BOSE has always been one of the top names in active noise-cancelling headphones. For a long while, QuietComfort headphones were all you would see on flights, as their owners plugged in and tuned out the drone of the plane's engines. That is, until the arrival of Sony's MDR-1000X series in 2016, of course.

The following years have seen a close fight between these two giants, with Sony coming up on top for the last few years, and that has undoubtedly seen Bose take a few notes in modifying their approach. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 (henceforth Bose 700) we have today are its latest, and they represent a new line of headphones that's coming up alongside the QuietComfort 35 II.

In terms of looks, the Bose 700 shares a similar silhouette to the QuietComforts. However, it looks sleeker thanks to an improved headband design. This transitions fairly smoothly from a cylindrical shape (where it meets the earcups) to a flat one on the top, which is nicely cushioned so the entire headphone rests better on your head.