Bose Tips First Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Bose is widely expanding its line of wireless headphones ^[1] with the announcement of several new models that run from sports-friendly earphones to noise-cancelling on-ear headphones, with a model between them that features a completely new function of Bose's noise-cancelling technology.

The most distinctly Bose-like of the three new products is the QuietComfort 35. It's a wireless successor to the wired QuietComfort 25 ^[2] headphones, our long-standing Editors' Choice for noise-cancelling headphones. The QC35 features an upgraded version of the noise-cancellation circuitry found in the QC25 and a new equalizer that improves the sound quality of music played through noise cancellation. The biggest complaint with all active noice-cancelling headphones is the effect the technology can have on the accuracy of music, so this could be a very large boon.

These aren't Bose's first wireless headphones; the non-noise-cancelling Bose SoundLink On-Ear ^[3] headphones we tested last year are also Bluetooth.

Bose QuietControl 30 Bluetooth earphones

Noise cancellation will be available in another wireless form on the QuietControl 30 Bluetooth earphones (above). The name is a departure among Bose's noise-cancelling products, which until now have been called QuietComfort. QuietControl 30 is so named because of the new ability to adjust the level of noise cancellation in the earphones. Users can press a rocker on the earphones themselves or adjust a slider on the Bose app to dial up or down the level of noise cancellation the QC30 provides.

Bose's wired in-ear noise cancelling headphones, the QuietComfort 20 ^[4], provide some of the most effective noise cancellation on the market, but that isn't always desirable if you want situational awareness when crossing a street or standing on a subway platform. The ability to adjust the noise-cancelling level could be a great boon for users who want to hear at least some of the things happening around them, while s till enjoying the quiet.

Finally, Bose is stepping into the sports headphone field with the SoundSport, a rugged, non-noise-cancelling set of wireless earphones designed for use when working out. They're sweat- and water-resistant, and feature dual-flange eartips with large ear fins for holding them steady. The SoundSport comes in two versions: the earphones-only SoundSport and the heart rate monitor-equipped SoundSport Pulse (pictured).

The Bose QuietComfort 35 retails for $349.95 and is available in black and silver. The SoundSport comes in black and blue versions at $149.95 each. Both are available now. The QuietControl 30 and SoundSport Pulse ship this September, and will retail for $299.95 and $199.95, respectively.