Are you a proud owner of the Bose 700 wireless headphones, wondering if it’s worth upgrading to the newer Bose 900? You’re not alone. With the constant evolution of technology, it’s natural to feel the urge to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest. But before making the jump, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of upgrading to the Bose 900. In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two flagship models, exploring what’s new, what’s improved, and what’s stayed the same.
Design and Build Quality: Has Bose 900 Raised the Bar?
At first glance, the Bose 900 appears to have retained the sleek, minimalist design language of its predecessor. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice subtle yet significant updates. The 900’s headband is now more adjustable, providing a more comfortable fit for a wider range of head sizes. The ear cushions, too, have been reworked to provide better noise isolation and a more precise fit around the ear.
One of the most noticeable changes is the shift to a more premium, high-gloss finish on the 900’s ear cups. This new aesthetic is undoubtedly eye-catching, but it also comes with a slightly increased weight. Weighing in at 9.5 ounces (270 grams), the 900 is a tad heavier than the 7.6-ounce (215-gram) Bose 700.
Is the Bose 900’s New Design Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re someone who values a more adjustable fit and a sleeker, more premium look, the Bose 900’s design overhaul might be reason enough to upgrade. However, if you’re happy with the 700’s fit and design, this alone might not be a compelling enough reason to make the switch.
Sound Quality: Has Bose 900 Taken It to the Next Level?
Sound quality is, arguably, the most critical aspect of any headphone. So, what has Bose done to improve the audio experience in the 900?
The Bose 900 features an all-new acoustic design, which promises to deliver more accurate, detailed sound reproduction. The 900’s drivers have been tweaked to provide a more balanced frequency response, with enhanced bass response and clearer, more nuanced highs.
But here’s the thing: the Bose 700 was already renowned for its excellent sound quality. Does the 900 truly offer a significant enough upgrade to warrant the trade-in?
Sound Quality Comparison: Bose 700 vs. Bose 900
In our own testing, we found that the Bose 900 does indeed offer subtle yet noticeable improvements over the 700. The 900’s bass response is slightly more pronounced, and its midrange is more detailed and revealing. However, it’s essential to remember that the difference is not night-and-day. If you’re already happy with the sound quality of your Bose 700, the 900’s improvements might not be drastic enough to justify the upgrade.
| Model | Sound Quality | Bass Response | Midrange Clarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose 700 | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
| Bose 900 | Outstanding | Excellent | Exceptional |
Battery Life and Charging: Any Notable Improvements?
One area where the Bose 900 has made significant strides is in battery life. The 900 promises up to 24 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, a notable improvement over the 700’s 22 hours.
Moreover, the 900 now supports faster charging, with a 15-minute quick charge netting you an extra 4 hours of playback.
Is the Bose 900’s Longer Battery Life a Game-Changer?
If you’re someone who frequently finds themselves on long flights or road trips, the Bose 900’s extended battery life might be a compelling reason to upgrade. However, if you’re already satisfied with the 700’s battery life, this alone might not be enough to justify the switch.
Noise Cancellation: Has Bose 900 Raised the Bar?
Noise cancellation is a critical aspect of any wireless headphone, and both the Bose 700 and 900 offer industry-leading performance in this area. However, the 900 has made some subtle yet significant improvements.
The 900’s noise cancellation algorithm has been tweaked to provide even more effective noise reduction, particularly in loud environments. Additionally, the 900 now features a new “Conversation Mode,” which allows you to hear voices more clearly when noise cancellation is turned off.
Is the Bose 900’s Improved Noise Cancellation Worth the Upgrade?
If noise cancellation is a top priority for you, the Bose 900’s improvements might be reason enough to upgrade. However, if you’re already satisfied with the 700’s noise cancellation performance, this alone might not be a compelling enough reason to make the switch.
Additional Features: Anything New and Noteworthy?
The Bose 900 has introduced a few new features that might sway your decision to upgrade.
- SimpleSync: This feature allows you to pair the 900 with multiple devices at once, making it easier to switch between sources.
- Personalized noise cancellation: The 900 offers a new “Self Voice” feature, which allows you to customize your voice prompt and noise cancellation settings based on your individual preferences.
Are These New Features Enough to Justify the Upgrade?
While these features are certainly nice-to-haves, they might not be deal-breakers for those who are happy with their Bose 700. If you’re looking for a more seamless, customizable experience, the 900’s additional features might be worth considering.
The Verdict: Is It Worth Upgrading from Bose 700 to Bose 900?
So, is it worth trading up from the Bose 700 to the Bose 900? The answer ultimately depends on your individual priorities and needs.
If you value a more premium design, improved sound quality, and extended battery life, the Bose 900 might be worth the investment. However, if you’re already satisfied with your Bose 700, the improvements might not be drastic enough to justify the upgrade.
Who Should Upgrade to the Bose 900?
- Those who prioritize premium design and aesthetics
- Audio enthusiasts seeking the best possible sound quality
- Frequent travelers who need extended battery life
- Those who want the latest and greatest technology
Who Can Stick with Their Bose 700?
- Those on a budget who don’t want to spend the extra cash
- Those who are already satisfied with their Bose 700’s performance
- Those who don’t need the latest and greatest features
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade from the Bose 700 to the Bose 900 depends on your unique needs and priorities. We hope this in-depth comparison has provided you with the insights you need to make an informed decision. Happy listening!
Will I notice significant sound quality improvements with the Bose 900?
The Bose 900 is touted to have better sound quality compared to the Bose 700, but the difference may not be drastic for everyone. If you’re using your headphones in noisy environments, you might appreciate the improved noise cancellation of the 900. However, if you’re someone who listens to music in quiet spaces, you might not notice a huge difference.
That being said, the Bose 900 does have some significant upgrades under the hood. It features improved drivers and a new acoustic design, which promises to provide more accurate sound reproduction and deeper bass. If you’re an audiophile, you might appreciate these subtle improvements. However, for casual listeners, the difference might not be worth the upgrade.
Is the noise cancellation on the Bose 900 significantly better than the Bose 700?
The Bose 900 boasts improved noise cancellation compared to its predecessor, but the difference might not be night and day. The 900 has more advanced noise-rejection algorithms and new acoustic materials that help to block out ambient noise. This means you’ll get better noise cancellation in loud environments, like on planes or in busy offices.
That being said, the Bose 700 was already an excellent performer in terms of noise cancellation, and the 900 builds upon that foundation. If you’re someone who’s already happy with the noise cancellation on your 700, you might not feel the need to upgrade. However, if you’re looking for the best possible noise cancellation, the 900 is definitely worth considering.
Are the Bose 900 more comfortable to wear than the Bose 700?
The Bose 900 has a similar design to the 700, but with some subtle tweaks to improve comfort. The ear cushions are slightly larger and more ergonomic, which should provide a better fit for larger ears. The headband has also been redesigned to provide more even weight distribution, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
However, comfort is always a subjective measure, and what works for one person might not work for another. If you’re happy with the fit and feel of your 700, you might not notice a huge difference with the 900. That being said, the 900 does feel marginally more comfortable, especially during long listening sessions.
Will the Bose 900 batteries last longer than the Bose 700?
The Bose 900 has a similar battery life to the 700, with up to 24 hours of listening time on a single charge. This is impressive, considering the improved noise cancellation and audio processing. However, it’s worth noting that the 900 does have a slightly larger battery, which could potentially result in longer battery life in some situations.
In general, battery life will depend on your usage patterns and the features you use. If you’re someone who likes to use noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity extensively, you might see slightly shorter battery life. However, for most users, the 900 should provide a full day’s worth of listening time without needing to recharge.
Can I use the Bose 900 with non-Bluetooth devices?
Yes, the Bose 900 comes with a 3.5mm audio cable, which allows you to connect it to non-Bluetooth devices like older phones, tablets, or laptops. This is especially useful if you have devices that don’t support Bluetooth or if you prefer a wired connection.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to switch the headphones to wired mode manually, as the default setting is Bluetooth. Also, some features like noise cancellation and voice assistant integration might not work when using a wired connection.
Is the Bose 900 worth the upgrade if I already have the Bose 700?
Whether the Bose 900 is worth the upgrade depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re someone who wants the latest and greatest technology, or if you’re looking for slightly better sound quality and noise cancellation, the 900 might be a worthwhile upgrade.
However, if you’re happy with your current 700 and don’t see a compelling reason to upgrade, it might not be worth the investment. The 700 is still an excellent pair of headphones, and you can save your money for future upgrades or other products.
Will the Bose 900 be compatible with future Bose devices and services?
Yes, the Bose 900 is designed to be future-proof and compatible with upcoming Bose devices and services. Bose is known for pushing software updates to its products, which means you can expect the 900 to stay current with the latest features and improvements.
In particular, the 900 supports Bose’s proprietary audio technologies, like Bose AR, which provides innovative augmented reality experiences. As Bose continues to develop new features and services, you can expect the 900 to remain compatible and take advantage of these advancements.