Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones

Posted by T3 Online on Wed 22 Nov 2006

Cut the noise (again)...

This is the third generation of Bose's famed noise-cancelling headphones - and certainly the best so far.

There are two huge advantages over previous models. Firstly, these cans are smaller and lighter; they don't completely enclose your ear with a cup shape, but engulf it with soft spongy pads. Also, you can wear them on the streets without getting abuse from some kid in a hoodie.

The second thing is the addition of a rechargeable battery, which means you're less likely to get caught short without your noise-cancelling abilities, which it has to be said, are very effective. We listened to acoustic tracks, like Bonnie Prince Billy's I See a Darkness, on the Bakerloo Line - something that's near impossible with regular cans. Sound quality is good, if bass-heavy. We got used to it after a while, but some might find it woolly. Sound quality is better than T3 favourite Panasonic HC300, however, those lugs cost half the price.

Annoyances? Well, you can't use them without batteries, and there's the rather big matter of the price tag. Still, they're not bad if you're loaded.