The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a popular choice for those seeking top-notch noise cancellation and a comfortable listening experience. This updated version of the original QC35 boasts several improvements, including a new button for accessing Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, as well as a more durable build. But are these improvements enough to justify the price tag? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
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The QC35 II delivers on its promise of exceptional noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of sounds, from the rumble of an airplane to the chatter of a busy coffee shop. This makes them ideal for travel, working in noisy environments, or simply enjoying music without distractions. The headphones also feature a comfortable design with plush earcups and a lightweight frame, making them suitable for extended wear.
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In addition to noise cancellation, the QC35 II offer a balanced and detailed sound signature, with a clear and accurate reproduction of both high and low frequencies. They also come with a convenient carrying case and a range of accessories, including a USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable for use in situations where wireless connectivity is unavailable. But with the rising competition in the wireless headphone market, are the QC35 II still the top choice for audiophiles and everyday listeners?
This review will explore the key strengths and weaknesses of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, providing an unbiased assessment of their performance, comfort, and overall value. We’ll also compare them to other leading noise-canceling headphones in the same price range to see how they stack up against the competition. Join us as we delve into the world of Bose’s flagship wireless headphones and determine if the QC35 II are worth the investment.
| Name: | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Link: |
Introduction
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a popular choice for those seeking a top-notch noise-canceling experience. These headphones have been lauded for their comfortable design, effective noise cancellation, and impressive sound quality. In this review, we’ll delve into the various aspects of these headphones, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your audio needs.
First, let’s establish the context for this review. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a successor to the original QuietComfort 35, incorporating several improvements, most notably the addition of a dedicated button for accessing Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. While the original model was already highly regarded, the introduction of voice assistant integration has further enhanced their appeal.
This review will provide a comprehensive analysis of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, covering design and comfort, noise cancellation performance, sound quality, features and controls, battery life, connectivity, and a comparison with other popular noise-canceling headphones. We’ll also offer our final verdict and help you determine if these headphones are worth the investment.
Design and Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are a classic design that has been refined over the years. They feature a comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups and a headband that distributes weight evenly. The earcups rotate and swivel for a more customized fit, and they can be adjusted for size. They also have a premium look and feel, thanks to their sturdy build quality and soft materials. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods, even during travel. While they are slightly bulky, the earcups are designed to minimize pressure on the ears and prevent discomfort.
The design of the QC35 II is fairly minimalist, with a focus on functionality. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, and the headphones are relatively easy to fold and pack away. They are available in a range of colors to suit different preferences. However, some users may find the headphones too large and bulky for everyday use. Overall, the design and comfort of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are excellent. They are comfortable to wear for long periods, and they have a premium look and feel.
Noise Cancellation
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II‘s noise cancellation is truly top-tier, living up to its reputation as one of the best in the business. It effectively silences a wide range of sounds, from the low rumble of an airplane engine to the chattering of colleagues in a busy office. The ANC system seamlessly adjusts to changing environments, providing a consistent level of quietude wherever you go. This makes them ideal for focusing on your work, enjoying immersive entertainment, or simply seeking a moment of peaceful solitude. The ANC technology is particularly impressive at blocking out low-frequency sounds, making them exceptionally effective for air travel. While some high-frequency sounds, like human voices, might still be faintly audible, the overall level of noise reduction is excellent. The ability to switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings, adds to their versatility. Whether you’re needing to completely shut out the world or just want to be aware of your environment, the QuietComfort 35 II delivers.
Sound Quality
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II deliver a sound signature that is both pleasing and balanced. They emphasize clarity and detail, making them a great choice for listening to a wide variety of music genres.
The bass is present and punchy, but it’s not overpowering. It provides a good foundation for the rest of the sound, but it doesn’t dominate the listening experience. The mids are clear and well-defined, allowing vocals to shine through. The highs are crisp and detailed, without being harsh or fatiguing.
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One of the most notable things about the QC35 II’s sound is their spaciousness. The soundstage is wide and expansive, giving the impression that you’re listening to music in a larger space. This makes them great for listening to classical music or other genres that benefit from a wider soundstage.
Overall, the sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is excellent. They are well-balanced headphones that deliver a clear and detailed listening experience. They are a great choice for anyone looking for a pair of headphones that can handle a variety of music genres.
One thing to note is that some users may find the sound to be a bit “clinical” or “sterile” compared to other headphones. This is because Bose is known for their focus on clarity and detail, which can sometimes come at the expense of warmth or emotional engagement. However, this is a matter of personal preference and many users will find the sound to be highly enjoyable.
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It’s worth noting that the QC35 II’s sound profile is relatively consistent across all volume levels. This is important because it means you can enjoy the same sound quality whether you’re listening at low or high volumes.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II offer an excellent balance of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. They are a top choice for anyone looking for a pair of headphones that can deliver a great listening experience in a variety of settings.
Features and Controls
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are packed with features that enhance your listening experience. The most notable is the noise cancellation, which utilizes Bose’s proprietary technology to effectively block out unwanted sounds. This makes them ideal for use in noisy environments, such as airplanes, commutes, or even just a busy coffee shop.
Beyond noise cancellation, the headphones boast a variety of controls. You can easily adjust the volume, play and pause music, skip tracks, and answer calls with buttons located on the earcups. These controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to manage your audio experience on the go.
One of the standout features of the QC35 II is the Google Assistant integration. By simply pressing a dedicated button on the earcup, you can summon your digital assistant for tasks such as setting reminders, making calls, or getting information. This feature adds a layer of convenience and functionality to the headphones.
The headphones also offer Bluetooth connectivity for seamless wireless pairing with your devices. You can easily switch between multiple devices and enjoy a stable connection with a range of up to 30 feet.
Another noteworthy feature is the built-in microphone, allowing you to take calls with clarity. The microphone is strategically placed to minimize background noise, ensuring that your voice comes through loud and clear.
Finally, the QC35 II headphones include auxiliary input, allowing you to connect them to devices that don’t have Bluetooth capabilities using a standard 3.5mm audio cable. This provides flexibility for use with a wider range of devices.
The combination of these features makes the Bose QuietComfort 35 II a powerful and versatile headphone option, providing an immersive and controlled listening experience in various settings.
Battery Life and Charging
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II boasts an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours with noise cancellation enabled. This is more than enough for even the longest flights or commutes. The headphones also support quick charging, which allows you to get 3 hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charging. This is a handy feature if you’re in a hurry and need to top up the battery quickly.
Charging the QuietComfort 35 II is simple. They come with a micro-USB cable, which you can plug into a computer or wall adapter. The charging port is located on the bottom of the right earcup. Bose also offers a charging cradle (sold separately) that provides a more elegant charging solution.
The headphones will automatically power off after a certain period of inactivity, which helps to conserve battery life. You can also manually turn off the headphones by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds.
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Overall, the battery life and charging experience of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are excellent. They offer plenty of playtime on a single charge and quick charging makes them convenient to use on the go.
Connectivity
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II utilizes Bluetooth 4.1 for connectivity, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. You can pair the headphones with your smartphone, laptop, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device with ease. The pairing process is straightforward and takes just a few seconds.
Once connected, you can enjoy seamless audio streaming without any dropouts or interruptions. The Bluetooth range is impressive, allowing you to move around freely within a reasonable distance from your connected device. However, it’s worth noting that the headphones do not support the latest Bluetooth 5.0 standard, which offers faster connection speeds and improved range.
The headphones also feature a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to use them with wired connections if you prefer. This is a great option for situations where Bluetooth connectivity is not available or unreliable. The included audio cable is well-made and provides excellent sound quality.
Overall, the connectivity of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is reliable and efficient, with a good balance of wired and wireless options. While the lack of Bluetooth 5.0 support might be a minor drawback for some, it’s not a significant issue considering the overall performance of the headphones.
Comparison to Competitors
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are considered one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, but they face stiff competition from other high-end models. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare to some of their key rivals:
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Sony WH-1000XM5: The Sony WH-1000XM5 are often considered the Bose QuietComfort 35 II‘s biggest competitor. They offer slightly better noise cancellation, especially in lower frequencies, and generally have a more balanced sound signature. However, the Bose headphones are more comfortable for some users and have a slightly longer battery life.
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Apple AirPods Max: The Apple AirPods Max are a premium option with excellent sound quality and impressive noise cancellation. However, they are significantly more expensive than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and have a more polarizing design. They also only work seamlessly with Apple devices.
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are another strong contender, offering exceptional sound quality, a comfortable fit, and effective noise cancellation. They are slightly more expensive than the Bose headphones but offer more features, such as built-in voice assistant support and multipoint connectivity.
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B&O Beoplay H95: The B&O Beoplay H95 are known for their sleek design and premium materials. They offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality but are even more expensive than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. They are also a bit heavier than the Bose headphones.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual priorities. If you’re looking for the most comfortable and affordable noise-canceling headphones with excellent sound quality, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a solid option. However, if you prioritize the best possible noise cancellation or sound quality, you might want to consider some of the other headphones listed above.
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are excellent noise-canceling headphones that deliver a comfortable fit, exceptional noise cancellation, and balanced sound quality. They’re a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and immersive listening experience, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just want to escape the noise of your surroundings. The combination of their comfortable design, powerful noise cancellation, and enjoyable sound quality makes them a top contender in the premium noise-canceling headphone market. While there are some minor drawbacks, like the lack of aptX support and the slightly bulky design, their overall performance and value make them a worthy investment for audiophiles and everyday listeners alike.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a fantastic pair of headphones, offering an excellent blend of noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and solid sound quality. Their strengths lie in their ability to effectively silence the outside world, providing an immersive listening experience that’s perfect for travel, commuting, or simply enjoying your music in peace. The intuitive controls and long battery life further enhance their practicality, making them a strong contender in the premium noise-canceling headphone market. While the sound quality might not be the absolute best, they still deliver a pleasing audio experience with well-balanced sound. If you’re seeking a pair of headphones that prioritize noise cancellation, comfort, and ease of use, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a solid choice.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones offer a compelling combination of noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out the outside world, creating a truly immersive listening experience. The sound signature is balanced, with clear highs, warm mids, and deep bass, making them suitable for various music genres. Furthermore, the comfortable earcups and lightweight design ensure long-lasting wear, even during extended listening sessions.
The intuitive controls and long battery life add to the overall user experience. While the price point might seem high, the quality and features justify the investment for serious audiophiles and frequent travelers.
However, it is worth noting that the headphones lack some advanced features like multi-point connectivity and ANC customization found in competing models. Moreover, the design might feel outdated compared to newer releases.
Ultimately, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones remain a solid choice for those seeking top-notch noise cancellation and a comfortable listening experience. However, if you are looking for the latest bells and whistles, you might consider exploring other options in the market.
Karim 
Bilal