Bose QuietComfort 20i in the test

As soon as it is inserted into the ear, the user experiences an initial, pleasant sound-damping effect. StayHear calls Bose his ear tips, developed for the QC20, which already stop a first part of the sound from the ear – and this is very good result already in the switched off state of the control module, which can be found at the end of the headphone cable. The rest is provided by the patented Acoustic Noise Canceling technology inside the control module. When switched on, environmental noise is very much reduced in the test on a heavily traveled inner city street, as well as in an aircraft. As soon as the music starts, almost no unpleasant noises are heard.


Noise-canceling function


Practical: With a small remote control at the upper part of the earphone cable, you can not only adjust the volume by pressing the push button, but also accept and end calls in the case of smartphones. The electronic noise canceling function can also be switched on and off by means of a small side button so that you can continue listening to music while, for example, listening to important loudspeaker announcements at stations or airports. At this point, the intelligibility also depends on the volume you have adjusted.


Hearing test


Buying advice: Mobile headphones and music systems


Conclusion


When designing the remote, Bose has thought of all the relevant mobile phones: For users of Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone smartphones, the QC 20 is designed with its 2-button remote control, for iPhones and iPods the US has its own An optimized 4-button remote control, which also makes it possible to enter voice commands via Siri.


The control module of the in-ear headphone requires a lithium-ion battery, which has been fixed permanently - a clear difference to the on-ear predecessor model QC 15, in which batteries have to be used. There is also a USB cable for charging. According to Bose, 16 hours of running time are possible. The advantage: In contrast to the QC 15, which only works with a charged or fresh battery, the QC 20 can also be heard without battery power, but without technical noise protection.


However, apropos music: How do the new Bose-In-Ears sound? Both in Shelby Lynne's "Just A Little Lovin," but also in the massive, electronic room sound in "New Holy Ground" by OMD, the QC 20 even surpassed what their predecessors from Boston already proved: best headphones Sound level, at highs and lows. Also the movie sound with our iPad-Movie "Oblivion" delivers the Bose novice glass-clear and extremely natural.


These noise-canceling headphones are definitely worth their price of 300 euros. Bose delivers quality sound and technical quality. The haptic experience of the product and the practical transport bag also contribute to the excellent overall result. The fact that the Americans have placed the product quality before the design is to be noticed, but to pay attention to them in the first place. With the QC 20, long flights, delayed train rides due to delays, as well as annoying terraced neighbors are easy to bear. With music, or without. These headphones play in the absolute Champions League of their genre.