Bose QuietComfort 25
by Bose
10 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jun 2025
Wired, AAA-battery-powered noise-cancelling over-ear headphones from Bose, discontinued in favor of Bluetooth models but still widely used years after purchase.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 6, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Redditors report 6-12+ years of daily or rough use (mowing lawns, woodworking, daily commuting) with only occasional earcup/cushion replacement needed. The mechanical on/off switch and lack of touch sensors or rechargeable battery mean fewer parts to fail; AAA batteries are swappable anywhere. Aftermarket Bluetooth adapters let owners keep using them wirelessly. A few owners note the noise cancelling is dated by modern standards and cushions wear over time.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as April 2026
Show 6 more mentions
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I've had my QC25s since 2019 and they've been great with no issues. The pads needed to be replaced but otherwise have been issue free.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
The two biggest selling points to me are the wired connection and AAA battery, which are apparently the biggest cons to most other people.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I had a pair of these for 12 years. I wore them everyday... Highly recommend
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I have this exact model as well and still use it to this day (got it close to the release date)
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
They are indeed very good! Only issue I have is the pad/cushion wear is a pita.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
Bought these exact pair of headphone 7 years ago, drove them daily, still going strong and the battery is still holding very good as well !
This pair was a gift from my parents over 6 years ago. Since then they have functioned flawlessly despite my rough treatment
I got mine in 2016 and have only had to replace the ear cushions twice, never had any issues with it.
they make aftermarket Bluetooth adapters specifically for these. They fit and function perfectly.
There is a mechanical switch to turn them on and off. Annnnnd that's it for features.
Funny my Bose headphones broke quite quickly and repeatedly.
I tried to replace my old QC 25 by the newer quietcomfort model. I send them back it's a huge downgrade.