Sennheiser vs. Bose

So many good audio brands exist that it can be difficult to choose just one pair of headphones out of them all. Unfortunately, you can’t buy them all, but your choice does become easier when you concentrate only on a couple brands at a time. If you’ve narrowed down the field to Sennheiser vs. Bose products then you’ve come to the right place.

This reference quickly compares Bose vs. Sennheiser headphones to help you determine which of their great models will best fit your needs. We’ll discuss important characteristics of these brands, list several highly-rated models, and provide a detailed comparison of their top three products.

Things to Consider

1. Available Products. Both Sennheiser and Bose create headphones used in consumer and professional applications. Both are well respected brands known for creating quality products.

Sennheiser headsets and headphones are used in gaming, radio, and TV production. It also has a wide range of listening systems for visitor guidance and the hearing impaired.

Bose speaker systems are found in locations such as theaters, restaurants, hotels, and corporate offices.

Both brands have closed-back and in-ear styles, but only Sennheiser offers open-back headphones. None of the styles from Bose are open-back.

Active and passive noise cancellation headphones are available from Bose and Sennheiser.

2. Sound Quality. The goal of both companies is to create products that meet the high standards of their customers. With that said, there is a slight difference in how each achieves that goal. Sennheiser is considered more of an audiophile headphone, while Bose is considered more consumer-oriented.

Sennheiser concerns itself with the technical specifications of its products. It notes on its website, “Because we know how perfect sound can be recorded, we also know how it can be perfectly reproduced.”

Bose, on the other hand, isn’t concerned with technicalities. The company began because its founder, Dr. Amar G. Bose, was disappointed that speakers with impressive technical specifications couldn’t reproduce the realism of a live performance. Bose doesn’t disclose any technical specs and openly agrees that their focus is one element- customer satisfaction.

Top 3 Bose vs. Sennheiser Headphones Reviews

1. Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition

HD598 Special Edition combines Sennheiser’s quality sound with high-end aesthetics.

Since these are open-back headphones they have a large soundstage. Like the Bose, this Sennheiser delivers articulate mid-range tones that are perfect for jazz and classical genres.

HD598 comes with a generous three meters of cable but can only be used with a home system. Mobile devices don’t provide enough power for them to work properly.

Sennheiser matched that flawless sound with impeccable styling. Its beige frame and burgundy earpads stand out; most headphones include some combination of black. High gloss wood, and velour accents finish the look.

HD598 Special Edition by Sennheiser satisfies your need for excellent sound and style.

2. Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth

Bose makes sure your sound is both clear, and functional with its SoundLink.

SoundLink has the opposite form of the Sennheiser, and a shorter cord, but is suited for mobile use. The cable is detachable so that SoundLink can be used wirelessly.

The closed-ear housing make these appropriate for even the most quiet environments. And the on-ear cups are smaller making them easier to transport.

Bose includes other consumer-friendly features like a microphone and inline remote. Calls and other audio are equally satisfactory.

The overall soundscape is well-rounded whether SoundLink is used wired or cordless. Bass is sufficient but not over-inflated while high tones are reigned in as to not sound brassy.

The Bose SoundLink is a good portable alternative to the Sennheiser HD598. It’s similar form but much more mobile.

3. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic

QuietComfort 20 by Bose offers the most convenience when you’re deciding between Sennheiser vs. Bose.

QuietComfort 20 has an in-ear plastic design that weighs only 45 grams. The cord feels and appears durable; likely not to tangle or link with extended use.

This model has consumer-comfort features like inline controls and a microphone. It also includes battery operated noise cancellation. We found the charge lasts about 16 hours.

QuietComfort 20 sounds fabulous. Bose’s unique sound signature isn’t lost in this small package. And the noise cancellation does a good job of muffling street noise.

We think the QuietComfort 20 could easily become your new favorite set of earbuds.