Travel Technology - Bose QC2 or 3 and why?

I would love to hear everyones reasons for going with either. I'm debating on which one to get. Thanks

I would love to hear everyones reasons for going with either. I'm debating on which one to get. Thanks

QC2 because I like the "over the ears" fit. I feel it blocks more sound. I honestly though have not taken a set of QC3's on an extended trip so maybe they would suffice. I have had my QC2's for about 4 years.

Now, there are a few options I wish that the QC2's had, not sure if the QC3's have them. In line volume control etc...

When my old QC1 broke I faced the same choice - QC2 or 3? I chose QC3 because I like the on-ear fit. I found that after 5h the over the ear fit of the QC1 (and presumably QC2) would hurt my ears. I do find the QC3 to be more comfortable but that's just me. I'm sure others will find the opposite is true.

I had hesitations about the built in rechargeable battery of the QC3, but they work well on 15h+ flights (YYZ - HKG, YYZ - BOM via FRA for example) so I've never had a problem.

P.S. Welcome to FT! And be sure to do a search as headphones have been discussed here in other threads.

I think it's really personal taste. I love my QC2s and find the ear fit more comfortable than the QC3s. I've tried them both obviously and I don't percieve audio quality as $50 better in the QC3 -- they're both really good -- so pick the fit you like.

Welcome to FT. I prefer the QC2 for better noise blocking and they are more comfortable for me than the QC3. I have tried both.

Echoing everyone else, you need to try them on to pick the best one for your needs. Go to either a Bose store or even an Apple store and try them out. I did that at an Apple store and while I felt the QC3 did a better job of noise canceling I chose the QC2 as I liked the over ear fit better.

QC 2's hands down...3's slip on yours ears when sleeping especially during long haul. Also who wants to screw with another battery charger?

On my recent AA busniess class flights to FRA, I had the chance to try the QC3's. I have to say that I do not like them. Here's why I would never buy a pair...

-They let in more noise
-They have a flimsy feel.
-They do fall off while sleeping, probably due to the flimsy band.
-Yet another battery type. If you forget to charge before a flight, you're screwed.
-I dont like anything pressing on my ears.
-Nothing in the QC3 justifies the extra $50, especially with all the negatives.

I had my QC2 for about four years now, I took it with me on all my trips, I love it, would not want to be without it. I tried QC3 on one of the transpacific flight, I did not like it, to me it was less comfortable, indeed somewhat peculiar; feels insecure sitting on one's ears. So after less than an hour, I put my own QC2 back on.

Furthermore, I don't like the idea of the special dedicated battery for the QC3, I don't know how long it will last, so there is another thing to worry about! :rolleyes: So much better with AAA, as there is a small pouch inside the QC2 case for you to carry a couple of spare.

QC2 and iPod, are the two best purchase for my travel needs I have ever made.

I think the best thing for you to do is to go and try them out, see which one suits you best.

Because those who detatch the cord and wear them to the bathroom look like bigger dufuses when they wear Q2's!

Because those who detatch the cord and wear them to the bathroom look like bigger dufuses when they wear Q2's!

Yes, they DO!! :D

I would love to hear everyones reasons for going with either. I'm debating on which one to get. Thanks

I have the QC2, and like others, prefer the "over the ear" design. I also think the pressure from the noise cancellation is less noticeable with this design.

My vote is for the QC2. My ears are multiply pierced, so it is always nice not to have something mashing my earrings against my head. Plus, it seems to block out more ambient noise than the QC3s.

Never tried QC2, after trying the QC3 in the Bose Vancouver store, it was an instant love affair and I never looked back. They also had 3x Aeroplan miles promo that helped me decide on the spot.

I'd say that it is a question of getting used to either one.

QC2 because:

Tested both; QC2 offered better noise reduction overall
I prefer a conventional battery over specialized ones any day; no extra charge plus if it runs out earlier than planned, it's easy to replace (including borrowing from my wireless mouse)
Fits more comfortably for me and stays on without much force/pressure since it rests on my head, not ears
Couldn't see why I would spend more on something that felt like it performed less effectively (for me)


IMHO, you really have to try them on for a while especially if you want the QC2. Not everybody's ears are the same. The size, how far it sticks out, length, etc... all come in to play significantly for the QC2 since it has to cover your ear entirely. It still affects QC3 but less so.

I had a pair from Sharper Image before and the sound was actually noticeably better than my Bose and SI cost half of my QC2. It also had volume control and can work (albeit poorly) without power. Unfortunately, the ear cavity is not as wide so one side always rested on my ear. NOT comfortable beyond a couple of hours and hurt if I used them >3 hours.

Go to the store or borrow from friends. Try, try, try for fit before you buy.

Because those who detatch the cord and wear them to the bathroom look like bigger dufuses when they wear Q2's!

Note to self: change screen name to dufus.