Beats vs. Bose
By Troy Saxton-Getty
I’ve been using both the latest Bose QC15 and Monster Dr. Dre Studio Beats for months. I really do like them both and they both include an optional cord with a mic for those who like to listen and use the phone with them on.
These are both superb headphones; although after some extensive in-the-real-world use, I am going to say the Bose slightly edges out the Beats for overall sound quality, including deep bass.
Beats & Bose
In testing I listened to hundreds of songs over several months of use covering just about all genres of music, from classical to full-on heavy bass Hip Hop.
Don’t get me wrong, they are so close and both are such great products. The bass response and clarity of the Bose just slightly edges out the Beats at higher volume levels. If you don’t want loud and heavy bass playback, it will be hard to tell the difference.
Both are $299 USD (retail) both have nice cases, nice cords and the optional Microphone cord. (I like the belt clip on the Beats case, Bose, get a clue here; it makes it nice to connect the case to the outside of your backpack if you are overloaded inside the backpack or bag. Nerds, please don’t clip them on your belt, please?)
The Beats looks super cool and are very comfortable for long wear, if you are older they have also been known to shave a few years off of your age… (LOL) these come in several colors; mine are Jet Black and go to 11!
The Bose look a lot less flashy, one color, “Old rich guy” silver. (At least give us the classic car colors you throw on BMW’s) Both are about equal on long wear comfort. The Bose have the new BMW interior smell out of the box but it quickly fades.
Additionally you can pull the cords out of both and just use them to reduce the background noise on the airplane, train etc.
Sleep comfort goes to the Beats, it’s easier to lay your head on it’s side with minimal discomfort and you won’t feel like you are going to break them, if you sleep on your back, either will be fine.
Both get about the same battery life, be careful not to break the cryptic side battery door on both when replacing batteries.
DO NOT buy any of the other lower end models of Dr. Dre Beats, not the HD’s, none of them, just pop for the extra dough and get the Studios. (I have one of each for sale on eBay cheap and they suck, so save your money)
In closing, either will make a great choice for you or a gift to the true audio nerd or someone who appreciates quality sound reproduction, these are both fantastic active noise cancelling headphones.
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If the person you are buying them for still wears cool shoes, then go with the Beats, if their shoes use Velcro and/or they are over age 55, your safe bet will be the Bose.
Happy listening!
