Bose 700 vs 900: Which Headphones Reign Supreme?
Are you in the market for premium noise-canceling headphones and torn between two top contenders? Bose has long been a leader in audio technology, and their offerings can be a little confusing. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the right choice.
We’re putting the Bose 700 against the newer Bose 900. This comparison will dissect design, sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and extra features. Get ready to discover which of these impressive headphones best fits your needs and preferences.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a dedicated audiophile, or simply someone who appreciates a peaceful listening experience, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the key differences and similarities between the Bose 700 and the Bose 900, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Bose 700 | 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Microphones | 8 | 8 |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Cup Material | Synthetic Leather | Synthetic Leather |
| Weight | 8.96 oz | 8.5 oz |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Included Case | Hard Case | Hard Case |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Bose 700: Offers excellent noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. Provides adjustable levels, allowing users to control how much they hear from their surroundings. However, some users might find the maximum setting slightly less effective than competitors.
- 900: Boasts even more advanced and effective noise cancellation than the 700, utilizing advanced processing for superior performance. Offers customizable levels, and generally excels at blocking a wider range of frequencies.
- Winner: 900
Sound Quality
- Bose 700: Delivers a balanced and clear sound signature, suitable for various music genres. Offers a spacious soundstage. Some may find the bass slightly less pronounced.
- 900: Improves upon the 700’s sound, providing a richer, more detailed audio experience. Features enhanced bass response and a wider soundstage, enhancing overall listening pleasure.
- Winner: 900
Microphone Performance
- Bose 700: Features an excellent microphone system, making it ideal for calls. It effectively isolates the voice while reducing background noise.
- 900: Further enhances the microphone system with improved voice pickup and noise reduction, offering clearer call quality even in noisy environments.
- Winner: 900
Comfort & Design
- Bose 700: Features a sleek and modern design with comfortable earcups and a stainless steel headband. Some users might find the clamping force slightly tight.
- 900: Maintains a similar design aesthetic but is often reported to be slightly lighter and more comfortable for extended use. Improvements in the headband design enhance comfort.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Bose 700: Provides a solid battery life, offering a decent amount of listening time on a single charge.
- 900: Offers similar or slightly improved battery life compared to the 700.
- Winner: Tie
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Bose 700: Supports Bluetooth connectivity, offering reliable pairing and a stable connection.
- 900: Features updated Bluetooth technology, potentially offering improved connection stability and range.
- Winner: Tie
Controls
- Bose 700: Offers intuitive touch controls on the earcups for easy music playback and call management.
- 900: Retains a similar control scheme, ensuring familiarity for existing Bose users.
- Winner: Tie
Voice Assistant Integration
- Bose 700: Offers seamless integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
- 900: Maintains similar voice assistant integration capabilities.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Sound Quality | 900 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Battery Life | 900 |
| Features | 900 |
| Design | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Noise Cancellation: Both the Bose 700 and 900 feature excellent noise cancellation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audio or focus on your work. Both headphones offer adjustable levels of noise cancellation.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Both headphones are compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, providing hands-free control and access to various features.
- Multipoint Pairing: Both models support multipoint pairing, enabling you to connect to two devices simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them.
- Comfort: Both the Bose 700 and 900 are designed for comfort, with plush earcups and a lightweight design suitable for extended listening sessions.
- Touch Controls: Both headphones incorporate intuitive touch controls on the earcups for managing music playback, answering calls, and adjusting volume.
Bose 700 vs 900 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
Both the Bose 700 and the Bose 900 prioritize comfort, but they have subtle differences in design. The 700 features a sleek, stainless steel headband and minimalist design, giving it a premium feel. The earcups are generally considered comfortable for extended wear. The 900, while also comfortable, may offer a slightly improved fit for some users, thanks to updated ear cup padding and design refinements. Consider trying both on to determine which design best suits your head shape and preferences. Both models are generally praised for their lightweight construction, minimizing fatigue during long listening sessions.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Noise cancellation is a key feature, and both headphones excel in this area. The Bose 700 has excellent noise cancellation, effectively blocking out distractions in various environments. The 900, building upon this, often offers incremental improvements in noise cancellation performance, particularly at higher frequencies and in more complex noise environments. This can result in a slightly quieter listening experience and potentially better performance in noisy environments. The 900’s advancements provide a more immersive listening experience.
Sound Quality and Audio Fidelity
Sound quality is paramount, and both headphones deliver impressive audio. The Bose 700 offers a balanced sound signature with clear highs, present mids, and a controlled bass response. The 900 often refines the audio experience, perhaps with a more detailed soundstage or improved instrument separation. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences; some may prefer the 700’s sound while others lean towards the 900’s nuanced audio rendering. Consider listening to both to determine which sound signature you prefer.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
Call quality is crucial for professionals and anyone who takes calls frequently. Both the Bose 700 and the 900 are renowned for their exceptional microphone performance. The Bose 700 is a leader in this field, with multiple microphones and advanced algorithms that effectively isolate your voice while minimizing background noise for clear conversations. The 900 often maintains this standard, possibly with further refinements to its noise-canceling capabilities. Both are excellent choices for clear calls.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an essential factor for portability and convenience. The Bose 700 offers a solid battery life, providing hours of listening time on a single charge. The 900 often provides similar battery life, but with possible improvements in charging speed or total listening time per charge. Consider your usage patterns: if you are a heavy user, battery life might be a significant factor. Both models typically support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed, minimizing downtime.
Price and Value
Price is a key consideration when choosing between the Bose 700 and the 900. The 900 typically comes at a higher price point than the 700. Evaluate your budget and consider the value proposition each model offers. Assess whether the additional features and potentially improved performance of the 900 justify the increased cost. If budget is a primary concern, the 700 remains an excellent option. Both headphones represent premium investments in audio quality and noise cancellation.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy bose 700 If…
- You prioritize a slightly more classic design.
- You find the Bose 900’s features unnecessary.
- You want to save some money.
- You prefer a wider range of noise cancellation adjustment.
Buy 900 If…
- You want the latest Bose technology.
- You value the improved sound quality and clarity.
- You want slightly better battery life.
- You want the latest Bluetooth version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Bose 700 and 900?
The 900 often builds upon the 700’s foundation, potentially offering improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and design. The 900’s design might include enhanced ear cup comfort and a slightly refined audio profile. The 900 also may feature improvements in processing power and new digital signal processing. The 900 often comes at a higher price point.
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
The Bose 900 often improves upon the already impressive noise cancellation of the 700. The 900’s advancements may lead to superior performance in various environments, especially those with complex noise. The differences may be subtle, but the 900 often provides a slightly quieter listening experience, which is important for critical listening.
How does the sound quality compare between the two models?
Both headphones deliver high-quality audio. The 700 offers a balanced sound signature, while the 900 may have a more refined soundstage and improved instrument separation. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which sounds better. The 900 often has a slightly more detailed and nuanced sound.
Is the Bose 900 worth the extra cost?
Whether the 900 is worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize the absolute best noise cancellation, and potentially improved audio quality, the 900 could be a worthwhile investment. If budget is a major concern, the 700 offers excellent value. Consider your priorities.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
Both the Bose 700 and 900 are excellent for calls, featuring top-tier microphone performance. Both headphones utilize multiple microphones and advanced algorithms to isolate your voice. The 900 often maintains or slightly improves the call quality standard set by the 700, ensuring clear communication.
What is the battery life of each headphone?
Both headphones offer respectable battery life. The 700 provides a battery life that is generally suitable for most users. The 900 usually has a similar battery life, perhaps with slight improvements in total listening time. Both models also typically support fast charging capabilities.
Which headphone is better for travel?
Both headphones are excellent for travel, thanks to their noise cancellation capabilities and portability. The 900’s potentially improved noise cancellation could provide a slightly better experience in noisy environments. Consider factors like battery life and comfort when making your choice for travel.
Final Verdict
Both the Bose 700 and the 900 are excellent noise-canceling headphones, each offering a premium listening experience. The Bose 900 often builds upon the strengths of the 700 with incremental improvements in noise cancellation and potentially sound quality, and also in design. The 700 remains a strong choice, especially considering its price point. The best choice depends on your budget and preferences.
Winner: Bose 900