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Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones

Buy the Bose QuietComfort 25 if you want real active noise cancellation, especially for flights and noisy commutes. The Koss UR23i is a basic wired over-ear with a passive closed-back seal, not electronic ANC, so it only muffles sound. Owners and reviewers rate the Bose highly for comfort and sound, but many complain its ear pads wear out and flake. The Koss is simpler and sturdier in feel, with a longer cable, but its sound and isolation are entry-level.

  • Choose the Bose QuietComfort 25 if you fly, commute on loud transit, or need to block engine and crowd noise and want balanced sound with strong bass.
  • Choose the Koss UR23i if you want a simple, lightweight wired headset for calls and casual listening and do not need electronic noise cancellation.

Prices

  • Bose QuietComfort 25: $89.99 at R3NEW (checked today)
  • Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones: $28.98 at Quill (checked today)
  • Difference: the Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones is $61.01 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort 25 today
Bose
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 25

Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.6(993 ratings)
$89.99at R3NEWChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit R3NEW
Pros
  • Active noise cancellation is the standout feature for planes and trains
  • Comfortable for long sessions, and folds for travel
  • Balanced sound with deep bass
  • Detachable cable and included carrying case
Cons
  • Ear pads are widely reported to wear and flake
  • Needs a AAA battery for noise cancellation
  • Wired only, no Bluetooth
  • Refurbished units may ship without retail packaging
Koss
Koss Wired Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones UR23i

Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones

Koss Wired Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones UR23i

$28.98at QuillChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Quill

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • No battery needed; works whenever plugged in
  • Lightweight closed-back design blocks some ambient sound
  • Long 4 ft cable with one-touch inline controls
  • Simple, durable construction
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation, only passive isolation
  • Entry-level sound versus the Bose tuning
  • Fixed cable cannot be replaced
  • No carrying case included

What separates them

Bose QuietComfort 25Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones
Noise cancellationActive acoustic noise cancellation powered by a AAA batteryPassive only, from the closed-back ear cup seal
Sound driversBose-tuned drivers with emphasized bass, tuned for travel listening40 mm dynamic drivers, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 34 ohm
Build and fitFoldable with cushioned cups; pads are a known wear pointLightweight D-profile frame, closed back, durable feel
Cable and controlsDetachable cable with inline mic and remoteFixed 4 ft cable with one-touch inline mic for calls and playback
BatteryNeeds one AAA battery to run noise cancellationNo battery; works passively with no power
In the boxHeadphones, detachable cable, AAA battery, carrying caseHeadphones only, per listing
CallsInline mic works for calls on phones and laptopsOne-touch inline mic for calls, play, pause, skip

Price history

$179.99$24.19
Nov 6Nov 11
  • Bose QuietComfort 25: lowest $89.99 on Nov 6 at R3NEW; $89.99 on Nov 10.
  • Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones: lowest $24.19 on Nov 9 at Staples; $24.19 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Bose QuietComfort 25

  • R3NEWNew

    In stock

    $89.99Checked 1 h ago
    Visit R3NEW
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by electrostream

    $99.99Checked 3 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • BuyDig.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $169.00Checked 3 h ago
    Visit BuyDig.com
  • Reebelo USANew

    Availability unknown

    $183.49Checked Nov 8
    Visit Reebelo USA

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 13 stores and price history →

Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones

  • QuillNew

    In stock

    $28.98Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Quill
  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $24.19+ $9.95 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Staples

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBose QuietComfort 25Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones
ColorBlackBlue
Noise CancelingYes—
ConnectivityWired—
With MicrophoneYes—
Over-EarYes—
Height7.5″ tall—
Width6″ wide—
Depth2.9″ deep—
Quantity1 Pack—
StyleOn-ear—
Wireless—No
Microphone—Yes
Show all 25 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBose QuietComfort 25Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones
Suitable for Training—No
Connector on Cable—3.5 mm
Speaker Configuration—2.0 (stereo)
Construction & Elements—Dynamic
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)—20.0
Frequency Response (max) (Hz)—20000.0
Water Resistant—No
Impedance (ohm)—34.0
Background Noise Activation—No

What reviewers say

Bose QuietComfort 25

  • 4.6 / 5993 ratings

Owners rate it highly, with 4.6 out of 5 from 993 ratings. Most praise the noise cancellation and comfort on long flights. Complaints center on the wired-only design and battery door.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationPraisedOwners say it cuts engine and cabin noise on flights effectively.
  • ComfortPraisedReviewers find the ear cushions comfortable for long listening sessions.
  • Wired onlyCriticisedBuyers complain there is no Bluetooth and the cable limits movement.
  • BatteryMixedThe AAA battery is easy to replace but costs money and the door feels flimsy.

Koss UR23i Noise Canceling Headphones

Owner feedback on the UR23i is limited and mixed. Buyers who keep expectations low call it a decent cheap corded headset for calls, while others say the passive isolation is modest and the build feels flimsy.

What people mention
  • IsolationCriticisedOwners say the closed cups cut some noise but fall well short of what 'noise canceling' implies.
  • BuildCriticisedBuyers describe the plastic frame as basic and not very durable.
  • ComfortPraisedUsers find the over-ear fit light enough for long calls and listening sessions.
  • MicrophonePraisedThe inline mic is reported to work clearly for calls and meetings.

Questions and answers

Which is better for flying?
The Bose QuietComfort 25. Its active noise cancellation cuts engine drone, which passive cups like the Koss UR23i cannot match.
Does the Koss UR23i have real noise cancellation?
No. It uses passive noise cancelling, meaning the closed-back cups physically block some sound. There is no electronics or battery involved.
Which lasts longer?
The Koss has fewer parts to fail and no battery, but its fixed cable is a wear point. The Bose is well built, though its ear pads commonly need replacing.
Is the Bose worth stepping up to?
Yes if you travel or commute in noise. The active cancellation and sound quality are a clear step above the Koss, which is a basic wired headset.
Can I take calls on both?
Yes. Both have an inline microphone. The Bose uses a remote on its detachable cable; the Koss uses a one-touch button for calls and playback.
Do either work without a battery?
The Koss always works passively. The Bose plays audio without a battery, but its noise cancellation needs the AAA battery installed.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best wired noise-cancelling headphones
Noise Cancelling
—
Passive Noise Cancelling
Acoustic Seal—Closed
Cable Length (ft)—4.0
Type of Headphone—Over-Ear