Bose QuietComfort 25

The QC25's noise cancellation is still a standout at the 78th percentile, and its 90th percentile build quality is best-in-class for durability. But the sound quality is a real letdown, ranking in the bottom quarter of all headphones we've tested. Buy it as a dedicated noise-blocking tool for travel, not for musical enjoyment.

The noise cancellation is the headliner here, and it's still a strong performer. At the 78th percentile, it's not the absolute best anymore, but it's more than enough to hush the drone of an engine or the hum of an AC unit. We're talking about a level of ANC that rivals many mid-range wireless headphones released in the last few years. The passive isolation from the closed-back, over-ear design does a lot of the heavy lifting before the electronics even kick in, making the combined effect very effective for travel.

Sound quality is where the age really shows. The 26th percentile ranking means it's outpaced by the vast majority of headphones we test. The tuning is classic early-2010s Bose: a boosted, slightly bloated bass that bleeds into a recessed midrange. It's a fun, energetic sound for pop playlists, but it lacks the clarity and detail you'd want for anything more complex. The wired 3.5mm connection is a double-edged sword; you get zero latency, which is great, but you're tethered to your device. The inline mic and remote are serviceable for calls, ranking in the 76th percentile, so your voice comes through clearly enough.

Stacked against the Soundcore Life Q20, the QC25 wins on build quality and has a slight edge in pure ANC performance, but the Soundcore offers wireless convenience and a built-in rechargeable battery for less money. The Sony ULT WEAR is in a different league entirely, with modern sound, better ANC, and features, but it also costs significantly more. Compared to the Apple AirPods Max, the Bose is completely outclassed in sound and features, but it's also a fraction of the price. The Sennheiser HDB 630 and Technics EAH-A800 will both deliver vastly superior audio quality, making the QC25's 26th percentile sound ranking a real deal-breaker if music is any kind of priority.

Value is a tricky conversation here because you're only looking at renewed units in the $140 to $177 range. For a pure noise-canceling tool, that's a decent price per performance ratio. You're getting ANC that's stronger than what you'd find in many new $100-$150 wireless headphones. The trade-off is that you're paying for one feature and accepting mediocrity everywhere else. A new Soundcore Life Q20, a direct competitor, costs less and gives you wireless freedom with comparable ANC, making the QC25 a harder sell unless you specifically need a wired connection and that tank-like build.

The Bose QuietComfort 25 is a relic that still throws a surprisingly strong punch in a couple of key areas. Its build quality is a standout, landing in the 90th percentile of our database, and the active noise cancellation is still well above average at the 78th percentile. For a wired, AAA-battery-powered headphone from a decade ago, that's genuinely impressive. You're getting a tank-like, comfortable set of cans that can silence a plane cabin for around $140 to $177 on the renewed market.

But let's be real about the sound. A 26th percentile ranking for audio quality is a weak spot, plain and simple. If you're used to modern wireless headphones or anything with a neutral tuning, the QC25's bass-heavy, slightly muddy profile will feel dated. This is a one-trick pony, and that trick is making the world quiet, not making your music sound incredible. For a renewed pair at this price, you're buying a dedicated noise-canceling tool, not an all-rounder.

Anyone who cares about sound quality should skip these without a second thought. A 26th percentile ranking means the audio is simply not competitive. If you listen to anything more demanding than a podcast or background pop music, you'll be disappointed. Studio users should also run the other way, given the abysmal 39.4/100 score in that category. And if you can't stand the idea of hunting down AAA batteries or being tethered by a wire, the modern world of wireless ANC has left this model behind.

The Bose QuietComfort 25 is a specialized instrument. If your sole mission is to find a cheap, durable, wired headphone that can make a noisy flight bearable, and you don't care about wireless or hi-fi sound, this is a data-backed good buy on the renewed market. The 90th percentile build quality means it'll likely outlast many modern plastic headphones. But for anyone who wants to enjoy their music, not just hear it, the 26th percentile sound quality is a fatal flaw. You can get a better all-around experience for the same money or less.