The Best Earphones Money Can Buy - Bose QuietComfort 201

Bose QuietComfort 201

QuietComfort 15 has long been accepted as the best active noise cancelling headphone, but it can no longer claim that title. The QuietComfort 15 has to vacate the throne to make way for Bose’s new QuietComfort 201.

While the QuietComfort 15 was a circumaural headphone, the new QuietComfort 201 has an in-ear wearing style which makes it more portable. To ensure good levels of passive noise isolation, the QuietComfort 201 has a unique flanged ear-tip and also features Bose’s proprietary StayHear design. The wing-like structure of the ear-tips ensures that there is a secure fit with no need to force the earphones into your ear canal. We find the fit to be comfortable and secure, with a good seal that does its job to keep ambient noise out.

Bose QuietComfort 201

An in-line remote control, located at the wire’s Y joint, is also part of the QuietComfort 201’s features. Compatible with Apple products such as the iPhone and the iPad, users have access to standard three-button functionality in order to control volume and navigate music playback. Voice commands can be issued with the help of the microphone built into the remote control pod.

Another new feature for the QuietComfort 201 is ‘Aware’ mode. Activated by a fourth button on the side of the control pod, Aware allows the user to hear ambient sound clearly via the microphones within the ear- buds. The Aware mode can be used to conduct conversations without taking the earphones out. This ‘talk through’ feature was one that was missing from the older QuietComfort 15 and gives the QuietComfort 201 the edge in terms of functionality.

The circuitry for the active noise-cancelling feature is found in a control module located close to the 3.5 mm connector. Two microphones built in to the ear-buds pick up ambient noise for cancelling purposes. Additionally a micro-USB port is located on the control module for the purposes of charging.

Bose's StayHear tips aim to keep the QuietComfort 20 in your ears and deliver great passive noise isolation

The QuietComfort 201 is stated to have a battery life of 16 hours, but even after the battery is drained, the earphones can provide regular audio without noise-cancelling features. With regards to audio performance the QuietComfort 201 also comes with the proprietary Bose TriPort and Active Equalization technologies.

There are no two ways about it, the QuietComfort 201 is an exceptional active noise cancelling product. The earphones completely eliminate noise from computer fans, car engines and even the heavy drone of the subway train. The noise cancelling capabilities of this product are unparalleled. To top it all off, its audio capabilities are also stellar. Great imaging, a neutral tone and attention to the details make the QuietComfort 201 brilliant.

The one-two combo of great active noise-cancelling and amazing audio performance makes the QuietComfort 201 worth every cent of its $499 price-tag. If you prefer the over-ear wearing style, by all means opt for the older, circumaural QuietComfort 15.

The QuietComfort 201 is worth every cent of its $499 price-tag

But with the Aware feature and the fact that the earphones still provide audio even when not charged, the QuietComfort 201 is a more versatile product with equal levels of performance.