Bose Quiet Comfort headphones are some of the most popular headphones on the market today. Both the QC3 and the QC15 sell very well. With a $50 price difference between the two, it is worth taking a good hard look at them and seeing which is better suited to your needs.
Specifications and Features
The QC15 is a bigger headphone with a cup that sits around the ear. This helps to seal out all outside noise. The QC3 has memory foam pads that sit directly on the ear. These pads do create a seal to keep out noise, but not as effectively as the QC15’s cups. On the other hand, the smaller size of the QC3 makes them much more portable.
Both headphones are powered by batteries. The QC15 runs off of 1 AAA battery with a life expectancy of about 35 hours. The QC3 contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that runs for about 25 hours per charge. The rechargeable feature means you never have to buy new batteries for it, but the single AAA battery of the QC15 can be changed out with no waiting time for charging.
The QC15 does not reach the sound quality of the QC3. This is especially noticeable for loud music. The QC15’s carrying case is larger than the QC3’s, but it is also lighter. The QC3 leaves room in its case for an iPod.
Which One is the Best Fit?
Deciding whether to purchase the QC15 or QC3 headphones for yourself is mostly a matter of personal preference. If price is your main consideration, the QC15 is available for about $50.00 less at most retailers. If you do a lot of traveling with your headphones, than the smaller QC3 may be more convenient for you, especially as you can slip an iPod or other device right into the carrying case with the headphones.
If you mostly use your headphones in a noisy environment, than you most likely want to get the QC15 as they are better at blocking any outside noise. If, however, you wear your headphones for long periods of time at a stretch, the QC3 is a better choice. While both sets of headphones are very comfortable, the QC15 tends to place pressure on the eardrum which builds up over time if worn too long at once.
If the battery dies in your QC15, you can simply swap out a new AAA battery without waiting for anything to recharge. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about taking additional charger equipment with you when you are traveling. On the other hand, if your main concern is to have the highest sound quality possible, the extra time and hassle of recharging a battery might be worth the superior sound of the QC3.
The QC15 and QC3 headphones are two of Bose’s most popular products. Weigh your personal preferences, make your choice, and either way you will be getting a quality set of headphones.