Best noise cancelling headphones for flying?
#46
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,965
When you get the WH1000XM3 you'll be very pleasantly surprised (I was). As of right now, it has absolutely no competition on the market, and the reviews back up that claim all across the board.
It only came out this month and it's already making quite the splash. Bose is going to need to come up with something much better, quick.
It only came out this month and it's already making quite the splash. Bose is going to need to come up with something much better, quick.
Also how comfy is the WH1000xM3? Could you see wearing it for a 15.5 hour flight for example?
#48
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NUE
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#49
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,172
My trusty bose qc20i is on its last legs... looking at the WH1000xM3 and the QC35ii. Have you had experience with the bose headphones to compare? Most reviewers who "compare" that I've found on the internet, don't actually have experience with both and are just parroting what they've read.
Also how comfy is the WH1000xM3? Could you see wearing it for a 15.5 hour flight for example?
Also how comfy is the WH1000xM3? Could you see wearing it for a 15.5 hour flight for example?
For my relatively large head, the WH1000XM3 is very comfortable. I've spent an entire day listening to music in them last weekend, so I can wear it through a 15 hour long haul. It does get a little warm over time though.
Switching devices with the headphone isn't too difficult, so it's a non-issue for me. It might be a deal breaker for some people, but probably not a high priority feature for most people.
#50
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,965
I could never wear the Bose QCs for more than 10 minutes, since it gives me the "pressure" sensation. From my brief experience listening to them (in a relatively quiet store), I prefer Sony's sound signature.
For my relatively large head, the WH1000XM3 is very comfortable. I've spent an entire day listening to music in them last weekend, so I can wear it through a 15 hour long haul. It does get a little warm over time though.
Switching devices with the headphone isn't too difficult, so it's a non-issue for me. It might be a deal breaker for some people, but probably not a high priority feature for most people.
For my relatively large head, the WH1000XM3 is very comfortable. I've spent an entire day listening to music in them last weekend, so I can wear it through a 15 hour long haul. It does get a little warm over time though.
Switching devices with the headphone isn't too difficult, so it's a non-issue for me. It might be a deal breaker for some people, but probably not a high priority feature for most people.
#51
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Exclusively OMNI/PR, for Reasons
Posts: 4,188
I have the AirMod bluetooth adapter ($60 on Amazon) that was specifically made for the QC-25s and is hardly noticeable when connected. I used it for nearly two years and had no problems except it has proprietary charging cable -- USB A on one end, 3.5mm socket on the other. Managed to lose/forget it a couple of times, which was a pain. I understand why they did it that way but still hate single use cables 

#52
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 26
#53
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
I would have bought that one but I didn't see at the time (is it new? or new to Amazon?) I've had the AirMod for a while...
#54
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Exclusively OMNI/PR, for Reasons
Posts: 4,188
#55
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
#56
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: City of Angels
Programs: DL Kettle| HH Pot
Posts: 525
Bose QC35II available for $249 at Guitar Center. Selling out quick
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Bose/Qu...D=404255&CJSID
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Bose/Qu...D=404255&CJSID
#57
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,965
Bose QC35II available for $249 at Guitar Center. Selling out quick
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Bose/Qu...D=404255&CJSID
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Bose/Qu...D=404255&CJSID
#58
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Au, Marriott Pt, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,070
That version of the BTunes is v2. The original BTunes hit the market in late 2015 and the makers had a pilot/test program running on FT. I was one of the lucky few who got in on it at that time. After the BTunes was officially for sale, the Airmod hit the market with a cleaner design. BTunes 2.0 copied that design aesthetic with some improvements (according to the reviews I read).
I still use my BTunes 1.0 although it is a bit unsightly. Still works well enough, though, for me to not be THAT tempted to upgrade to the 2.0 model.
BTunes test drive program for owners of Bose Quiet Comfort 25 Headphones
#59
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
Bose QC35II available for $249 at Guitar Center. Selling out quick
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Bose/Qu...D=404255&CJSID
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Bose/Qu...D=404255&CJSID
Maybe a sign that they're about to introduce new model.
#60
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,809
I had a fairly lengthy write-up on the Sony XM3. Which got nuked by my browser/computer.
For sake of brevity I'll condense it as below:
* Feels a bit delicate and lithe in build
* Comfortable and secure for wearing and movement
* Generally good sound signature
* Top notch ANC capabilities
* App/software is a bit much and is subtraction-by-addition
* Touch and button interface is merely okay. Physical dials is better - see: new MS Surface headphones
* Microphone for voice calls is atrocious
I'm satisfied, but it's far from perfect. And at 380 EUR is a bit of a stretch, considering this market is only going to get more crowded.
For sake of brevity I'll condense it as below:
* Feels a bit delicate and lithe in build
* Comfortable and secure for wearing and movement
* Generally good sound signature
* Top notch ANC capabilities
* App/software is a bit much and is subtraction-by-addition
* Touch and button interface is merely okay. Physical dials is better - see: new MS Surface headphones
* Microphone for voice calls is atrocious
I'm satisfied, but it's far from perfect. And at 380 EUR is a bit of a stretch, considering this market is only going to get more crowded.