Which is better for travel and commuting?

The Bose. It is wireless, cancels noise and folds. The Beyerdynamic is wired, open-back and leaks sound, so it is a poor fit on a plane or train.

Which sounds more detailed?

The Beyerdynamic. Its open-back design and wide frequency response reveal more of a recording. The Bose is tuned for pleasant everyday listening, not analysis.

The Beyerdynamic is built to be serviced, with a detachable cable and replaceable pads. The Bose lasts well but its battery and electronics are not user-replaceable.

Can I use the Beyerdynamic for calls or gaming chat?

Not for chat without a separate mic; it has no microphone. It works for gaming audio, but the open design leaks sound and offers no isolation.

Is the Beyerdynamic worth stepping up to from the Bose?

Only if you listen critically at a desk and already have a decent amp or audio interface. For portable, all-purpose use the Bose is the more practical choice.

Do I need an amplifier for the Beyerdynamic?

At 30 ohms it is easy to drive, so a phone or laptop can run it. A dedicated amp or interface gets more from it, especially at higher volumes.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

These are different tools. The Bose is a wireless, noise-cancelling over-ear for travel, commuting and calls, with about 24 hours of battery. The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is a wired, open-back studio headphone for critical listening and mixing at a desk. Buy the Bose for portability and quiet; buy the Beyerdynamic for accuracy and long-term durability. Owners of the Bose praise comfort and cancellation but note it can't compete on detail; DT 1990 owners value the open soundstage and replaceable parts but accept the lack of isolation.

Choose the Bose if you want one headphone for commuting, flights and calls without a cable.
Choose the Beyerdynamic if you listen or mix at a desk and want open, detailed sound with a replaceable cable.

Prices

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $708.00 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 13)
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: $699.99 at Musician's Friend (last seen Nov 10)
Difference: the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is $8.01 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 13)

	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Connection	Bluetooth wireless, no cable needed	Wired only, XLR connector on a detachable cable
Noise cancelling	Active noise cancelling	None; open-back design leaks sound both ways
Battery	About 24 hours per charge	No battery; runs off the source
Sound signature	Tuned for everyday listening with bass emphasis	Studio-flat, open-back with 5 Hz to 40 kHz response
Isolation	Closed cups block surrounding noise	Open acoustic seal; you hear the room and the room hears you
Microphone and calls	Built-in mic for calls and voice control	No microphone
Build and repairability	Folding plastic-and-metal frame, not user-serviceable	Metal frame, detachable cable, replaceable pads and parts
Weight and fit	Lighter, folds for travel	13.3 oz, does not fold, meant for desk use

Spec	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Wireless	Yes	No
Color	Blue, Black	Black
Type of Headphone	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Noise Cancelling	Active Noise Cancelling	—
Wireless Technology	Bluetooth	—
Battery Time (in use) (h)	24.0	—
Bluetooth	—	No
Microphone	—	No
Connector on Cable	—	XLR
NFC	—	No
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)	—	5.0
Water Resistant	—	No

Spec	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Simulated Surround Sound	—	No
Weight (oz)	—	13.3
Foldable	—	No
Wi-Fi	—	No
Suitable for Training	—	No
Speaker Configuration	—	2.0 (stereo)
Construction & Elements	—	Dynamic
Detachable Cable	—	Yes
Frequency Response (max) (Hz)	—	40000.0
Multipoint

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Prices

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Prices

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

What separates them

Price history

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