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Use Aware when you want to hear more of the people and activity around you while listening, and Quiet when you want stronger noise cancellation and fewer background distractions. Bose controls differ by product, so use the steps for your specific headphones or earbuds rather than assuming one button sequence works across every model.
Choose the mode that fits what you need
| Mode | Bose’s intended function | When it may suit a shopping trip |
|---|---|---|
| Aware | Transparency: lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying audio. Bose describes Aware mode and its Quiet and Aware modes. | A practical starting point when you want to hear nearby activity or talk with someone. |
| Quiet | Stronger noise cancellation to reduce distractions. | Use it when reducing background noise matters more than hearing as much of the store around you. |
| Aware with ActiveSense | On supported products, automatically applies cancellation around sudden or loud sounds, then reduces it again after the sound stops. Bose documents this feature for Aware mode on the cited headphones. See Bose’s ActiveSense instructions. | Consider it if your model supports it and you want automatic adjustment around intermittent loud sounds. |
These are descriptions of intended functions, not a guarantee that every important sound will be heard in Aware or blocked in Quiet. Bose does not provide controlled measurements of these modes’ performance in shops.
Switch modes on QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Open the Bose app and connect your headphones.
- Open Modes and check that the modes you want to cycle through are set as favorites. Bose says headphone controls access favorite modes; Quiet, Aware, and Immersion are favorites by default in the cited guide.
- Press and hold the multifunction button to cycle through modes. Release it when the voice prompt announces your choice. You can also select a mode in the app. Bose’s QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) guide.
Set up ActiveSense
In the Bose app, open Modes, select Aware, and open its settings to configure ActiveSense. Availability and settings depend on the product.
Switch modes on QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose documents two options for QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: change modes in the app, or hold the multifunction button to cycle through available favorite modes. Available presets depend on the generation. For example, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) guide lists Quiet, Aware, Immersion, and Cinema; check the guide for your exact model before expecting those modes. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones mode instructions · QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) mode instructions.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
- 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
Switch modes on the cited QuietComfort Earbuds
- Touch and hold either earbud for one second until you hear a tone.
- Repeat until the voice prompt announces the mode you want.
- Alternatively, open the Bose QCE app and choose Noise Control on the product control screen. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Owner’s Guide.
These touch controls are specific to the earbuds covered by that guide; they are not instructions for over-ear headphones or every Bose earbud generation.
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SaleBestseller No. 3
Best Value
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Cypress Green - Limited Edition
- 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
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) (Renewed)
- 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
Rank #3
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Sandstone
- 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
Rank #2
Sale
Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke
- 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
Stay attentive while shopping
- Keep the mode aligned with how much you want to hear around you; Aware is not a promise that every nearby sound will come through.
- Pause audio or remove your headphones when you need your full attention on a person or activity.
- If a control or mode is missing, check your exact model’s guide. Bose features, defaults, and available presets vary by product and generation.
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.
