The Bose Quiet Comfort 25 (QC25) remains one of the most respected noise-canceling headphones in the market, despite being released in 2014. Known for its exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC), superior comfort, and high-fidelity sound, the QC25 has maintained its appeal among audiophiles, travelers, and professionals alike.
While newer wireless models have emerged, the QC25’s wired design continues to attract users who prefer uninterrupted, high-quality audio without worrying about battery life for playback.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore:
Design & Build Quality
Sound Performance
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Technology
Battery Life & Power Requirements
Comparison with Newer Models
Pros & Cons
Is It Still Worth Buying in 2025?
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Bose QuietComfort 25 is still the right headphone for you.
1. Overview of Bose QuietComfort 25
The Bose QC25 was designed primarily for travelers and noise-sensitive users, providing an unparalleled listening experience in noisy environments. This model replaced its predecessor, the QuietComfort 15, introducing significant improvements in sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation.
Despite being over a decade old, the bose quietcomfort 25 remains highly regarded due to its reliability, premium build, and wired connectivity, which ensures zero-latency, high-resolution audio playback—a feature that many wireless headphones still struggle to match.
Whether you’re on a long-haul flight, daily commute, or working in a noisy environment, the QC25 effectively blocks out unwanted noise, allowing you to focus on your music, calls, or work.
2. Key Features of Bose Quiet Comfort 25
A. Industry-Leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
One of the most impressive features of the QC25 is its advanced noise-canceling technology. Bose utilizes dual microphones (inside and outside the ear cups) to detect external noise and generate an opposite sound wave to cancel it out.
This makes the QC25 an excellent choice for air travel, office use, and busy city environments, where background noise can be overwhelming.
B. High-Quality Audio Performance
The QC25 delivers a balanced and immersive sound profile, making it suitable for various audio content, including:
Music – Deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs
Podcasts – Excellent vocal clarity
Movies & Gaming – Rich, cinematic sound
Unlike bass-heavy competitors, Bose prioritizes a neutral and accurate sound signature, ensuring that all elements of a track are well-represented.
C. Comfortable & Lightweight Design bose quietcomfort 25
Comfort is a major strength of the QC25. Bose designed these headphones with:
Plush memory foam ear cups for a soft, snug fit
Adjustable padded headband for long listening sessions
Lightweight construction (195g) to prevent fatigue
Additionally, the ear cups fold inward, making the headphones compact and easy to carry while traveling.
D. Wired Connectivity for Uninterrupted Playback
The QC25 connects via a standard 3.5mm audio cable, ensuring a stable and high-quality audio experience without Bluetooth interruptions or latency issues.
This makes them ideal for:
Audiophiles who prefer wired connections
Professionals working with high-resolution audio
Users who dislike charging wireless headphones frequently
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E. Battery-Powered Noise Cancellation
The ANC function of the QC25 is powered by a single AAA battery, providing up to 35 hours of use.
Even if the battery dies, the headphones still function in passive mode, allowing you to continue listening to music without noise cancellation.
F. Inline Remote & Microphone
The QC25 includes an inline remote and microphone, allowing for:
Hands-free calls
Music playback control
Volume adjustment
⚠ Important: Bose offers two different cable versions—one optimized for Apple devices and another for Android devices. Make sure you choose the right version for your smartphone.
4. Bose Quiet Comfort 25 vs. Newer Models
| Feature | Bose QC25 | Bose QC35 II | Bose QC45 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sound Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wireless & Wired | Wireless & Wired | Wireless & Wired |
| Battery Life | 35 hours (AAA) | 20 hours | 24 hours | 30 hours |
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Affordable | Expensive | Premium | Premium |
While the bose quietcomfort 25 offer wireless connectivity and built-in rechargeable batteries, the QC25 remains the best choice for those who prefer wired headphones with zero latency and no risk of Bluetooth disconnections.
5. Is the Bose Quiet Comfort 25 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Despite its age, the Bose QC25 is still an excellent choice for those who:
✔ Need top-tier noise cancellation
✔ Prefer wired headphones with no latency issues
✔ Want a comfortable, travel-friendly headset
✔ Don’t mind using AAA batteries for ANC
However, if Bluetooth connectivity is a priority, you may want to consider newer alternatives like the Bose QC35 II, Bose QC45, or Sony WH-1000XM4.
6. Best Alternatives to Bose QC25
A. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Wireless & Wired modes
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Slightly better ANC than QC25
B. Sony WH-1000XM4
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- 30-hour battery life
- Customizable sound profiles
C. Sennheiser Momentum 4
- High-resolution audio
- Elegant premium design
- 60-hour battery life
7. Final Verdict
If you’re looking for wired noise-canceling headphones with exceptional sound quality and comfort, the Bose QuietComfort 25 is still a great choice in 2025.
While it lacks Bluetooth and modern smart features, it outperforms many wireless models in sound fidelity, reliability, and noise cancellation.
If wireless functionality is important to you, consider upgrading to QC35, QC45, or Sony’s WH-1000XM series.