Bose

Bose 718840-0010-cr QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones Renewed

4.4 (37 reviews)

Certified refurbished active noise cancellation that cuts ambient noise without cutting the cord — premium Bose IEM performance at a reduced entry price.

$116.98*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 20, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Bose QuietComfort 20 delivers active noise cancellation in an in-ear form factor — a technically demanding combination, since ANC in IEMs requires both a strong passive ear seal and fast digital signal processing to counteract ambient noise. Bose achieves this by housing the ANC electronics in a dedicated module on the cable rather than the earbud itself, keeping the ear housing compact. The result is a noise cancellation system capable of attenuating continuous low-frequency noise — HVAC, aircraft cabin pressure, open-plan office hum — at a level that rivals much bulkier over-ear ANC designs. The 16-hour battery life on the ANC module is a practical spec: it outlasts most long-haul flights and standard workdays without needing a mid-session charge.

The 718840-0010-cr SKU is a Certified Refurbished variant, which positions this as an entry point to Bose's ANC performance for buyers unwilling to pay full retail. The QC20 targets frequent travelers, open-office workers, and commuters who need effective noise isolation without the bulk or wireless dependency of over-ear headphones. Aware mode adds meaningful versatility by making the earbuds usable in mixed environments. The 3.5mm wired connection, while increasingly inconvenient on phones without a headphone jack, remains an asset for laptop users, in-flight entertainment systems, and anyone working in audio where Bluetooth latency is a concern. The Android-specific remote mapping on this variant should be confirmed against your device before purchase.

Key Features

This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The renovation process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90 day warranty and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high-performance bar can offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com

Compatible with Apple devices: 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6 Plus and iPod Touch: 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th generations and for iPod Classic: 2009 (120GB and 160GB), iPod nano : 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th generation and also features iPad: all models with MacBook Uni: pro body body Pro iPod shUffle : 3rd and 4th generation

Ideal for Samsung Galaxy and other select Samsung and Android devices. (For Android)

Use noise cancellation to reduce surrounding distractions and focus on your music.

Turn on Aware mode to hear what's happening around you. Charging time: 2 hours

Specifications

Brand
Bose
Model
718840-0010-cr (Certified Refurbished)
Base Model
QuietComfort 20
Type
In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise Cancellation
Active (ANC)
Connectivity
Wired, 3.5mm
ANC Battery Life
~16 hours
Charge Time
2 hours
Color
Black
Device Compatibility
Android / Samsung
Cable Feature
Retractable
Ear Tips
Bose StayHear (Proprietary)
ASIN
B07LHC923F

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Active noise cancellation operates from a dedicated cable-mounted battery, keeping the earbud housings small and lightweight
  • 16-hour ANC battery life covers a full workday on a single charge
  • Aware mode allows ambient sound pass-through without removing the earbuds — useful in dynamic environments
  • Wired 3.5mm connection eliminates Bluetooth latency, making these viable for audio monitoring and video work
  • Certified Refurbished status provides Bose performance at a meaningfully lower price point than new retail

👎 Cons

  • Proprietary StayHear ear tips are required for optimal ANC seal — third-party tips degrade noise cancellation measurably
  • The cable-mounted battery module adds bulk and a snag point compared to cable-only wired earphones
  • 3.5mm wired-only connectivity means no Bluetooth option — a real limitation on phones that have removed the headphone jack
  • Certified Refurbished condition means cosmetic appearance is not guaranteed to match new retail
  • 90-day minimum warranty is shorter than the 1-year coverage on new units

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon's Certified Refurbished program requires the product to pass functional testing and basic cleaning before repackaging. This unit ships with a minimum 90-day warranty. It is not a new retail unit — cosmetic blemishes are possible, though core functionality is verified.
Yes — ANC is powered by a dedicated rechargeable battery module on the cable. Bose rates it for approximately 16 hours of ANC use per charge, with a 2-hour charge time. The headphones still pass audio when the battery is depleted, but noise cancellation is inactive.
Aware mode pipes in ambient sound through a microphone on the cable, letting you hear your environment without removing the earbuds. It is useful when you need situational awareness — crossing a street, taking a question in an office — without fully disengaging from your audio.
The product listing specifies the Android/Samsung variant. The in-line remote and microphone are tuned for Android devices. An Apple-compatible variant exists separately — confirm the ASIN matches your platform before purchasing, as the remote button mapping differs.
The QC20 uses Bose's proprietary StayHear ear tips, which provide the passive seal necessary for ANC to function effectively. Replacement tips are available directly from Bose and through third-party sellers, though non-Bose tips may reduce ANC performance.