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Bose vs Sennheiser
Too close to call: it comes down to the model.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Best Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsBest-in-class quiet in a bulky earbud with only average battery lifeSuits you if
- You commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get
- You like a rich, bass-forward sound
- You have medium to large ears and want a secure, stable fit
Best Sennheiser
Sennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessSuperb battery and comfort, rich sound, but noise cancelling isn't class-bestSuits you if
- You want long listening sessions and rarely want to think about charging
- You care most about rich, balanced sound you can tweak to taste
- You wear glasses or want something comfortable for hours on a plane or at a desk
The short version
Brand for brand, Bose and Sennheiser are closely matched. The best single model of the two is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which suits you if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get.
We researched 44 expert reviews, analyzed 74,034 owner ratings and comments across 21 sources for every Bose and Sennheiser model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
See the evidence
Brand scoreboardAverage score 79 vs 79 · reliability 66 vs 49
| Bose | Sennheiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 79 | 79 |
| Experts | 85 | 89 |
| Owners | 79 | 85 |
| Reliability | 66 | 49 |
| Models scored | 3 | 1 |
| Most reliable model | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Quick answers
Which is better, Bose or Sennheiser?
Neither, clearly. Choose the model, not the brand.
Based on: Average Product Review score 79 for Bose vs 79 for Sennheiser.Which brand is more reliable, Bose or Sennheiser?
Bose. Its models are less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Average reliability 66 vs 49.What is the best Bose noise cancelling headphones?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Bose models (81).What is the best Sennheiser noise cancelling headphones?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. It suits you if you want long listening sessions and rarely want to think about charging.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sennheiser models (79).