I am looking for a set of "decent" bluetooth headphones for flying; gym, etc.

I have looked at the thread on noise cancelling headphones, and have looked into the Bose QC35, and the Sony 1000XM3. I have also looked at the B&O Beoplay H4, which are not noise cancelling.

I don't fly much; once per year or so and then only typically for three hours, so noise cancelling isn't the biggest consideration for me, in fact, I don't really need it.

I can't wear earbuds, as there is no lip at the bottom of my ears to hold them in, and they just fall right out.

I am also looking for reasonably light, so that at the gym, I can do sit-ups, lay down on a weight bench, move around, etc., and not have them move out of place.

Price is always a consideration, but I am a buy once, cry once kind of guy. If it takes $350 for the Bose or Sony to get what's worth having, I'll do it, but it seems to me that a lot of the cost is in the quality of the noise cancellation, and not in the audio quality and fit, so I'd rather have good audio, and proper fit, than sound isolation.

Thanks.

A

I can tell you that I do fly a bit and it makes a difference. I bought my Bose QC35 before my first trip to Japan and an hour into the flight felt is was one of the wisest purchase decisions that I've made.

I don't use it just for travel. It is paired to my phone and my laptop. If I'm out working in the yard with power equipment I put the Bose on and play a little music. You can still hear, its not 100% noise killing but it makes mowing, trimming, blowing leaves a lot nicer, and quieter.

It is also nice if you're on your laptop around other people and want to watch videos and such without disturbing anyone.

The QC35 has a microphone built in so you can use it for phone calls, SKYPE, GTM, or other interactive software as long as you're paired.

If your device doesn't have blue tooth, there is a cable to connect to the audio port. However if you have separate mic & phones that would be an issue.

The battery lasted easily for the 12-14 hr trip to Japan. If you're using it wired it hardly draws battery at all so if you're down around 30%, wire connect it and you'll extend it a long time.

I can't say enough good about the Bose

I wholeheartedly second the above post.

I thought they would never be able to justify the price. Ten minutes in the air on one flight changed that. That doesn't even take into account the fact that I pair it with my phone, and use it at work while I type.

Well done Bose, well done.

Not many years ago you had your choice with Bose of a Bluetooth phone or a noise-canceling phone. Unfortunately I bought both. The combination is best.

If you don't want the noise cancellation, look at the Bose SoundLinks. Pretty much the same but without the noise circuits. Love mine. I also own the Qc25's

I really did a few test drives and purchased the Beats Solo 3's, the Bose QC-35's and the Sennheiser PXC550's and a few comments about each. The Beat Solos actually have the best range and connection while walking around the house and with the iPhone in the back bedroom I can walk out and get into the pool and on the pool deck with fine reception. The only downside for me was the it was on-the-ear cups and subject to getting a little outside interference ie; lawnmowers, airplanes, dog barks. Plus they were not as comfortable as over-the-ear cups. Additionally if you like a deep "boomy bass" they may appeal...not so much for me. Second up, the Bose QC-35's, very comfortable and fantastic noise cancelling plus great sound balance in all the ranges. The range however was good though they did receive some interference around my electrical fuse panel and when my refrigerator door was opened, otherwise a great pair. Lastly and my favorite the Sennheiser PXC 550'S. extremely comfortable over-the-ear cups with imo the best sounding, a close tie with the Bose though. Range was great out on the pool deck and no interference with electrical devices in the home as I roamed thru. All these applications were with my iPhone 6S left in my master bedroom as I roamed free about the house and outside on the pool deck, I'm guessing that distance thru a few walls interior/exterior to be about 70-75'. The two best for comfortability and sound were the Bose and Sennheiser's. Both in the $300-$350 range but imo worth it. The Beat Solo's though having the best range and connection were a good pair for mowing the lawn and distance connections, I believe they had some Apple chipset inside for maximum strength but the bass is something you need to appeal too, just not as much for me. All three came with phone capability to make and receive calls also.

 
I have the Beoplay H4. I am not an audiophile, but for me they provide fantastic sound. They are not noise cancelling, as you noted. The leather ear pads fit and feel just great. I pair them with my Apple TV, MBP, and iPod.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the suggestions. The Bose may be the call, especially if I can find a reconditioned pair...

Another vote for Bose QC35s. Love mine

Latest reviews says that the Sony is now the noise cancelling headphones to beat.

Can you wear earplugs? My earphones have foam tips that work well. Like a light duty earplug. Audio Technica ANC-23's. Not the best, but only $40 with active noise cancelling.

I may take a look at those, and some others. I can wear plugs; I do so for ear protection all the time. It's just the buds that I can't wear.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I'm not an audiophile and I'm cheap so pretty much any set of headphones is good enough for me. As such, I always look for the cheap deals on Amazon for bluetooth headphones. Here is a set you might be interested in. The description says they're good for the gym.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...csd_dcoop_bw_c_x_1_w

Artie

Check out the link on Woot, an amazon company, they have lots of head phones on sale, including Beats, over the ear, and several other brands at big discounts.

Are they Bose, no but then again they aren't $350 either..

Link

If you have an iPhone, it's very hard not to recommend Beats. The newer ones have the Apple W1 Bluetooth chip that syncs with all of your iCloud devices at the same time, increases your battery life and has an absurd Bluetooth range.

For something lighter, AKG has a note cancelling On Ear set that's pretty good and light weight. I've got some used one of you're interested.

I bought Bose QC35s after the movers stole my wired Bose headphones. Very nice sound and the noise cancelling is great on flights.

However, over the ear muffs are too warm for Texas so I only use them for flights. I have an inexpensive set of bluetooth earbuds (Sigforum recommended) for everything else.

Smaller Bose should be $100 at Costco on Black Friday. Very comfortable. Not noise cancelling but they block a lot.

I've got some Beats Studio headphones. Excellent sound quality and noise cancelling. Reasonable battery charge life.

That said, I really wanted these and used them quite a bit when I first got them but my usage has waned quite a bit in favor of less restrictive ear buds. I still use them from time to time to silently watch a movie while my wife sleeps or such. I've not traveled with them so I don't know how they preform in that function.

Good product that does what it says it will do.

I use my Bose QC35 headphones every day. The battery life is incredible, as is the sound quality, comfort, range, and noise-cancelling capabilities.

Highly recommended.

Thanks again for the suggestions. I might be able to get away with a full in-ear design that is like silicone shooting plugs. I find those to be comfortable, and they will stay in my ear, in a way that earbuds do not.