Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have owned these headphones for a couple of years now. I have used them on a multitude of flights. I also recently purchased a new set of Bose QC15s because my ATs were inadvertently thrown into the washing machine when they made their way into a pile of laundry. I am now able to provide a comparison between the two products. They both have their positives and negatives. The following lists are arranged in order of my preference with a score out of 10 in parentheses. Appearance: 1)Bose (8/10) 2)Audio Technica (6/10) The Bose are definitely cleaner and sleaker in appearance. The AT's are simply too bulky for my taste. I feel like I have a set of soup cans on my ears when wearing them. Materials: 1)Audio Technica (8/10) 2)Bose (5/10) The AT's definitely have a shell that is sturdier and more resistant to abuse. The Bose feel cheap considering the high cost. Comfort: 1)Bose (9/10) 2)Audio Technica (7/10) The AT's are definitely amenable to long use. However, the leather and cushioning on the Bose are superior. Case: Tie Not much to say here. I could nitpick the volume of each. However, they both do their jobs quite well. Sound Quality: 1)Audio Technica (8/10) 2)Bose (5/10) Once again, all personal taste. The Bose definitely emphasize the low end. On the other hand, the AT's have a better balanced sound that isn't as fatiguing on the ears. I wonder how anyone could think the Bose sound better because to my ears it really isn't that close. Noise-Cancellation: 1)Bose (9/10) 2)Audio Technica (7/10) Bose wins this category fairly easily. They simply cancel more ambient noise. However, the AT's do more than an acceptable job and are able to handle plane engine noise with ease. Misc: The AT's biggest drawback is the sound leakage noted by many other reviewers. If used primarily for travel on a plane, it really isn't an issue. However, use in a library is out of the question. Of note, my AT's actually survived getting tossed around with water and detergent. After 3 weeks of sitting on a table, they magically came back to life without a glitch. Speaks wonders about their build. Final Score 36-36 Tie Breaker: Price. The AT's are much cheaper and provide a comparable experience with competitive noise cancellation and better sound. However, if sound leakage is a problem you may shell out more for the Bose. My opinion is that you should at least give the AT's strong consideration at their lower price point. If you must have the Bose because of the "perceived" quality then you probably aren't even reading this review.