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Buying bose noise cancelling headphones 700 refurbished can save you a good amount compared with a new pair, but the savings only hold up if the unit is in good shape. This guide walks you through how to judge a refurbished Bose 700 listing, what to inspect when it arrives, and which warning signs should send you back to the listing. You will finish with a clear checklist you can use on any seller before you click buy.
What the Bose 700 Is and Why Refurbished Units Show Up
The Bose 700 is a Bluetooth over-ear model with active noise cancelling, touch controls on the right ear cup, and voice assistant access. Bose launched it as a step up from the QuietComfort line and later released it in a few color and finish variants. Because it sold in large numbers, a healthy secondary market exists, and many units come back through manufacturer refurbishment programs, retailer returns or open-box sales.
Shopping for one? See our guide: Beats by Dre Headphones vs Bose: Which Should You Choose? (2026).
Refurbished does not mean the same thing everywhere. Some units are returned for cosmetic reasons and never used beyond a few minutes. Others were opened, failed a test, were repaired and then resold. Reading the seller’s description closely is the first step, and the rest of this guide shows you how to verify what the description says.
Step 1: Read the Refurbishment Grade Carefully
Sellers use different terms, and they are not standardized across retailers. Words such as “like new,” “excellent,” “good” and “open box” can describe anything from a unit with no visible wear to one with scuffed earcups and a replaced battery. Look for the specific details:
- Whether the unit was tested and returned to factory settings
- Whether original accessories are included (carrying case, USB-C cable, 3.5 mm audio cable)
- Whether the ear cushions were replaced, which matters for hygiene and fit
- Whether the listing names the condition of the battery or the return reason
If the listing says only “refurbished” with no further explanation, ask the seller directly what was done to the unit before shipping.
Step 2: Check the Warranty and Return Policy
A refurbished headphone should come with some form of protection. Look for a warranty length stated in months, and confirm whether it comes from the seller or from Bose. Manufacturers generally describe their standard warranty for new products, and refurbished coverage varies by seller, so do not assume it carries over. Also check the return window. A return window of at least 30 days gives you enough time to test the noise cancelling in your normal environment, such as a commute or an office.
Step 3: Inspect the Unit When It Arrives
Do the physical check before you pair the headphones with anything. Work through this list in order:
- Compare the serial number on the inside of the headband or the packaging with the number listed by the seller, if one is provided.
- Look at the hinges, headband slider and earcup swivel. Each should move smoothly without grinding or looseness.
- Check the ear cushions for tears, flattening or adhesive residue.
- Inspect the USB-C port for bent pins or debris. Use a flashlight if needed.
- Press all controls, including the power button, the touch surface and the noise cancelling toggle, and confirm each responds.
Step 4: Test Noise Cancelling and Audio Quality
Noise cancelling is the feature you are paying for, so test it deliberately. Charge the unit fully, then pair it with a phone in a reasonably quiet room. Switch between ANC modes and listen for a clear difference in low-frequency sounds such as a fan or air conditioner hum. Then play a track with a steady bass line and a vocal track, and listen for distortion, crackling or a channel that sounds weaker than the other. A pair of mismatched earcups or a failing driver is a common problem in returned units and is worth catching early.
Also check the microphone. Make a short call or record a voice memo and play it back. Muffled audio or a missing side of your voice usually points to a fault that a return should cover.
Step 5: Evaluate Battery Health
Battery performance is one of the most common differences between new and refurbished units. Charge the headphones to full and note the battery indicator. Then use them at a moderate volume with ANC on until the battery reports low. Compare the playback time with what Bose specifies for the Bose 700 under similar conditions. Manufacturers list typical battery life as an estimate, and real results depend on volume and ANC use, so treat a large shortfall as a reason to ask the seller about the battery rather than as proof of failure.
| Check | What good looks like | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Hinges and slider | Smooth movement, no play | Grinding, looseness, cracked plastic |
| Ear cushions | Intact, clean, no flattening | Tears, residue, odor |
| Controls | All respond on first press | Dead zones on the touch surface |
| ANC | Clear reduction in steady hum | Little change, or hiss at idle |
| Microphone | Clear voice playback | Muffled or one-sided audio |
| Battery | Playback in line with specs | Dies much faster than expected |
Step 6: Register and Update the Firmware
After you confirm the unit works, connect it to the Bose app and check for a firmware update. Updating early helps resolve minor bugs that may have been fixed in later releases. Keep a record of the purchase date, seller and any warranty paperwork, since you will need these if you have to file a claim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying from a seller with no return policy because the price looks right. Without a return window, a faulty unit becomes your problem.
- Skipping the physical inspection and testing only Bluetooth pairing. Mechanical faults often show up later.
- Ignoring the listing’s condition notes. A small cosmetic note can signal a larger repair history.
- Assuming the warranty matches a new unit. Check the length and the party responsible for service.
- Testing ANC only in a loud room. A quiet space makes it easier to hear whether the cancelling works.
Tips for a Smoother Purchase
- Ask the seller whether the unit was tested with its original battery and whether any parts were replaced.
- Photograph the unit and packaging on arrival in case you need to file a damage claim.
- Compare Bose 700 with other ANC headphones if your priorities are different. Our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones roundup covers several alternatives, and the Noise-Canceling Headphones Buying Guide explains the core specs to weigh.
- If you are unsure how much ANC you need, read Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Worth It? Where ANC Helps and Where It Doesn’t before deciding.
Recommended Gear
A few accessories make it easier to check and maintain a refurbished pair.
- Bose QuietComfort 700 replacement ear cushions: Fresh cushions can improve fit and hygiene if the originals show wear. View on Amazon
- USB-C charging cable: A known-good cable helps rule out a charging fault when you test battery performance. View on Amazon
- Soft carrying case: Protects the folded headphones during commutes and travel. View on Amazon
FAQ
Is a refurbished Bose 700 as good as a new one?
It can be, if the unit was properly tested and repaired and comes with a reasonable warranty. Performance depends on the refurbishment process and the seller, so check the listing details and test the unit on arrival.
How long should the warranty be on a refurbished pair?
Warranty length varies by seller. Look for a clearly stated period and confirm whether it is provided by the seller or by Bose. A longer period gives you more protection against battery and component failure.
Can I check whether the serial number is genuine?
You can compare the serial number on the headphones with the one in the listing, and you can check the product details in the Bose app. If the numbers do not match or the listing is vague about the unit, contact the seller before you accept it.
What should I do if the noise cancelling seems weak?
Test in a quiet space with a steady background sound, then try different ear cushion fits. If the difference is still minimal, contact the seller within the return window and describe the test you performed.
Does the battery need replacing on a refurbished unit?
Not necessarily. Charge the unit fully and compare playback time with the specifications Bose lists for typical use. A large shortfall is a reason to raise the issue with the seller.
Are the ear cushions replaceable?
Yes. Replacement cushions are sold separately and can improve comfort and hygiene if the originals are worn. Check that the replacement matches the Bose 700 model.
Should I buy a refurbished unit or a new one?
That depends on your priorities. A refurbished unit can make sense if the seller offers a clear warranty and a return window. If you want the strongest assurance of condition, a new unit with full manufacturer coverage may suit you better.
What if the headphones arrive damaged?
Photograph the packaging and the unit immediately, then contact the seller and follow their return or claim process. Keep all packaging until the issue is resolved.
Conclusion
A refurbished Bose 700 can be a sensible way to get active noise cancelling without paying for a new unit, but only if you verify the condition before relying on it. Read the refurbishment grade, confirm the warranty and return window, inspect the hardware, and test ANC, the microphone and battery. Work through the checklist on arrival, and you will know quickly whether the pair is worth keeping.
