The Ultimate Guide to Bose Headphones 700: Features, Price, and Reviews

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are premium wireless over-ear headphones launched in 2019, positioned in the high-end consumer audio market. Their defining features include best-in-class adjustable active noise cancellation (with 11 levels), an exceptional beamforming microphone system for superior call clarity in noisy environments, a sleek stainless-steel design, and a balanced, detailed sound signature. Priced at an MSRP of $399.95, they compete directly with flagship models from Sony and Sennheiser. Reviews from major tech publications and users consistently praise their unmatched call quality, effective noise cancellation, and modern aesthetics, while common critiques note a less emphasized bass response compared to some rivals, a non-folding design, and battery life that, while solid at 20 hours, is surpassed by key competitors. They are ideally suited for professionals, frequent travelers, and users who prioritize communication clarity alongside high-fidelity audio.

Bose’s Pivot to a New Flagship

For over five decades,  Bose Corporation, founded by Dr. Amar G. Bose at the  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been a seminal entity in the  global audio equipment industry. The brand is synonymous with pioneering research in  acoustic engineering  and  psychoacoustics, most notably bringing  active noise cancelling (ANC)  technology to the mainstream consumer market. The release of the  Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700  in mid-2019 represented a strategic and design-led departure from the iconic  QuietComfort (QC) series, signaling a new era for Bose’s flagship over-ear headphones.

This guide provides an exhaustive, entity-rich analysis of the Bose 700, structured to satisfy user search intent comprehensively. We will dissect its technological innovations, market positioning, and critical reception, while integrating semantic context, competitive comparisons, and practical insights to establish topical authority and optimize for modern search engine and AI Overview parsing.

Part 1: Deep Dive into Core Features & Technological Architecture

The Bose 700 is not merely an incremental update; it’s a reimagined product built on a foundation of proprietary technologies designed to address multiple user intents: immersive listening, flawless communication, and seamless digital integration.

1.1 Acoustic Engineering & Adaptive Noise Cancellation

The cornerstone of the Bose 700 experience is its sophisticated  active noise cancellation (ANC)  system, a direct evolution of Bose’s heritage in aviation headsets.

• Technological Core:  The system employs a network of external and internal microphones that continuously monitor ambient sound. This data is processed by a proprietary  digital signal processing (DSP)  chip, which generates an inverse sound wave to cancel out noise. This process targets a wide range of frequencies, from low-frequency airplane rumbles to mid-frequency office chatter.
• Adjustable ANC & Transparency Mode:  A breakthrough feature is the introduction of 11 discrete levels of noise cancellation, managed via the  Bose Music app. This allows for nuanced control, from full isolation (Level 10) to full transparency (Level 0), where external sound is piped in for situational awareness. This addresses specific  user scenarios: maximum cancellation for flights, moderate levels for focused work, and transparency for walking in urban environments or having quick conversations.
• Driver & Sound Signature:  The headphones utilize custom  transducer drivers  tuned for accuracy and clarity. The  sound profile  is characterized by detailed highs, rich mids, and clean, precise bass. It leans towards a  neutral, reference-like tuning  favored by purists and those with eclectic musical tastes, rather than the V-shaped (bass and treble-heavy) signature popularized by brands like  Beats by Dre. This makes them excellent for genres like jazz, classical, and podcast listening.

1.2 The Beamforming Microphone Array: A Game for Communicators

Bose invested significantly in audio capture, positioning the 700 as a tool for the modern, remote-centric professional.

• System Architecture:  The headset incorporates eight microphones in total. Six of these form an adaptive  beamforming array  that focuses on the user’s voice while simultaneously canceling competing noise.
• Performance in Context:  This system is engineered to reject even challenging noises like wind, keyboard clatter, and café background din. In practice, this makes the Bose 700 the industry benchmark for  VoIP call quality  on platforms such as  Zoom,  Microsoft Teams,  Google Meet, and  Slack. It transforms the headset from a passive listening device into an active  unified communications endpoint.

1.3 Design Language, Ergonomics, and Controls

The Bose 700 marked a radical aesthetic shift, moving away from the utilitarian, foldable design of the  QC35 II.

• Industrial Design:  It features a distinctive, continuous  stainless-steel headband  and oval earcups with a minimalist, sculpted appearance. Available in  Black,  Silver Luxe, and  Soapstone  variants, it projects a modern, premium aesthetic.
• Comfort & Fit:  Weighing 254 grams (approx. 8.95 oz), it is lightweight for its class. The  ear cushions  use synthetic  protein leather  and memory foam, providing a plush seal. Some users with larger ears note the earcup cavity is shallower than previous Bose models, which can be a consideration for extended wear.
• Intuitive Control Scheme:  The right earcup houses a  capacitive touch surface  for gesture controls (swipe up/down for volume, forward/back for track) and a dedicated, multi-function button for toggling ANC presets and activating  voice assistants  (Google Assistant,  Amazon Alexa, or  Siri).

1.4 Connectivity, Smart Features, and Ecosystem

The Bose 700 is designed for a connected lifestyle, supporting multi-device pairing and smart integrations.

• Bluetooth 5.0 & Multipoint:  The  Bluetooth 5.0  radio ensures stable connectivity and efficient power consumption. The ability to pair with two source devices simultaneously (e.g., a  smartphone  and a  laptop) and seamlessly switch between them is a critical productivity feature.
• Bose Music App:  This companion application (available on  iOS  and  Android) is central to the experience. It is required for firmware updates, fine-tuning ANC levels, managing Bluetooth connections, and setting up voice assistant shortcuts.
• Wired Capability:  A 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable is included for  wired, analog listening. This enables use with in-flight entertainment systems and ensures functionality even when the battery is depleted, though ANC and microphones are disabled in this mode.

Part 2: Price Analysis, Value Proposition & Market Positioning

Understanding the  Bose Headphones 700 price  requires analyzing its launch strategy, value components, and evolution in a dynamic market.

• Launch MSRP:  The headphones launched with a  Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)  of  $399.95  in the United States. This positioned it squarely in the  premium wireless headphones  segment.
• Competitive Set & Value Proposition:  At this price point, it entered direct competition with the  Sony WH-1000XM4  (then $349.95), the  Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless  ($399.95), and later, the  Apple AirPods Max  ($549). The Bose 700’s value proposition hinged on three pillars: its unrivaled microphone system for professionals, its adjustable ANC, and its premium materials/design. The price reflected significant R&D investment in proprietary acoustic and DSP technologies.
• Current Market Pricing & Discounts:  As a product that has been on the market for several years, its street price is highly dynamic. It is frequently discounted during major sales events on  Amazon,  Best Buy,  Bose.com, and at  Costco. It is common to find the Bose 700 at prices between  $299 and $349, which significantly enhances its  price-to-performance ratio  and makes it a compelling alternative to newer models.
• Total Cost of Ownership:  Considerations include the lack of  IP rating  for water resistance, the robust build quality suggesting longevity, and the standard one-year warranty. The included  hard carry case, while protective, is less compact than folding alternatives.

Part 3: Aggregated Critical Reviews & Longitudinal User Reception

Synthesizing  Bose Headphones 700 reviews  from authoritative tech media, professional audio critics, and long-term user communities provides a holistic view of its strengths and weaknesses.

Acclaimed Strengths (The Consensus):

1. Best-in-Class Call Quality:  This is the most universally praised aspect. Publications like  The Verge,  CNET, and  Wired  have consistently noted its microphone performance as best-in-class for voice and video calls.
2. Effective and Flexible ANC:  The noise cancellation is rated among the top three, alongside Sony and Apple. The adjustable levels are frequently highlighted as a more practical feature than a simple on/off or adaptive system.
3. Premium, Modern Design:  The sleek aesthetic is widely seen as a successful evolution, distancing itself from the “engineering sample” look of some competitors.
4. Overall Comfort and Build:  The lightweight feel and premium materials receive high marks for daily, all-day use.

Noted Criticisms & Considerations:

1. Sound Signature Preference:  Reviewers from  What Hi-Fi?  and user forums like  Reddit’s r/headphones  community often note the sound is “polite” or “safe.” Audiophiles seeking a powerful, sub-bass response or extensive  EQ customization  (like Sony’s companion app offers) may find it lacking.
2. Portability Compromise:  The non-folding design and bulkier case are seen as a step back in convenience compared to the  QC35 II  and the  Sony WH-1000XM  series, a key factor for frequent travelers.
3. Battery Life Benchmarking:  At 20 hours, the battery life is solid but no longer class-leading. Competitors like the  Sony WH-1000XM5  (30 hours) and  Bose QuietComfort 45  (24 hours) offer more longevity.
4. Feature Omissions:  The lack of  wear sensors  (auto-pause) and any form of  water resistance rating  (IPX4, etc.) are noted omissions at this price tier.

Part 4: Entity-Rich Comparative Analysis: Bose 700 vs. The Market

To fully understand the Bose 700’s place, a direct comparison with its primary  competitor entities  is essential.

• Bose 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM5:

  • Sony Advantages:  Superior raw ANC performance, longer battery life (~30 hrs), more powerful bass response, and extensive EQ customization via the  Sony Headphones Connect app. Often found at a similar or slightly lower price.
  • Bose Advantages:  Clearly superior microphone quality for calls, more comfortable fit for many, a less “bulky” on-head feel, and more intuitive adjustable ANC (vs. Sony’s primarily adaptive system).
  • Verdict:  Choose Sony for ultimate noise blocking and bass-centric sound. Choose Bose for professional communication and a more balanced audio profile.

• Bose 700 vs. Bose QuietComfort 45:

  • QC45 Advantages:  Legendary Bose comfort with deeper earcups, foldable design, longer battery life (24 hrs), and often a significantly lower price point.
  • Bose 700 Advantages:  Vastly better call quality, adjustable ANC (QC45 has simple on/off), premium materials (stainless steel vs. plastic), more modern design and touch controls.
  • Verdict:  The QC45 is a comfort-first, travel-friendly workhorse. The 700 is the feature-rich, communication-focused flagship.

• Bose 700 vs. Apple AirPods Max:

  • AirPods Max Advantages:  Deeper integration with the  Apple ecosystem  (instant pairing, spatial audio, seamless device switching), dynamic sound with more impactful bass, and premium materials.
  • Bose Advantages:  Significantly lighter weight (254g vs. 385g), much better call quality, lower price, and a more traditional carrying case.
  • Verdict:  For dedicated iPhone/Mac/iPad users who value ecosystem magic, AirPods Max are compelling. For multi-platform users, weight-conscious individuals, and call-centric professionals, the Bose 700 is a more practical choice.

Part 5: Comprehensive FAQ Targeting “People Also Ask” Queries

Final Verdict: Identifying the Ideal User Profile

The  Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700  are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for their target audience, they remain arguably unbeatable.

Buy the Bose Headphones 700 if:

• Your primary use case involves frequent, high-stakes  voice and video calls  in noisy environments (remote workers, digital nomads, frequent travelers).
• You prefer a balanced, clear, and non-fatiguing  sound signature  over a bass-heavy one.
• You value a  sleek, modern design  and premium build materials.
• You find them on sale, where their  value proposition  becomes exceptionally strong.

Consider an alternative if:

• You are a  bass enthusiast  or demand extensive EQ customization.
• Maximum possible ANC  and the longest battery life are your absolute top priorities.
• You need a highly  portable, folding design  for compact travel.
• You require features like an IP rating for exercise or wear-detection sensors.

In conclusion, the Bose 700 successfully carved a unique niche by mastering the often-overlooked aspect of audio output: clear communication. It stands as a testament to Bose’s engineering prowess, offering a refined, professional-grade audio tool that excels in the hybrid work era. While the competitive landscape has evolved, its core competencies ensure it remains a relevant and highly recommended choice within the premium ANC headphone market segment.

"Get Bose-Level Call Quality at Half the Price with Wantek"

You've just learned what makes the Bose 700's microphone system legendary. Now discover how Wantek's advanced beamforming technology delivers the same crystal-clear call performance—perfect for Zoom meetings, client calls, and remote work—without the $400 price tag. Our professional-grade headsets start at just $29.

[Compare Wantek to Bose] | 30-day satisfaction guarantee

Read more

📖 Best Gaming Headset PC: Top Picks for Wired & Wireless Options

📖 Best Wireless Headphones for TV: Top Picks & Buying Guide

📖 Best PS5 Headset Guide: Setup, Compatibility & Top Picks

📖 Best Headphones for Music Wireless: Top Picks for Audiophiles

📖 Best Swimming Headphones 2025: Top Picks & Buying Guide

📖 Top 10 Cute Headphones for Everyday Use – Wireless & Stylish

📖 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds for Airplane Travel: An In-Depth Review

📖 Discover the Best Cat Ear Headphones: Ultimate Wireless and Bluetooth

📖 Best Gym Headphones 2025 – Top Wireless & Sweatproof Picks

📖 The Best Sweat Resistant Headphones for Your Intense Workout Routine