TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why we love this deal
Technology has come a long way, and one of the things we’re most grateful for is noise-canceling technology. The difference in sound quality alone makes noise-canceling products, like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, a must-have product. They not only change the way we listen to music and podcasts, or stream our favorite TV shows and movies, but they make things like travel far less chaotic and stressful, particularly if you have a long journey ahead.
Because these exciting capabilities require the best of the best, many noise-canceling headphones can run pretty steep. Luckily, when the right deal comes along, you can get top-of-the-market picks, like the popular Bose headphones, for as much as 50% off. Right now, Amazon is selling $359 Bose headphones on sale for $179, the lowest price they’ve been in the last 90 days. With a summer full of busy travel and bustling loud airports on many shoppers’ agendas, there’s no better time to add this discounted pick to your cart.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones, $179 (was $359) at Amazon
What’s so special about noise-canceling technology?
It can seem like a buzz word or marketing ploy when you see “noise-canceling” used to describe some fun new product, but it’s pretty impressive when you understand just what that technology can do to something like a pair of headphones. Regular headphones use passive isolation to block out external noises, and they rely on their physical design to block out noise so that when you’re listening to something, you can hear the music, podcast, or show far better than the noise of what’s going on around you. Many of these models use thick earpieces or silicone tips to create a sound barrier. Active noise-canceling headphones use built-in microphones to listen to ambient background noise. An internal chip that creates an inverted anti-noise that, in combination with your audio, neutralizes and cancels the other out leaving you with a far superior listening experience because you can’t hear any outside noise. They’re very effective at blocking out consistent, low-frequency sounds, like airplane engines, air conditioners, and traffic hums. For sounds that are more high-pitched or sudden, like sirens or barking animals, you will hear those noises at a muted level.
Noise-canceling headphones provide a more effective and efficient listening experience, better protection of your hearing and keeping outside noise from permeating your space. Not only can they provide great hearing protection in super loud environments, but they make staying focused far easier and making sleep more achievable when you’re traveling and surrounded by constant noise. Many folks with autism and ADHD use them for sensory regulation to prevent getting overstimulated or overwhelmed, and folks who manage daily meetings and calls find the sound quality and microphone quality far better than passive headphone models.
That said, they are not suitable for proper hearing protection, meaning if you’re looking for something that protects your eardrums in loud environments like concerts or festivals, it’s not enough to look for noise-canceling technology. You’ll want to find headphones that are certified for hearing protection, which you can find with official labels and regulatory markings.
Why do shoppers love it?
With over 16,000 five-star ratings, these Bose headphones certainly steal the show with shoppers. The over-ear headphones combine noise cancellation technology with other features, so you can “shut off the outside world and quiet distractions” while completely changing your music listening experience. The super comfortable headphones have plush cushions to hug your ears and securely stay in place whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, or reclining. The padded headband also adds some comfort, perfect for super long periods of wear. Designed with wireless Bluetooth technology, there’s no annoying cords to get caught on or connect to your phone in order to listen to something. With the slide of a switch and the press of a button, you can pair the headphones to any Bluetooth device within range. It’s easy to switch between phones, tablets, or the TV, so you can listen to all kinds of entertainment. There is an included 3.5 millimeter audio cable that comes with your purchase if you like that iPod-esque feel of being connected to your device, but it’s not necessary and many shoppers only use it as an alternative when the headphones have run out of battery.
Related: Walmart’s bestselling noise-canceling earbuds are on sale for just $19
Speaking of, in order to use the active noise cancelation technology and Bluetooth capabilities, the headphones have to be charged. Using the USB-C port on the left earcup, you can simply reboost the rechargeable battery which should take around two and a half hours to fully recharge. With a full charge, you can get 24 hours of listening time before you need to plug them back in. There’s even a quick charge feature which, with 15 minutes of charging, you can get up to two and a half hours of use.
With two listening modes, you can choose between Quiet and Aware modes, which change how you hear your surroundings. Quiet mode enables full noise cancellation, whereas Aware mode gives you full outside sounds but quality sound control if you’re listening to something specific.
Shop more deals
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, $249 (was $299) at Amazon
- JBL Live 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Adaptive Noise Canceling, $50 (was $130) at Amazon
- Sony LinkBuds Clip Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds, $178 (was $230) at Amazon
You might be doubtful, but there’s a reason that noise-canceling products like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are so popular. They’re effective, they make the world a bit quieter when necessary, and they make your listening experience so much better.
