Bose still produces its excellent QuietComfort 2 headphones, but its QuietComfort 3 are ideal if you desire a smaller, more portable design. The QuietComfort 3 headphones have significantly smaller earcups that fit snugly on your ears, instead of completely covering your ears like the older model.

The relatively compact QuietComfort 3 headphones are more comfortable to wear, especially for extended listening sessions. While ear-covering models provide a good deal of sound isolation by physically blocking out ambient noise, the QuietComfort 3 headphones do almost as good a job despite their smaller size. In addition, active noise-canceling technology reduces background bluster to virtually unnoticeable levels.

These headphones sound clear and sharp, and their small size still delivers the full, rich sound for which Bose is known. The QuietComfort 3 use TriPort technology that puts small ports into the speaker assembly for improved low-frequency response.

The QuietComfort 3 headphones are compatible with the small jack used by music-equipped cell phones, and they come with adapters to connect to most in-flight audio systems and home audio equipment. An extension cord is also included. The headphone cable is even removable, so you can use the headphones as basic noise suppressors without any wires getting in your way. The QuietComfort 3 come with a 20-hour rechargeable battery for the active noise-canceling electronics, as well as a wall recharger.

The price is high, but Bose's QuietComfort 3 headphones provide a great sound without the background noise, all in a very comfortable package.

Pros: Smaller and more portable than the QuietComfort 2, effective noise-reduction and cancellation
Cons: Expensive, still larger and heavier than most other headphones

Warranty
1 year