Have a long road trip in a month. Looking at the Bose noise cancelling model. I have noticed their are two kinds. One for Apple devices, and one for Android devices. Whats the difference? I have an iPod and an Android phone I'd like to use with this headset. Is that possible?

It has to do with the cable that is supplied with it.

BTW, this doesn’t apply if you opt for the QC35 model — these are wireless and I would absolutely recommend the extra money for the 35s over the 25s.

I’m actually at 33k feet as I type this with my Bose QC35’s on — somewhere over Oregon.

They’re sooooo nice for flying (or driving, for that matter).

I assume you're looking at the QC25. They can be had at a great price, but the QC35's are wireless and can also be used wired. Plus, the battery is rechargeable instead of using a AAA battery.

As far as the difference, it comes down to the controls on the cord. The volume control and the control button electronics are specific to Apple or Android devices. You can still use them with either device, but the Android version will not control the volume on an Apple device, and vice versa. With the QC35's, controls work on either device.

I have the QC20 non-iPhone version, and have the adapter to use on an iPhone when needed.

These are the wired earbuds. I tried the wireless, but you have to use the app on the phone to control them. It reset to volume defaults each time I needed to use them. I also thought that the quality of sound on the wireless units weren't as good as the wired ones.

quote:

Plus, the battery is rechargeable instead of using a AAA battery.

I have both, and actually prefer the AAA, as I can swap it out when there's no place to recharge.

I have the QC15, which is a generation prior to the 25. I've had it for quite a few years, and it became my primary headset for travel for a number of years.

When I say travel, I mean not just a trip here or there, but all day, every day, year round; I used mine for an aviation headset with an insertable microphone (u-fly-mic) that made it into a headset for use in the cockpit. It's been used in small single engine airplanes through the 747, desert to arctic. I liked it because it took up very little room in the flight bag, but especially because it was something for listening to music or movies while flying as a commercial passenger to and from assignments.

It's still in my bag, though my main headset is a dedicated aviation one. I carry this as a backup now, and for use when flying as a passenger. I don't know anything about use with a cell phone as I've never done that, but I imagine it would work with anything that uses a standard 3.5 mm jack.

I have a Bose X headset when I fly, but as a passenger I picked up the QC15 years ago when they first came out. I've just about worn out my second set of ear pads on it, and thinking about the blue tooth model when I finally give this one up

QC 35 are awesome. Love mine and use them all the time.

I purchased a pair of the Bose QC35's and the Sennheiser PXC 550's for comparisons. Both are comfortable and good range if you leave your phone in one room and move about throughout the house. The Bose noise cancelling is excellent and very comfortable over the ears, sound is very good. IMO the Sennheiser's just edge the Bose in sound performance by a degree but, the Bose are exceptional headphones if you want to go bluetooth.

Another big Bose fan here. I had my QC15s for about 7 years when they started to short out in one ear. Bose gave me $125 trade in value on a new model without me even asking. I picked up the QC20s as I preferred the in-ear model. I have now moved on to the QC30 as my wife bought them for me for Christmas a few years ago so I wouldn't be stuck to the apple headphone dongle. Love them. You will not regret the decision if you travel often.

I only survived a 13hr flight to Qatar thanks to my QC35s.

Love my Bose QC20s (or whatever the older version with the standard audio jack is). I've had them for 5+ years and they are a MUST have on any flight.

If you have an opportunity to get the QC25s for cheap -- you may want to add a Bolle & Raven Wireless Bluetooth Adapter.

Agree that these headphones are a necessity for a long trip.

--K

My PTSD messed up kid uses these Bose headphones for air travel and they're a godsend.

I have QC35’s and love them. If you’re military (or prior) you can get them at the online exchange. Bose products go on sale occasionally and you could get good deals.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
It has to do with the cable that is supplied with it.

BTW, this doesn’t apply if you opt for the QC35 model — these are wireless and I would absolutely recommend the extra money for the 35s over the 25s.

I’m actually at 33k feet as I type this with my Bose QC35’s on — somewhere over Oregon.

They’re sooooo nice for flying (or driving, for that matter).

Expensive? Yes, but damn they are really worth every penny!

I just upgraded from the 15s to the 35s and I love the wireless capabilities. It’s so nice to not have that cable anymore. I loved the 15s, I used them for about 6 or 7 years I guess. Maybe a bit longer. But the 35s are a nice upgrade.

Also I bought a third party boom mic cable so I can use them with my PS4 too. That’s really sweet.

Just to be contrarian, but for the same money, the Sony WH-1000XWM3 are the same price and better in every way. They block out more noise, sound better, have a phone app with a EQ to change the sound of the headphones, last longer, USB-C charging, and use an 3.5mm plug to hook up to external players instead of the 2.5mm connector you have to go through Bose to replace.

Here's a review here:

https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-wh-1000xm3-review/

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:
Just to be contrarian, but for the same money, the Sony WH-1000XWM3 are the same price and better in every way. They block out more noise, sound better, have a phone app with a EQ to change the sound of the headphones, last longer, USB-C charging, and use an 3.5mm plug to hook up to external players instead of the 2.5mm connector you have to go through Bose to replace.

Here's a review here:

https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-wh-1000xm3-review/

I've read many great reviews of those Sony headphones as well. Many say they're better than Bose.

I’ve never had a pair of the higher end Sony headphones so it isn’t comparing apples to apples, but my concern with the Sony is durability over time. I bought three pairs of $100ish Sony headphones for the family a couple years ago and only one pair still exists. The others all physically broke. I’ve spoken to others with similar pairs who have similar problems.

While the audio quality may be marginally better on the Sony, my experience with Bose gives me reason to believe that they can hold up to years of use. The more expensive Sony headphones may be a lot better built than the lower priced ones but 100 bucks isn’t cheap and so I have my concerns about even their $300+ models.