Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
63Average
$200
Full review dataBeyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Outstanding overall at around $359.
Over-Ear
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
85Outstanding
$360
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) leads on 5 of 7 measures.
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
HearWiki score
63
85
Sound
7.5
8.2
Noise cancelling
-
9.4
Battery
-
6.5
Calls
-
6.7
Value
8.0
7.5
Price (USD)
$200
$360
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) is 11 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) adds USB-C and Transparency mode. For 11 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- DT 990 Pro2015
- QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)202611 yr newer
What differsDT 990 ProQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Transparency mode
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
DT 990 ProQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $360
- HearWiki score
- 63
- 85
- Released
- 2015
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 45 mm dynamic
- 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 45 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance
- 80 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 110 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.4
- Codecs
- -
- AAC, LDAC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- Yes
- Battery life
- -
- 24 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 180 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 15 min → 2.5 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- Yes
- ANC type
- none
- -
- Transparency mode
- No
- Yes
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 250 g
- 236 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- No
- -
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 6.35 mm
- -
- Model code
- 459038
- -
- Microphones
- -
- 6
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a wired, open-back studio headphone known for its detailed, accurate sound and lightweight comfort. Its 250-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amplifier for best performance, and the fixed cable is a notable long-term limitation. Overall, it's a solid choice for critical listening at home, but not for portable or casual use.
- Pro:Very detailed and accurate sound reproduction
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Open-back design provides a wide, airy soundstage
- Con:Requires a powerful external amp to drive properly
- Con:Non-detachable cable limits repairability
- Con:No built-in controls or app support
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a refined over-ear wireless option that prioritizes all-day comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, with a noticeable bump in sound clarity over their predecessor. They pack a solid 24-hour battery, fast charging, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, and a lightweight 236g frame, though the premium price and limited EQ tweaks keep them from being a universal slam dunk. Overall, they're a strong pick for frequent travelers or office workers who value silence and ease of wear over cutting-edge extras.
- Pro:Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Clear, improved sound quality with LDAC support
- Con:High price tag for a modest upgrade
- Con:Limited EQ controls in the companion app
- Con:Immersive Audio feature is underwhelming
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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