The Bose QuietComfort 35 II were getting pretty long in the tooth when they were replaced last year by the QuietComfort 45. Now there is an SE model out, which seems to be a rebrand of the 45. This was a silent launch, so it almost flew under the radar, but they are already listed in several US stores (and should be coming to Europe soon as well).
The Bose QuietComfort SE promise 24 hour
play time on a single charge (up from 20 hours on the 35 II and matching the
45) and need 2.5 hours to recharge. A quick 15 minute top-up is enough for a 3
hour stint. Owners of the 35 II will be pleased to hear that microUSB is
nowhere to be seen, the SE use USB-C instead (just like the 45).
As with previous models, there is high
quality Active Noise Cancellation on board. It and other functions like Aware
Mode (Bose’s name for ambient mode) are operated using hardware buttons instead
of touch controls. Of course, there is a mobile app that lets you tune settings
like an equalizer. The retail package includes a carrying case, the headphones
themselves, a USB A-to-C cable and a 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio cable if you want to
forgo the Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connection and plug in.
As is typical for the series, these are
lightweight and comfortable headphones that can be folded flat for better
portability. The Bose QuietComfort SE are expected to launch in the US soon (in
a few days) at US$ 330 and sometime later in Europe for € 350 – those are the same
prices that the QC 45 were at launch (though they are down to US$ 250/€ 270 right
now on bose.com and can be found for less elsewhere).
