Compare Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

P1 Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
P2 Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

Comparison Takeaways

Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones

Where It Has the Edge

  • Frequency response accuracy is 4.4 vs 3.1. Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.
  • Midrange clarity is 4.5 vs 3.6. Midrange and vocals are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews calling them clear, forward, or easy to hear,...
  • Treble clarity is 4.4 vs 3.6. Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, and smooth rather than piercing, though a few reviews note it...
  • Software/setup simplicity is 5.0 vs 4.6. One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

Where It Has the Edge

  • Portability/foldability is 4.6 vs 1.5. Foldability and rotation are repeatedly called travel-friendly, especially compared with bulkier non-folding competitors and cases.
  • Volume output is 4.8 vs 2.5. Volume output is repeatedly described as very high, with listeners often using lower volume than usual because the...
  • Noise isolation (passive) is 4.1 vs 2.0. Passive isolation benefits from a strong seal and well-sized earcups; multiple reviews mention minimal leakage and good baseline...
  • Carry case quality is 4.5 vs 3.2. The carrying case is commonly described as compact, protective, and well designed for travel; several mention cable storage...
Average score
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.8
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.7
3.5mm analog input availability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Active noise cancellation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.6

Most reviews call the ANC excellent or near top-tier, especially for low-frequency rumble and commuting noise; a few note the Ultra can be a touch stronger or more consistent. ANC is adjustable with app modes and multiple levels; reviewers like the ability to dial it back or add wind-related control, though you generally cannot fully disable processing in the mode system.

Aesthetics / discreet profile
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Android compatibility
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

One review explicitly lists Android support.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
App
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.0

The Bose app is typically described as clean and easy, enabling modes, EQ, and updates; one review criticizes the onboarding privacy prompt and the app being required for full control.

aptX
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
1.0

aptX family support is cited as missing; several comparisons highlight that more premium or competing models offer advanced Qualcomm codec options.

Audio-video sync accuracy
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.1

Most reviewers report acceptable video sync for casual watching, but the limited codec stack means some users may notice lag depending on device and content.

Bass performance
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.7

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.0

Bass is a defining trait: many describe strong, punchy, even head-shaking low end; critics say it can be overemphasized and may need EQ for balance.

Battery
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.8

Battery life is usually framed as solid but not class-leading, landing around the mid-20-hour range in claims and tests; competitors can go much longer.

Bluetooth
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.2

Bluetooth stability is generally described as reliable for everyday use, with no recurring dropout complaints in the provided reviews.

Build quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.9

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.9

Build quality is usually described as solid but mostly plastic; some reviewers want a more premium feel at the price, while others emphasize durability and dependable hinges.

Button control usability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.6

Physical buttons are widely praised as tactile, reliable, and easier than touch controls, especially for travel and cold-weather use.

Cable quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.6

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.5

Cable design is a minor gripe in at least one review due to the nonstandard 2.5mm headphone-side connector, even though the cable is included and functional.

Carry case quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.2

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.5

The carrying case is commonly described as compact, protective, and well designed for travel; several mention cable storage as a practical bonus.

Charging
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.1

Charging is generally straightforward via USB-C, with multiple mentions of quick-boost usefulness; full charge times are described as typical for the class.

Clamping force comfort
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.8

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.4

Clamping force is generally described as secure but not tight, helping maintain a seal without pressure hotspots for most wearers.

Codec support
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
2.1

Codec support is a consistent weakness: multiple reviews note only AAC and SBC, which limits future-proofing and high-res playback options.

Comfort during long use
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.7

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.7

Comfort is a headline strength, repeatedly described as pillow-like and easy to wear for hours, making them a favorite for travel and desk work.

Connectivity options
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.0

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Design and Aesthetics
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.2

Design is generally viewed as understated and unobtrusive, with color options often mentioned; premium styling is sometimes credited more to the Ultra variant.

Detachable cable convenience
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.9

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.9

Detachable cable use is praised for versatility, but one reviewer dislikes the nonstandard 2.5mm end on the included cable.

Detachable microphone convenience
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.2

The included wired cable with inline mic is highlighted as a useful convenience for calls or laptop use, even when not using Bluetooth.

Durability over time
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Ear cup padding quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.7

Earcup padding is frequently praised as plush and soft, contributing strongly to long-wear comfort.

Ear cup swivel/rotation range
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Equalizer customization
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.3

EQ customization is usually described as limited (often a simple multi-band setup), but still helpful for reducing bass or smoothing treble; power users may want more granular control.

Frequency response accuracy
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.1

Frequency response accuracy is described as consumer-tuned rather than neutral, with boosted bass and some upper-range shaping that not everyone enjoys.

Headband adjustability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.3

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.4

Headband adjustment range is described as generous and easy to fit across different head sizes, reinforcing the all-day comfort theme.

Headband padding quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.8

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Hinge durability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Immersive audio quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Included accessories
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.9

Included accessories are generally good for travel with case and cables; one review notes the absence of an airplane adapter.

Instrument separation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.1

Instrument separation is generally described as good for the category, though not always framed as audiophile-grade compared to the best competitors.

LDAC
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
1.0

LDAC support is repeatedly cited as missing, especially in comparisons to Sony models that offer it.

Maximum volume clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.6

Maximum volume behavior is described as loud and largely clean, with at least one reviewer noting no obvious distortion at very high levels.

Microphone noise reduction
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.6

Noise reduction for calls is mixed: some reviews report effective background handling and wind improvements, while another notes noise rejection can be an issue in certain environments.

Microphone quality for calls
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.8

Call quality is generally described as good to decent, with clear voice pickup in many scenarios; expectations should be moderate compared with dedicated boom-mic headsets.

Midrange clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.6

Midrange is often described as generally clear, but a few reviews say it can feel recessed or masked by the heavy bass until EQ is adjusted.

Multi-platform compatibility
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.8

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Multipoint connectivity reliability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.3

Multipoint is supported and often praised for smooth device switching, though at least one review notes it may be toggled or managed in the app.

Noise isolation (passive)
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.1

Passive isolation benefits from a strong seal and well-sized earcups; multiple reviews mention minimal leakage and good baseline isolation even before ANC.

Overall recommendation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Portability/foldability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.6

Foldability and rotation are repeatedly called travel-friendly, especially compared with bulkier non-folding competitors and cases.

Premium feel
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.3

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Preset EQ profile quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.8

Preset EQ profiles are described as helpful and functional, though the overall EQ system is still viewed as less flexible than some competitors.

Replaceable earpads
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.2

Earpads are commonly treated as replaceable in practice, with at least one long-term owner discussing swapping to aftermarket pads and noting minor ANC impact.

Replaceable pads/headband
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Sensors
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
1.5

Wear-detection sensors are repeatedly called out as missing, leading to no auto-pause when removing the headphones.

Software/setup simplicity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.6

Setup and daily use are frequently described as fuss-free, with simple pairing, clear controls, and an app that is easy to navigate.

Sound leakage
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.3

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Sound quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.0

Overall sound quality is rated enjoyable by most, especially for modern genres, but a subset of reviewers strongly dislike the default tuning and point to limited EQ as the constraint. Wired listening is supported and commonly cited as useful for travel and low-latency needs; at least one reviewer notes passive operation when the battery is dead.

Soundstage width
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.2

Soundstage is described as fairly spacious for ANC Bluetooth headphones, with some reviews crediting design choices for a wider presentation.

Spatial audio
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
1.0

Spatial audio or immersive modes are consistently described as not included on this standard model, positioned as a key differentiator for the Ultra.

Stability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.5

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Touch control responsiveness
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
1.0

Touch controls are not a focus on this model; multiple comparisons frame the absence of touch gestures as intentional in favor of buttons.

Transparency mode quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.4

Transparency or Aware mode is widely described as very natural and effective, with at least one reviewer calling it best-in-class; some note limited fine control of awareness without blending with ANC.

Travel friendliness
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.3

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Treble clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
3.6

Treble is polarizing: some praise crisp detail, while others mention a peaky or harsh region that can affect busy mixes and benefits from EQ.

USB-C
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.4

USB-C is present for charging; at least one review highlights the lack of USB-C audio passthrough as a limitation despite the port.

Value for money
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
No score yet
Voice assistant integration
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.4

Voice assistant access via button press is noted as convenient and works as expected for common assistants on paired devices.

Volume output
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.5

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.

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.8

Volume output is repeatedly described as very high, with listeners often using lower volume than usual because the headphones get loud quickly.

Water/sweat resistance rating
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
1.2

Several reviews caution against workouts because there is no official water or sweat resistance rating.

Weight comfort
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.9

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

Product 2: Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
4.7

Reviewers consistently highlight the light weight as a major comfort advantage, helping reduce fatigue during long sessions.