Overview

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, released May 29, 2019, represent Bose’s flagship ANC headphones featuring proprietary TriPort acoustic technology and an 8-microphone beamforming system. The product incorporates 11 levels of adjustable noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with SBC/AAC codec support, and 21-hour battery life. Notable design elements include touch-sensitive controls, voice assistant integration, and a metal headband construction with 90-degree rotating ear cups. The product was discontinued in October 2024, marking the end of this particular model line in favor of newer iterations.

Scientific Validity

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Audio Science Review measurements demonstrate that when DSP processing is active, the headphones achieve “very good compliance with our target” frequency response [1]. Modern ANC headphones commonly utilize digital signal processing for frequency response optimization, making this standard industry practice rather than a deficiency. Distortion performance shows excellent characteristics at normal listening levels, meeting headphone category criteria for transparency. The 17-millisecond group delay when active represents typical DSP processing latency. The 11-level ANC adjustment system provides comprehensive user control. While specific THD and S/N ratio measurements require third-party verification, available measurements indicate performance within acceptable ranges for the headphone category. The combination of effective DSP correction and good distortion characteristics places performance at satisfactory levels when evaluated against appropriate headphone criteria.

Technology Level

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The headphones incorporate Bose’s patented TriPort acoustic technology, utilizing external ports to maximize acoustic space within smaller enclosures. The 8-microphone system employs beamforming arrays for speech isolation and noise rejection, demonstrating sophisticated signal processing capabilities. However, Bose maintains proprietary development without disclosing specific DSP computational capabilities, unlike competitors Sony and Apple who provide technical transparency. The technology represents mature ANC implementation with incremental improvements rather than breakthrough innovation. The conservative approach of relying on legacy TriPort technology without significant advancement limits differentiation in an increasingly competitive market. While the integration of digital processing, touch controls, and wireless connectivity demonstrates appropriate contemporary technology adoption, the overall technological advancement remains limited compared to cutting-edge implementations from competitors.

Cost-Performance

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This site evaluates based solely on functionality and measured performance values, without considering driver types or configurations. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 currently retails for 379 USD. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 at 79.99 USD provides equivalent-or-better functionality including active noise cancellation with significant low and mid-frequency reduction, superior battery life exceeding 46 hours compared to 21 hours, companion app with EQ customization, and frequency response covering 16Hz-40kHz range. The comparison target achieves equivalent ANC performance while offering more than double the battery life at substantially lower weight. CP = 79.99 USD ÷ 379 USD = 0.21. Multiple budget alternatives including JLab JBuds Lux ANC with 44+ hour battery life demonstrate comparable functionality at approximately 21% of the review target’s price, indicating significant cost inefficiency in the current market.

Reliability & Support

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Bose provides only 1-year warranty coverage, below the industry standard 2-year period. The company maintains a policy of not providing repair services for headphones, particularly for out-of-warranty units, instead requiring complete product replacement [3]. Returns must be accompanied by RMA numbers that Bose provides, and out-of-warranty replacements typically cost between 40-100 USD when available. User reports indicate firmware update issues requiring manual troubleshooting steps including USB connections for manual updates [2]. As an end-of-life product discontinued in October 2024, current inventory represents remaining stock with diminishing long-term support prospects. The combination of short warranty periods, no repair options, product discontinuation status, and limited parts availability for a product reaching end-of-life significantly constrains reliability support compared to current-generation competitors with active product lines and comprehensive service networks.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design philosophy adopts a modern and rational approach of actively complementing physical limitations with digital signal processing (DSP). Utilizing DSP to achieve ideal frequency response within a compact and lightweight enclosure is more efficient than relying solely on physical driver design, representing a rational design decision aligned with this policy. The integration of touch controls and ANC also represents logical choices that enhance the user experience. While concerns regarding support due to discontinuation and the high pricing relative to measurable performance remain challenges from a cost-effectiveness perspective, the engineering direction itself is correct and based on scientific grounds.

Advice

Potential purchasers should carefully consider alternatives before investing in this discontinued product. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 at 79.99 USD provides equivalent ANC functionality with superior battery life (46+ hours vs 21 hours) and comprehensive app customization features. For users prioritizing brand heritage and existing Bose ecosystem integration, consider current-generation Bose models with active product support. Given the limited repair support, no-repair policy, and discontinued status, factor potential replacement costs and limited long-term support into ownership calculations. Current inventory represents end-of-life stock with diminishing support prospects. The 379 USD price point cannot be justified given comparable functionality available at substantially lower costs. Users requiring proven ANC performance should prioritize products with verified third-party measurements and active product lines rather than discontinued models with limited future support availability.

References

[1] Audio Science Review - Bose NC700 Review Noise Cancelling Headphone, https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/bose-nc700-review-noise-cancelling-headphone.24667/, accessed 2025-11-12, measured with standard ASR testing protocol [2] SoundGuys - Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Review, https://www.soundguys.com/bose-noise-cancelling-headphones-700-24897/, accessed 2025-11-12, comprehensive feature and performance analysis [3] SoundGuys - Best cheap noise cancelling headphones, https://www.soundguys.com/noise-cancelling-headphones-100-7142/, accessed 2025-11-12, budget ANC headphone comparison including Anker Soundcore Life Q30 specifications

(2025.11.19)