Bose QuietComfort 20: Road Test

Some very clever science is at work in Bose’s QuietComfort 20 noise-cancelling earphones. So how do they perform?

TWAM 25 July 2015

What are they?

Very clever noise-cancelling earphones.

First impressions: The earbuds look like mutant snails, but those weird looking soft silicone protuberances ensure a supremely comfortable, secure fit. The noise-cancelling hardware is in a slim box 4cm above the jack; that’s a little awkward.

And? With constant, low-frequency noise, like the rumble on a plane, the effect is amazing; it’s like turning off a tap. On a train or bus, or walking around the city, a little more ambient noise seeps in, but the noise-cancelling is still welcome (strangely, you’ll notice it most when you turn the earphones off — it’s like, Whoa, who turned the world up?) Wherever you use them, they’ll allow you to enjoy your music or podcasts without maxing the volume, which will save your hearing in the long run.

Are they suitable for children? Absolutely! My three-year-old was whingeing in my face and I could hardly hear a thing.

Anything else? Yes, the “Aware” button: press it and you can hear people talking without the hassle of taking the earbuds out. Handy if you’re a Gen-Yer going into a job interview.

$399, bose.com.au