Our verdict
The Bose QuietComfort SC are closed-back, over-ear headphones: the cushions sit around your ears rather than on them, which helps block sound before the electronics start work. Active noise cancellation (ANC) then uses microphones to hear outside noise and play an opposite sound to cancel it. Fnac's laboratory scored isolation at 9.2 out of 10 and called the noise reduction unbeatable. They weigh 236g and fold up for a bag. The sound is powerful with plenty of bass, though Fnac found the treble a little squashed. Battery life gives long gaps between charges, but the real figure depends on volume and listening mode. £189 was the checked UK price for Bose QuietComfort SC in its Standard retail package version on 1 August 2026.
Buy it if
- You travel by train or plane often and want engine rumble cut right down
- You work in a busy office or home and need to concentrate
- You like a full, bass-heavy sound more than a crisp, detailed one
Skip it if
- You wear headphones all day and are sensitive to clamping or warm ears
- You want a precise, neutral sound for detailed listening
- You prefer small earbuds you can slip into a pocket
How it would fit your home
Long flights and train journeys
The closed ear cups and strong noise cancelling take out the low drone of engines, so you can listen at a lower, safer volume.
Calls from a noisy place
Built-in noise-cancelling microphones help your voice come through more clearly than the background.
Focusing at work
Switch on noise cancelling with nothing playing to quieten air-conditioning and office hum while you concentrate.
The details, in plain English
Noise cancelling
This is the main reason to buy them. Active noise cancellation listens to sounds around you and plays an opposite sound wave to cancel them, and it works best on steady noise such as engines and air-conditioning. Fnac's laboratory scored isolation at 9.2 out of 10 and resistance to outside interference at 9, and described the noise reduction as unbeatable. The closed, over-ear cups also help by physically covering your ears. Results still vary with the fit on your head and the mode you choose.
Sound
Fnac describes the sound as powerful but characterful: bass is emphasised, while the treble (the higher notes, such as cymbals and the 'sh' in voices) is a little squashed. Its frequency response score was 8.1 out of 10. Distortion, where sound turns harsh or fuzzy as you turn it up, was exemplary, scoring 9.5. If you enjoy pop, film soundtracks or podcasts, the warm balance suits them well; if you want every fine detail, look at more neutral headphones.
Comfort and design
The QuietComfort SC are closed, over-ear headphones that fold to fit a bag, and they weigh 236g. Fnac rated comfort 7 out of 10, which is fair rather than outstanding. Comfort depends on your head size, whether you wear glasses and how long you listen, so wear them for at least an hour at home before the returns window closes. They connect to your phone over Bluetooth, and Fnac lists them as iPhone compatible.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- Noise cancelling that Fnac's lab scored 9.2 out of 10 for isolation: trains, planes and office hum fade well into the background
- Closed, over-ear design: the cushions surround your ears and block sound on their own
- Very low distortion (9.5 out of 10 in Fnac's tests), so music stays clean at higher volume
- Built-in noise-cancelling microphones for calls
- Folds flat and weighs 236g, easy to carry for travel
What to watch out for
- Fnac's lab rated comfort 7 out of 10, so try them for a long session within the returns window
- Bass-led sound with slightly squashed treble, which Fnac noted as the main weakness
- Battery and noise-cancellation performance vary with volume and listening mode
Compare the QuietComfort SC on comfort, noise cancelling, sound balance and battery life, and think about the journeys and rooms where you will actually use them. If noise cancelling is your priority, they are a strong option; if sound detail or all-day comfort matters more, try alternatives too.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bose QuietComfort SC (this one) | A strong choice if you mainly want to shut out steady travel and office noise, provided you are happy with a bass-heavy sound and check the fit during the returns window. | £289.95RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | The comfort-first choice for noisy journeys and offices, with very effective noise cancelling and roomy, soft ear cups. | £449.95RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless | A great choice for natural sound and very long battery life, with a battery you can replace yourself. | £329.99RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Beats Studio Pro | The Studio Pro are worth comparing if you want noise-cancelling headphones that move easily between a phone, laptop and wired source, and the 24-hour noise-cancelling battery figure suits your routine. | £249.95RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
Not sure it is the right one for you?
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Where our findings come from
Research-based review. We checked the exact product against the independent and official sources listed below. Measurements quoted here come from Fnac's laboratory test; we have not tested these headphones ourselves.