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Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed — main product image
Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed
Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed
Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed
Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed
Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed
Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed
Bose

Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones - Renewed

★★★★★3.5 (78 reviews)

Bose's legendary noise cancellation in a renewed in-ear form — block the world and hear your music the way it was mixed.

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Overview

The Bose QuietComfort 20 represents a specific engineering proposition: active noise cancellation delivered through an in-ear form factor, targeting the traveler and commuter who needs acoustic isolation without the bulk of over-ear headphones. The ANC system uses microphones to sample ambient noise and generate canceling waveforms in real time, and it's particularly effective against the continuous low-frequency drone that defines air travel and urban transit. Bose's TriPort acoustic architecture and Active EQ work together to maintain a balanced, full-bodied sound signature under cancellation — a technical challenge that cheaper ANC in-ears often fail, producing thin or mid-heavy audio when the noise cancellation circuit is active.

The QC20 is wired, which in a world of wireless earbuds now reads as a deliberate trade-off rather than a limitation — no pairing, no Bluetooth interference, no charging case to track, and no latency for video playback. The inline module houses the ANC battery, controls, and microphone in a compact housing that clips conveniently during wear. Aware mode is a standout practical feature: a single button press lets external sound in without disrupting your listening session, then cancellation resumes on the next press. Battery life holds to approximately 16 hours under real-world use, and passive playback continues after depletion. For the Apple-ecosystem traveler shopping for a wired ANC in-ear at a renewed price point, the QC20 remains a compelling option even against newer competition.

Key Features

Ideal for iPod, iPhone and iPad.Connectivity Technology: Wired

Noise cancelling reduces surrounding distractions, letting music stand out. Stay Hear+ tips provide long-lasting comfort plus stability

Aware mode lets you hear what's around you when you need to, at the touch of a button; Charging time: 2 hours

Exclusive TriPort technology and Active EQ help deliver lifelike, digital-quality audio. Control module(inches):3.5 H x 1.25 W x 0.37 D

QC20 headphones are specifically designed to work with selected Apple or selected Samsung and Android devices. An inline microphone and one-touch answer/end button allow for seamless switching between your calls and music. Some phones may require you to hold the answer/end button for a few seconds to perform these functions

Assembled Product Weight:1 Pounds

Specifications

Connectivity Technology
Wired
Noise Cancellation
Yes
Aware Mode
Yes
TriPort Technology
Yes
Active EQ
Yes
Charging Time
2 hours
Control Module Dimensions
3.5 H x 1.25 W x 0.37 D inches
Compatibility
Selected Apple, Samsung, and Android devices
Inline Microphone
Yes
One-Touch Answer/End Button
Yes
Assembled Product Weight
1 Pounds

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Low-frequency noise cancellation — airplane engines, HVAC, commuter rail — is handled reliably, making long travel sessions genuinely restful.
  • Aware mode delivers a fast, one-button transition to ambient sound awareness without removing the earphones from your ears.
  • Stay Hear+ ear tips provide a stable physical fit that doesn't require constant repositioning during movement, unlike many in-ear designs.
  • TriPort acoustic architecture and Active EQ deliver a full-range sound signature that avoids the thin, harsh presentation common in ANC in-ears at this price tier.
  • Inline microphone and single-button call control work seamlessly with iOS, keeping phone handling minimal.

👎 Cons

  • This Apple-variant remote does not map correctly to Android device controls, limiting functionality for non-iOS users.
  • Wired-only connectivity means you're tethered to your device — no Bluetooth option for those who have moved away from headphone jacks.
  • The renewed condition introduces variable cosmetic quality that you won't fully assess until the unit arrives.
  • ANC performance on sharp transient sounds — voices, keyboard noise, sudden impacts — is noticeably less effective than on continuous low-frequency sources.
  • The inline control module adds a small weighted pendant to the cable that some users find mildly annoying during active movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renewed means the headphones have been inspected, tested, and restored to working condition — typically by the manufacturer or a certified refurbisher. Cosmetic wear may be present, but core functionality including ANC, inline controls, and audio output should meet original performance specs. It's worth checking the seller's specific renewal grade for details on cosmetic condition.
The QC20 uses Bose's first-generation in-ear ANC implementation, which still performs competitively for continuous low-frequency noise — airplane cabin drone, HVAC, train rumble. It's less effective against sharp transient sounds. Current-generation in-ear ANC from Bose and competitors has improved, but the QC20 remains a capable travel companion for its primary use case.
This specific variant is optimized for Apple devices — the inline remote and microphone are mapped to iOS button functions. A separate Samsung/Android variant exists with different button mapping. Using this Apple version with Android will work for audio playback, but the inline controls may not function as expected on non-Apple platforms.
Aware mode passes external sound through to your ears via the microphone without disabling ANC playback. It's activated by a single button press on the inline module, letting you hear a gate announcement, respond to a colleague, or check your surroundings without pulling the earphones out — then press again to return to full isolation.
Bose rates the QC20 for approximately 16 hours of ANC use per charge. When the battery depletes, the ANC disengages but audio playback continues passively — you'll still hear your music, just without noise cancellation, which is a practical failsafe for mid-flight situations.

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