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To adjust noise cancellation or switch to Aware mode, connect your QuietComfort headphones to the Bose app, open Modes, and choose a mode. The available modes and headphone-button shortcuts differ by model, so check your model name before following button instructions. On QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), press and hold the Multi-function button to cycle through favorite modes, then release when you hear the one you want.
What Quiet and Aware modes do
- Quiet uses noise cancellation to reduce outside sound.
- Aware uses the headphones’ external microphones to let you hear your surroundings. It does not eliminate outside noise.
Some models also offer Immersion, which combines noise cancellation with immersive audio, and Custom modes that let you adjust settings. Available choices vary by model.
Adjust modes in the Bose app
- Pair your headphones with the Bose app. If the app requests Bluetooth or location permissions, allow them so it can find and control the headphones. See Bose’s QuietComfort pairing instructions.
- Open the headphones’ settings in the app and select Modes.
- Choose Quiet, Aware, or another mode available for your model. On supported models, use the mode settings to configure noise cancellation or other options.
App labels and controls can vary with the headphone model and software version. Bose describes the app as the place to control modes and adjust noise-cancellation levels.
Use the controls for your model
QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Quiet, Aware, and Immersion are favorites by default. Bose also documents Cinema and Custom modes; you can add or remove modes in the app. To switch modes from the headphones, press and hold the Multi-function button. Listen to the voice prompts and release when the desired favorite is announced. For Bose’s model-specific details, see Setting the adjustable Active Noise Cancellation mode.
#1 Best Overall
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
This model supports up to seven custom modes. To use ActiveSense, select Aware in the Bose app, open its settings, and enable ActiveSense. It can apply noise cancellation temporarily to sudden or loud sounds while you remain in Aware mode.
Standard QuietComfort Headphones
Open Modes in the Bose app and select Quiet, Aware, or a custom mode. The owner’s guide documents up to two custom modes. These headphones start in Quiet by default; the app also offers an option to start in the last-used mode. Button controls can differ, so use the guide for your exact model rather than assuming the 2nd Gen shortcut applies. Bose’s QuietComfort Headphones owner’s guide has the model’s operating details.
Rank #2
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Use Modes in the Bose app to choose or configure Quiet, Aware, Immersion, or Custom. The owner’s guide documents up to seven custom modes. ActiveSense is an Aware-mode feature enabled through the app. See Bose’s Using Modes guide or QuietComfort Ultra owner’s guide.
If the mode or cancellation does not seem right
You hear more outside sound than expected
Check that the headphones are in Quiet rather than Aware. Aware intentionally feeds environmental sound from the external microphones to the headphones.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
ActiveSense is missing
Check the exact model and make sure Aware is selected. ActiveSense is not documented as available across every QuietComfort product family.
You hear crackling or distortion in very loud surroundings
Bose says intense outside sound can briefly overwhelm the noise-cancelling microphones and cause crackling or distortion. This can be a response to extreme sound rather than evidence of product damage. See Bose’s noise-cancellation troubleshooting guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #4
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLATION: Effortlessly combines noise cancelling headphones technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- PREMIUM COMFORT: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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