Bose QuietComfort headphones hit $170 as prices drop by half

Consumers seeking premium noise-canceling audio can now buy Bose QuietComfort headphones at a steep discount. The first-generation model, originally priced at $359.99, is currently available for $169.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose. This $190 reduction matches the lowest price recorded for the product to date.

The second-generation model, released in August, also sees a major price cut. It sells for $199 at the same retailers, a discount of $160 from its launch price. This price point is only $20 higher than the historical low for the newer version.

The first-generation headphones remain a viable option for buyers prioritizing value. The device offers 24 hours of battery life and supports multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to link two devices simultaneously. The lightweight, foldable design also facilitates easy storage in a bag.

The second-generation model costs $30 more but includes specific technical upgrades. It supports lossless audio transmission via USB-C. Reviewer John Higgins of The Verge described the default sound profile as the best he has heard from Bose. He noted that the sound quality even surpassed that of the flagship $449 QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2.

Higgins observed that vocals initially sounded muted in the second-generation model. He resolved this issue by adjusting the three-band equalizer in the Bose companion app. He also found the QuietComfort headphones more comfortable than the Ultra model, citing the absence of what he called "eardrum suck." This term refers to the unpleasant ear pressure often caused by strong active noise cancellation.