Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones

Bose is a globally recognized leader in audio technology, founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar Bose in Framingham, Massachusetts. The QuietComfort series, which includes the iconic QC35 II model shown, is celebrated for pioneering active noise-cancellation technology. While the company is headquartered in the United States, its manufacturing operations are international to meet global demand. Historically, production has occurred in the U.S., Mexico, and Ireland, but modern consumer headphones like the QC35 and QC45 series are predominantly manufactured in specialized facilities in China and Thailand.

The ownership of Bose Corporation is unique in the corporate world. In 2011, Dr. Bose donated the majority of the company's non-voting shares to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This arrangement ensures that MIT receives annual dividends to fund its research and education missions, while the company remains privately held and independent, guided by a board of directors rather than public shareholders. This structure allows Bose to maintain a long-term focus on research and innovation without the pressure of quarterly earnings reports.