While both headphones offer noise cancelling in an in-ear headphone, QuietControl 30 headphones have the added benefit of controllable noise cancelling, which allows the user to adjust the level of noise cancelling. The neckband design is comfortable enough to wear all day. The headphones offer volume-optimized EQ, which ensures Bose quality audio at all volume settings. In addition, QuietControl 30 offers features like a dual-microphone communication system, voice prompts and intuitive controls. All of these features come in a convenient, wireless headphone. QuietControl 30 headphones do not have a wired backup for either noise cancelling or passive audio, so they cannot be plugged into in-flight entertainment systems like QC20 headphones can.

Controllable noise cancelling is the next generation of the industry-leading noise cancelling for which Bose is renowned. It gives the customer fine control over the level of noise reduction—from full noise cancelling to fully open and anywhere in between—with the push of a button or a touch of the Bose Connect app.

As with any headphone, the signal from the audio source can dominate the ability to hear your surroundings. Lowering the source volume or temporarily stopping the music will make it easier to hear each step in the level of noise cancelling as adjustments are being made.

Noise floor is the electronic “hiss” that may be heard with some noise reduction headphones. This noise can be annoying and can take away from listening enjoyment. QuietControl 30 headphones use sophisticated electronic circuitry to minimize noise floor and make it virtually undetectable.

Bose doesn’t make claims about percentage noise reduction because it is difficult to establish one number that is valid for all the different environments and situations where the headphones can be used. In full noise cancelling, QuietControl 30 headphones compare favorably to other noise reduction headphones and reduce unwanted noise to a level that is noticeably more comfortable when compared to the same situation without using the headphones. We encourage consumers to try the headphones for themselves in a variety of situations, both with and without an external audio source.

QuietControl 30 headphones have a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters) from the source device. It is realistic to describe the range as being the room the user is in and the adjacent room. This range may be reduced by physical obstructions, such as walls and doors, or by interference from other electronic devices.

QuietControl 30 wireless headphones can be charged using the USB cable supplied in the box by plugging the micro-USB into the neckband and the USB into the USB port on a computer or a wall charge (sold separately). Allow up to three hours for the headphones to fully charge. (If the battery is depleted, a quick 15-minute charge provides approximately one hour of play time.) While charging, the power status indicator will flash amber. Once fully charged, the power status indicator light will turn solid green.

The battery will provide up to 10 hours of use per charge.

There are a total of five buttons on the remote located on the right cable. Three buttons are grouped together on the right face of the remote. The larger middle button is the multi-function button. It initiates play/pause and other track controls for videos and music, answers and ends calls, and also can initiate voice commands such as Siri or voice dial. The buttons on either side of the multi-function button are volume +/- buttons. They allow the listener to easily adjust volume in an intuitive up/down vertical orientation.

Additionally, two buttons are located on the back of the remote. These buttons control the level of noise cancelling. To increase the amount of noise cancelling, press ▲ (the top button). To reduce the level of noise cancelling and hear more of your surroundings, press ▼ (the bottom button).

There is a single button for both power and Bluetooth functions. It is located on the inside of the neckband. While wearing the headphones, the power button is on the right side, facing the neck.

The StayHear+ QC tips are made of the same soft silicone material as the original StayHear tips, but they utilize a unique umbrella shape to create a gentle seal at the entrance of the ear canal.

StayHear+ QC tips are compatible with QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones, but should not be used with other Bose in-ear headphones.

When the user takes or makes a call, the noise cancelling level will remain at the current setting. The user can adjust noise cancelling up or down during a call.

When first powering on our headphones, noise cancelling is fully enabled. If the noise cancelling level is changed during use, it will not be remembered if the headphone is powered off. It will always power on in full noise cancelling.