Key Takeaways
- Bose NCH 700 has a 3.5 mm jack for non-Bluetooth devices, ideal for travel or in-flight entertainment systems.
- A power button on Bose NCH 700 prevents battery wastage and adds convenience, unlike the AirPods Max.
- With a more protective travel case and lighter form factor, the Bose NCH 700 are more practical for durability and long-wear.
Prior to owning my AirPods Max, I was a loyal Bose NCH 700 user. Bose released its flagship over-ear noise-canceling headphones, the Bose NCH 700, in 2019, and have had plenty of competition that followed — most notably, Apple’s AirPods Max. Apple’s AirPods Max came out in 2020, and includes many similar features to Bose’s NCH 700. Their design, while not as “futuristic” as Apple’s, even makes our list of trendy AirPods Max alternatives.
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If you prefer the Bose NCH 700 design (and price) compared to its updated QuietComfort line but don’t know whether to spend an extra couple of hundred dollars on Apple’s AirPods Max, I might be able to help you make a decision. Here are some features you can only get on Bose NCH 700 that, with the cheaper budget, may sway you towards Bose anyways.
1 Built-in 35mm jack
Users can connect with non-Bluetooth devices
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The inclusion of a 3.5 mm jack on Bose’s NCH 700 makes the headphones a travel staple for me. The headphones include an auxiliary cable that allows users to connect the headphones to any non-Bluetooth devices and even use the headphones when they run out of battery.
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Although this may seem like a tiny feature, it makes a world of difference when on a long plane ride where the in-flight entertainment isn’t Bluetooth compatible. Hopefully, Apple’s AirPods Max 2 will include a 3.5 mm jack, but for now, I’ll be opting for my Bose for travel headphones.
2 A definitive power on button
Doesn’t leave you wondering if you’re wasting battery
Another advantage the NCH 700 has over the AirPods Max is a power on button. One thing that took some getting used to when it came to the AirPods Max is the fact that there was no turning on or off the headphones — the headphones are fully on when you’re listening to music and are switched to low power mode when you’re not.
Bose’s headphones allow users to know for sure when the headphones are on and off, preventing battery life from being wasted.
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3 A more protective travel case
Don’t risk damaging your headphones
Bose NCH 700 includes a fully protective case that also allows you to charge the headphones at the same time. The hard shelled case zippers up and includes a net pocket on one side for storage. Comparatively, Apple’s AirPods Max only comes with a small smart case that covers just the earcups.
It may take up some extra space, but if you want highly protected headphones, then it’s definitely a perk.
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4 Lighter form factor
Reduce the weight on your head with the Bose NCH 700
One of the biggest disadvantages of wearing over-ear headphones is the weight of the headphones on your head. No matter what brand of headphones I wear, I’m constantly switching between my in-ear headphones and over-ear headphones to balance out the weight.
If you’re searching for lighter headphones, Bose’s NCH 700 weighs 254 grams compared to AirPods Max weight of 385g — which is a pretty notable difference. I’ve never had an issue with the weight of AirPods Max, but plenty of my friends have. If you want your head to bear a lighter headphone load, then the Bose NCH 700 is the way to go.
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5 More adjustable noise-cancelling levels
Have more control over how much noise you block out
One of the biggest advantages Bose’s NCH 700 has over Apple’s AirPods Max is the ability to control noise-cancelling levels. Bose offers 10 different noise-canceling settings which you can control using the Bose Connect App. Plus, there’s nothing like Bose’s bass caliber, and when paired with ANC, these headphones deliver the ultimate immersive experience.
I love having more control over the noise-cancelling levels — especially compared to the minimal three noise-cancelling modes that Apple includes.
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