Compare Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)

Multiple reviews explicitly mention the 3.5mm connection, often alongside the included 6.3mm adapter.

Noise cancelation is consistently described as top-tier and often best-in-class, with Gen 2 seen as a small refinement (more precise, fewer quirks); some outlets still give Sony a slight edge in ultimate silence. Most reviews highlight easy ANC control through modes or a slider (often 1–10) and note Gen 2 can fully disable ANC, which improves flexibility and battery options.

The understated all-black styling is viewed positively and reads as low-key rather than flashy.

One review explicitly lists Android support.

Android support is repeatedly described as strong, with easy pairing and the best codec features (aptX family) available on compatible Snapdragon phones.

The companion app is generally stable and straightforward for modes, ANC, immersive audio, and device management, but many reviewers describe it as basic compared with feature-rich competitors.

Reviews that discuss codecs call out aptX Adaptive and related options (including lossless/low-latency variants on compatible Snapdragon devices) as a meaningful plus for Android users.

USB-C wired audio is noted to reduce Bluetooth latency by tens of milliseconds, which can improve lip-sync for video compared with wireless use.

Bass impressions are mixed but generally controlled rather than exaggerated: some reviews heard full, extended, punchy low end, while others wanted more richness, slam, or sub-bass weight.

Bass is widely praised as deeper, punchier, and more controlled than the prior model, though a couple reviewers still describe it as warm or occasionally one-note depending on genre and settings.

Battery life is commonly reported around 27–30 hours with ANC on, which is competitive but not class-leading; immersive/spatial modes reduce runtime, and some sources note longer life with ANC off.

Bluetooth performance is often described as quick to connect and stable in daily use, but a minority report occasional connection quirks or issues.

Build impressions are mixed: some reviewers call construction excellent, solid, or sturdy enough, while others think it feels flimsy or too delicate for the price.

Build quality is generally seen as durable enough for daily travel, but the heavy use of plastic and occasional rattly feel reduce the perceived premium value at this price.

Physical buttons are serviceable but frequently criticized for doing too many functions (pairing/power, multi-press combos) and offering limited customization.

The included cable is often described as long and locking, which helps studio use, but some reviewers find it too long or dislike the split-cable approach.

Several reviewers mention the 2.5mm analog input as less common than 3.5mm, but the included cable and USB-C option make it easy to stay connected when needed.

The carry solution is serviceable but not premium, with some reviews noting only a soft bag while another mentions a nice little carry case.

The included case is widely appreciated for being sturdy and compact, though some reviewers find the folding orientation awkward or wish the case design were quicker to open/close.

Charging is typically described as convenient, with quick-charge figures around 15 minutes for a few hours of playback and full charge around a few hours; USB-C also enables charging while listening.

Reviews that mention clamp describe low pressure and easy wear, especially with glasses, though the looser fit can feel unusual.

Clamping force is usually described as gentle and fatigue-free, but a few reviewers find the fit on the snug side (great for seal) or potentially too loose for smaller heads during movement.

Codec support is described as modern and well-rounded for 2025-era ANC headphones, with standard codecs plus aptX Adaptive family and multiple wired options; performance depends on your source device support.

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistent strengths, with many reviewers saying they could wear them for hours or forget they were on.

Comfort is a core strength: many reviewers call it class-leading for long sessions thanks to light weight, plush pads, and an easy seal, with only occasional notes about heat buildup or fit preferences.

The wired connectivity is basic but clear, with support for 3.5mm and 6.3mm use.

Visually, reviewers describe them as sleek, stylish, simple, or modern, with a professional open-back look.

Design is largely unchanged from the previous generation, with updated glossy accents and more color options; reactions range from stylishly understated to a bit boring or too fingerprint-prone.

Multiple reviews confirm the detachable dual-sided cable is reversible or easy to remove, though not everyone likes the format.

At least one reviewer notes there is no dedicated low-latency wireless dongle, limiting plug-and-play latency solutions for gaming compared with some rivals.

One review explicitly questions long-term peace of mind because the thin build feels delicate.

Earpad comments are mostly positive, describing soft, thick, or comfortable pads, though one review found them slightly shallow.

Earpads are typically described as soft, deep, and comfortable, though some users note ears can touch the inner padding or that the surface may not feel ultra-premium to the touch.

One review directly criticizes the swivel as insufficient for fit and seal.

The yoke/rotation design allows the cups to lay flat, but at least one review notes the rotation range is limited in one direction.

EQ control is repeatedly called out as limited (a simple 3-band slider), good for small tweaks but not ideal for listeners who want granular tuning.

Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.

Tonality can be shaped into a more balanced response with CustomTune and light EQ, but out of the box many characterize it as a V-shaped or slightly dark consumer tuning rather than strictly neutral.

Headband fit is mixed: some found adjustment simple, while others said the system did not work well or stayed too loose on smaller heads.

Comments on the headband padding are mixed but generally positive on softness; one review likes the fabric support band, while another finds the leatherette pad concept poorly executed.

One review says the swivel feels weak, raising concern about sturdiness around the hinge or yoke area.

Where mentioned, the metal headband/hinge structure is viewed as reassuring, even though much of the exterior uses plastic to save weight.

The open presentation and surrounding effect are called immersive or enveloping in the reviews that address it.

Reviews mention a 3m split cable, 6.3mm adapter, and carry bag or pouch as the key items in the box.

Accessories are typically described as solid for the category, with a sturdy case plus USB-C and analog cables included for flexible connections.

The headphones are repeatedly described as good at separating elements or placing sounds clearly in the stereo field.

Instrument separation is rated good-to-excellent, with most reviewers finding layering and placement strong; a few note busy mixes can still blur slightly.

Noise reduction on calls is usually effective, keeping background sounds lower while preserving speech, though some tests still let intermittent noise bleed through or add a slightly processed character.

Call quality is generally good for a premium ANC headphone, with most reviewers saying voices stay intelligible in noisy places; a few describe it as merely fine, compressed, or not exceptional.

Midrange and vocals are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews calling them clear, forward, or easy to hear, though one reviewer felt the mids could verge into shout or honk.

Midrange is generally clear with solid vocal presence, but some reviews note slightly recessed or less biting mids (especially for guitars/rock) compared with top competitors.

One review explicitly lists iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and another says they suit everyday listening, mixing, mastering, and gaming.

Cross-platform use is a common strength, with reviewers noting smooth switching between phones and computers across iOS and Android ecosystems.

Multipoint is widely praised as seamless for two devices with smooth switching; a couple edge cases (e.g., juggling TV/phone or certain setups) can be finicky.

As an open-back design, passive isolation is weak; reviewers note outside sound gets in and the headphones are poor for recording around microphones or noisy environments.

Passive isolation benefits from a good seal and deep cups, but a few reviewers note the foam is not the thickest; overall, it helps the ANC work even better on commutes.

Most reviewers recommend them for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, though several add caveats about bass preferences, fit, or build.

Reviews frame these as home or studio headphones rather than portable ones, with explicit warnings against bus or commuting use.

Portability is strong for a flagship ANC headphone: the frame folds and articulates well, keeping the carry footprint compact for travel.

Premium-feel reactions are split: one review says they feel premium, while another says the materials do not look luxurious.

Preset EQ or mode profiles exist and can help (e.g., bass-reducing or treble-boosting options), but many reviewers find the presets and overall EQ ecosystem underwhelming.

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Replaceable earpads are highlighted as a practical perk for long-term ownership, cleaning, and swapping for third-party pad options.

Reviews explicitly note that replacement earpads and headband parts are available.

Sensors and automation (on-head detection, auto pause, low-power modes) are often praised for making the headphones feel effortless day to day.

Glossy accents look more premium to some, but multiple reviewers mention they pick up fingerprints and dust more easily than matte finishes.

One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.

Setup is generally described as simple, with fast pairing and reliable auto-connect behaviors that reduce daily friction.

Sound leakage is a major, repeatedly confirmed trait of the open-back design; people nearby can hear what you are playing.

Reviews consistently describe the sound as natural, clear, and strong overall, with several calling it expertly tuned or great-sounding, though one reviewer found it only a fine fit for their tastes. The directly relevant wired-use review rates the sonic performance as expertly tuned.

Across reviews, the sound is described as enjoyable and travel-friendly, with a consumer-leaning tuning and strong bass; several reviewers say it improves on Gen 1, but a few still find it only fine or a bit dark versus audiophile-leaning rivals. Wired playback (especially over USB-C) is frequently described as clearer or more detailed than Bluetooth, with the bonus of charging-while-listening; analog wired is also supported for older sources.

Reviewers repeatedly praise a spacious, open presentation, with several calling the stage wonderful, extended, or wider than expected.

Soundstage is repeatedly called wide and open for a closed-back ANC headphone, helping music and movies feel less claustrophobic.

Immersive/spatial features (including cinema mode) get mixed reactions: some love cinema for clearer dialogue and a bigger movie feel, while others dislike the processing and prefer stereo for music.

Fit stability is mixed: one reviewer says they stay on well despite light clamp, while another says they slowly slip on a smaller head.

Fit stability is good for desk work, commuting, and light movement, but several reviewers caution it is not ideal for more dynamic workouts due to the lack of an IP rating and comfort-first clamping.

The touch volume control is divisive: some find it responsive and sleek, while others call it imprecise or too easy to trigger large volume changes, especially without tactile feedback.

Transparency mode is commonly rated among the best and natural-sounding, though several reviewers mention a faint hiss/white noise or slightly reduced openness versus the very best implementations.

Reviewers repeatedly say these are bad picks for commuting or public listening because of their open-back leakage and studio-oriented use.

Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, and smooth rather than piercing, though a few reviews note it is restrained or intentionally smooth instead of bright.

Treble is typically smooth and cleaner than Gen 1, avoiding harshness; however, multiple reviewers wish for more sparkle or micro-detail and often add treble via EQ.

USB-C is a key Gen 2 upgrade, enabling digital audio input (often described as lossless/hi-res) in addition to charging, and allowing simultaneous charge-and-listen use cases.

Value takes context: several reviewers think the performance justifies the price, but they also stress the need for a suitable use case and, sometimes, amplification.

Voice assistant access is supported via shortcuts or touch-and-hold actions in the app, making it easy to trigger assistants without pulling out your phone.

Several reviews say the 470-ohm design needs proper power or a headphone amp, and can sound under-driven or require higher volume to open up.

Volume output is generally ample, and at least one reviewer reports slightly higher output when using USB-C wired audio.

Multiple reviews emphasize there is no official water or sweat rating, making these a poor choice for rain, heavy workouts, or sweaty gym sessions.

Nearly every review highlights how exceptionally light they feel, often framing that as a major comfort advantage.

Weight is repeatedly highlighted as a major comfort advantage versus heavier rivals, making it easier to wear for travel and workdays.