Tough to replace, but finally a great upgrade.
Earlier this year, I lost my trusty Bose QC35 in the back of a New York taxi. A tragic ending for what were, for years, my default travel and work headphones. At first I thought, “Okay, I’ll just buy the QC45 or another Bose and move on.”
But that didn’t happen.
Instead, I tried something unexpected: the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100.
And somehow… they stuck.
From Bose Comfort to B&O Craftsmanship
The QC35 was famous for being light, practical, and extremely comfortable. But the moment I unboxed the H100, I realised this was a whole different category.
Bang & Olufsen leans into premium materials — aluminium arms, lambskin cushions, minimalist Danish design, and a construction that feels solid and long-lasting.
Sound That’s More Natural and Less “Processed”
Bose has always nailed convenience and ANC, but their sound signature is conservative. The H100 instantly felt more open and realistic.
- Clearer vocals
- Wider stereo soundstage
- More accurate, tighter bass
- Cleaner highs without harshness
If you listen to acoustic, indie, pop, or vocal-heavy music, the improvement is immediate.
Comfort: Surprisingly Close to Bose (Which Says a Lot)
The QC35 used to be my comfort benchmark. But the H100 surprised me with softer leather, breathable pads, lower clamp pressure, and a more balanced weight. They remain comfortable even during long work sessions or flights.
ANC: Not Bose-Level, But Definitely Good Enough
Bose still wins in pure, heavy-duty noise cancellation.
But the H100 has balanced, natural ANC that removes low-frequency hum, office chatter, and most travel noise — all without the weird “ear pressure” effect some ANC headphones have.
If ANC is your only priority, Bose wins.
If you want sound + design + comfort + good ANC, H100 takes the crown.
Everyday Use: Where the H100 Really Shines
The H100 fits seamlessly into daily life thanks to useful, non-gimmicky features:
- Smooth multipoint Bluetooth
- Tactile, premium-feeling buttons
- Excellent call quality
- ~30 hours of battery life
- USB-C charging
Nothing flashy — just a well-designed experience.
Why I Didn’t Go Back to Bose
Losing my QC35 in that NYC taxi felt like a good excuse to upgrade, but I didn’t expect the H100 to completely replace the Bose in my daily routine.
The QC35 was about comfort and ANC.
The H100 is about sound, design, comfort, and durability.
It feels like a natural step forward.
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4pvAZMr