more information. When headphones are an investment, durability matters. Both Beats and Bose have established durable product reputations, but there is some nuance that sets them apart.
- Bose: Renowned for their durable construction, Bose headphones are made to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Both the QuietComfort 45 and Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 sport rugged materials and arrive with protective carry cases to keep away damage when you’re on the move.
- Beats: These headphones are well-made, too, and some Beats models, such as the Beats Studio3 Wireless, fold up for easy storage. But, some users have complained that the ear cushions on some models wear down after prolonged use, particularly if used a lot.
And as for long-term durability while they’re still young, we would give the nod slightly to Bose, just because they really care about comfort and build quality. Still, Beats headphones are sturdy and fine for everyday use. For a vibrant and standout design, you might like the Dre Beats Headphones Red.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the battery on Bose headphones last?
with noise-canceling bose headphones, like quietcomfort 45, you can get up to 24 hours of fully charged battery life so your fly time can be primetime or part-time for days on end.
2. How do I turn on my Beats so?
How to turn on Beats Headphones Press and hold the power button on the side or bottom of your headphones for about five seconds. The LED indicator will flash.
3. Are Bose headphones much better sound quality than Beats?
Yes, Bose is known for providing clear and balanced sound; Beats are engineered to deliver amazing bass. If you like the neutral sound signature, then Bose is your better solution.
4. Can I connect beats headphones to phone?
To connect your Beats headphones, power them on and visit the Bluetooth settings on your phone and choose the Beats headphones from the list of available devices.
5. Bose vs. Beats: Which headphones have the best bass?</h4>
Beats headphones, like the Beats Studio3 Wireless model, deliver a bass-heavy sound, making them perfect for those who enjoy low-end tones, especially in genres like EDM and hip-hop.
6. Are Bose headphones durable?
Yes, bose headphones are made out of quality material and are very durable from everyday use. For the busy traveler, models such as the QuietComfort 45 are perfection.
7. Which noise canceling is better, Bose or Beats?
People widely praise Bose for its superior active noise-canceling technology. This makes it one of the best options for blocking out external sound.
Final Word: Which One is Right for Me?
Between Bose and Beats is simply a matter of personal preference and what you care most about. If you care about a ‘neutral’ sound signature, excellent noise canceling and longterm comfort, go with Bose. Bose headphones suitable for audiophiles, travelers, and anyone who likes neutral sound.
Opt for Beats if you want a bass-heavy sound profile and a look as distinctive as an Apple Watch’s. Beats headphones are perfect for people who love hip-hop or EDM and want a pair that also serves as a fashion statement.
Both brands offer great products. Just consider what you’re looking for and choose the one that best suits your preferences.
