The Bose QuietComfort 35 II (QC35 II) is one of the most popular and highly-regarded noise-cancelling headphones on the market. Released in 2017, these headphones have been a favorite among audiophiles, commuters, and travelers alike. But with the constant evolution of technology and the emergence of new competitors, the question remains: is the Bose QC35 II still worth it?
Design and Comfort
The Bose QC35 II boasts a sleek and sturdy design that exudes premium quality. The headphones feature a stainless steel headband and glass-filled nylon earcups, making them both durable and lightweight. The earcups are also designed to rotate and fold, allowing for easy storage and transport.
One of the standout features of the QC35 II is its comfort. The headphones feature soft, cushioned earpads and a padded headband, making them suitable for extended wear. The earcups are also designed to fit snugly around the ears, providing excellent noise isolation and reducing ambient noise.
Weight and Portability
The Bose QC35 II weighs in at 235 grams, making them relatively lightweight compared to other noise-cancelling headphones on the market. The headphones also come with a carrying case, which provides additional protection and convenience when traveling.
Sound Quality
The Bose QC35 II is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, delivering clear, balanced, and immersive audio. The headphones feature proprietary TriPort technology, which uses three ports to enhance sound reproduction and reduce noise.
The QC35 II also features advanced noise-rejection technology, which uses two microphones to detect and eliminate ambient noise. This results in a more immersive listening experience, with a focus on the music rather than the surrounding environment.
Frequency Response and Bass
The Bose QC35 II has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is typical for most headphones. However, the QC35 II excels in its ability to produce deep, rich bass notes, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.
Noise Cancellation
The Bose QC35 II features advanced noise-cancellation technology, which uses two microphones to detect and eliminate ambient noise. The headphones also feature three levels of noise cancellation, allowing users to customize their listening experience.
Noise Cancellation Modes
The QC35 II features three noise-cancellation modes:
- Low: Suitable for quiet environments, such as libraries or offices.
- Medium: Suitable for noisy environments, such as public transportation or coffee shops.
- High: Suitable for extremely noisy environments, such as construction sites or airports.
Additional Features
The Bose QC35 II features a range of additional features that enhance the listening experience. These include:
- Volume-Optimized EQ: Automatically adjusts the EQ to ensure optimal sound quality at any volume.
- Customizable EQ: Allows users to customize the EQ to suit their preferences.
- Google Assistant and Siri Integration: Allows users to access their virtual assistants with the touch of a button.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Bose QC35 II features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to their devices wirelessly. The headphones also feature a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to connect to devices that don’t support Bluetooth.
The QC35 II has a battery life of up to 24 hours, making it suitable for extended use. The headphones also feature a quick-charge function, which provides up to 2.5 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging.
Comparison to Other Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The Bose QC35 II is often compared to other noise-cancelling headphones on the market, including the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sennheiser PXC 559. While these headphones offer similar features and performance, the QC35 II stands out for its exceptional sound quality and comfort.
Key Differences
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Offers more advanced noise-cancellation technology and a longer battery life, but is also more expensive.
- Sennheiser PXC 559: Offers more customizable EQ options and a more compact design, but is also heavier and less comfortable.
Conclusion
The Bose QC35 II is an exceptional pair of noise-cancelling headphones that offers outstanding sound quality, comfort, and features. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a premium listening experience.
If you’re in the market for a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QC35 II is definitely worth considering. With its advanced noise-cancellation technology, customizable EQ options, and long battery life, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality listening experience.
Final Verdict
The Bose QC35 II is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a premium pair of noise-cancelling headphones. With its exceptional sound quality, comfort, and features, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality listening experience.
| Feature | Bose QC35 II | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sennheiser PXC 559 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Exceptional | Excellent | Good |
| Noise Cancellation | Advanced | More Advanced | Good |
| Comfort | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Price | Around $300 | Around $350 | Around $400 |
Note: The prices listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer and location.
What are the key features of the Bose QC35 II headphones?
The Bose QC35 II headphones boast several key features that make them a top choice among noise-cancelling headphones. These features include advanced noise-rejection technology, volume-optimized EQ, and a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the headphones come with a noise-rejection dual-microphone system, allowing for clear phone calls and voice assistant interactions. The QC35 II also features a sleek and foldable design, making them easy to store and transport.
Another notable feature of the QC35 II is its seamless connectivity options, including Bluetooth and NFC pairing. The headphones also come with a companion app, allowing users to customize their listening experience and access additional features such as customizable noise cancellation and music sharing. Overall, the QC35 II’s impressive feature set makes it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality noise-cancelling headphones.
How does the noise cancellation on the Bose QC35 II compare to other headphones?
The Bose QC35 II’s noise cancellation is widely regarded as one of the best in its class. The headphones use advanced noise-rejection technology to actively block out ambient noise, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. In comparison to other headphones, the QC35 II’s noise cancellation is on par with other top-of-the-line models, such as the Sony WH-1000XM series. However, some users may find that the QC35 II’s noise cancellation is slightly more effective in certain environments, such as on airplanes or in busy offices.
It’s worth noting that the QC35 II’s noise cancellation is not just limited to constant, low-frequency sounds. The headphones are also effective at blocking out higher-frequency sounds, such as background chatter or keyboard typing. This makes the QC35 II an excellent choice for those who work in noisy environments or prefer to listen to music in peace. Overall, the QC35 II’s noise cancellation is a major selling point and a key reason why many users swear by these headphones.
Are the Bose QC35 II headphones comfortable to wear for extended periods?
The Bose QC35 II headphones are designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods. The headphones feature a sleek and lightweight design, with ear cushions made from a soft, synthetic protein leather. The ear cushions are also designed to fit snugly around the ears, providing a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, the headphones come with an adjustable headband, allowing users to customize the fit to their liking.
In terms of comfort, the QC35 II headphones are generally well-regarded by users. Many reviewers have noted that the headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods, even during long flights or road trips. However, some users may find that the headphones cause slight discomfort or pressure on the ears after several hours of wear. This is likely due to the snug fit of the ear cushions, which can be adjusted to alleviate any discomfort.
Can I use the Bose QC35 II headphones for phone calls and voice assistant interactions?
Yes, the Bose QC35 II headphones are designed to work seamlessly with phone calls and voice assistant interactions. The headphones come with a noise-rejection dual-microphone system, which allows for clear and crisp phone calls. The microphones are also designed to pick up the user’s voice clearly, even in noisy environments. Additionally, the QC35 II headphones support voice assistant interactions, including Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa.
In terms of phone call quality, the QC35 II headphones are generally well-regarded by users. Many reviewers have noted that the headphones provide clear and crisp phone calls, even in noisy environments. The noise-rejection technology also helps to block out background noise, making it easier to hear the person on the other end of the call. Overall, the QC35 II headphones are an excellent choice for those who want to use their headphones for phone calls and voice assistant interactions.
How long does the battery life of the Bose QC35 II headphones last?
The Bose QC35 II headphones have a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge. This is based on typical usage, with the headphones set to medium volume and the noise cancellation feature enabled. However, the actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and environmental factors. For example, using the headphones at high volume or in extremely cold temperatures may reduce the battery life.
It’s worth noting that the QC35 II headphones also come with a quick-charge feature, which allows users to get up to 2.5 hours of battery life with just a 15-minute charge. This makes the headphones an excellent choice for those who are always on the go and need a quick top-up. Additionally, the headphones come with a battery life indicator, which provides users with a clear estimate of how much battery life is remaining.
Are the Bose QC35 II headphones worth the investment?
Whether or not the Bose QC35 II headphones are worth the investment depends on several factors, including budget, usage patterns, and personal preferences. However, for those who value high-quality noise-cancelling headphones with advanced features and excellent sound quality, the QC35 II may be an excellent choice. The headphones are also durable and well-built, making them a worthwhile investment for those who plan to use them frequently.
That being said, the QC35 II headphones are not cheap, with a price tag of around $350. However, for those who are willing to invest in high-quality headphones, the QC35 II may be a worthwhile investment. Additionally, the headphones come with a 1-year warranty, which provides users with peace of mind and protection against defects or malfunctions.
What are some alternatives to the Bose QC35 II headphones?
There are several alternatives to the Bose QC35 II headphones, depending on budget and personal preferences. Some popular alternatives include the Sony WH-1000XM series, the Sennheiser PXC 559, and the Beats Solo Pro. These headphones offer similar features and sound quality to the QC35 II, but may have slightly different designs or price points.
For those on a budget, there are also several more affordable alternatives to the QC35 II, such as the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 or the COWIN E7. These headphones may not offer the same level of sound quality or advanced features as the QC35 II, but can still provide excellent value for the price. Ultimately, the best alternative to the QC35 II will depend on individual needs and preferences.