Since its September 2017 release, the QuietComfort 35 II has been one of our top selections for wireless noise-cancelling headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM2 may sound somewhat better and have more features, but the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is more lightweight and cosy to wear. The Beats Studio3 Wireless is now a more appealing option in this category due to its reduced pricing.
QuietComfort 35 II by Bose With the exception of one crucial feature, a wireless noise-canceling headset looks, sounds, and functions exactly like the original. You can connect to your Google Assistant without touching your phone by pressing the new “Action” button on the left ear cup. The QC35 II, which comes in black or silver, is now the first headphone to include Google Assistant.
Google Assistant is a voice assistant that works with Android and iOS devices, much like Amazon’s Alexa. You may use the QC35 II’s Action button to command Google Assistant without speaking to your phone, such as “Tell me the latest news,” “Call Mom,” and “What are some nice Indian restaurants nearby?” Additionally, you may use your voice to operate compatible smart gadgets in your house and the playback of music.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II review: Design
This set of wired headphones has a classy appearance. The headphones retain the original’s compact design and high level of comfort. One of the most comfortable sets of wireless headphones available is the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, and for good reason. Hours can pass while wearing this without you ever feeling the need to remove it to allow your ears to breathe. Additionally, it is quite strong and can be bent and twisted in many different directions without breaking.
However, you ought to continue using the provided carrying case. On the right ear cup, in addition to the action button and multifunction buttons, you’ll find the volume up and down buttons, as well as a power switch. Additionally, you’ll notice that these include a 3.5mm input on the other ear cup so you can hardwire them to your phone if your phone still has a headphone jack and a microUSB charging port on the bottom of one of the ear cups.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II review: Comfort and stability
It was immediately apparent that these headphones were prepared to withstand the long and noisy train travel I had to endure to go to and from work as well as the crowded and loud streets of New York City once I had removed the QC35 II from the cosy protective case.
They were comfortable on top of my head and close to my ears, blocking any potential directions-seeking interruptions. The QC35 II was only half a pound without the cable attached and had dimensions of 7.1 x 6.7 x 3.2 inches. I didn’t even realise I had been using these headphones for around three hours at a time due to their lightweight construction and comfy fit.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II review: Sound quality
The QuietComfort 35 II can handle whatever audio you play for them quite well. With a MacBook Pro in front of us and The Beatles’ Let It Be these headphones amazingly uncover subtleties that you might not otherwise hear. When leading into the chorus, Paul McCartney sings lines a little bit later than you may anticipate. When he does, the QuietComfort 35 II is able to hear the flimsy sounds of the movements of his lips.
These headphones play My Chemical Romance’s Teenagers with a focus on the midrange. It’s impossible to ignore the snarl and disdainful assonance in Gerard Way’s lyrics as he laments the decline of adolescent independence. Each powerful bass note is hefty and complex; you can distinguish many layers of the sound where less skilled headphones would struggle, from the lowest depths when the drumstick impacts to the way the sound disperses and fades into the soundscape. These headphones maintain a controlled and measured handling of the high treble at the other end of the sound spectrum.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II review: Noise Cancellation
The noise cancelling changes are minor but helpful; they focus more on user control than on the performance, which is still great. There are only three options in the Connect app (Off/On, High, or Low), so the controls aren’t as as precise as they are with the in-ear Bose QuietControl 30. But having the option to turn the noise-cancelling circuitry off or into Low mode is a great choice.
Since the QC35 II’s Low mode is likely as successful as the majority of competitors’ best noise cancelling efforts, the addition of this feature almost feels like a humblebrag. And High setting is something to behold in-room chitchat is greatly muffled, and loud AC unit whirrs are nearly completely gone. This model almost completely lacks the subtle hiss that so many rival NC models have. With some helpful adjustments, this already stands out as the greatest noise cancelling on the market.
Contrary to many other wireless and noise-cancelling headphones on the market, turning on the noise cancellation doesn’t affect the audio quality, however it may sound somewhat different for a split second while the changeover is being made.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II review: Performance and Battery Life
The QC35 II has excellent Bluetooth-connected performance and battery life. Regardless of the device we paired it with, we never encountered any issues and the connection was strong the entire time.
The battery, likewise, was more than sufficient to support even the heaviest usage. Having been completely charged before the first leg of the travel, it was just about down to around 80% after five hours of combined playtime on a lengthy train commute. Because Bose’s app only displays the battery level in increments of 10%, we don’t know the exact amount, but based on all of our testing, you should be able to play music for at least the stated 20 hours before needing to find a power source.
Additionally, in the event that your headphones ever run out of juice, you can simply use a device with a headphone jack in its place. Alternately, you can use fast-charging, which after only 15 minutes at the outlet provides 2.5 hours of additional listening. Although it doesn’t compare to the 25 to 30 minutes we got from the Beats Studio 3, it’s still sufficient to get you through a few weeks of commutes.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II review: Price and availability
Despite the introduction of the more recent Bose 700 headphones, most major stores continue to carry the black and silver Bose QuietComfort 35 II. The greatest deal right now is on the Bose which is now only $215. The majority of retailers, like Walmart and Amazon carry it for $299.
Final Words
Like the headphones that came before them, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are simply outstanding personal audio companions. They may not be able to compete with rivals in terms of sound quality or appearance, but they are unmatched in terms of overall usefulness and comfort. Furthermore, there is yet nothing that comes close to noise-cancelling technology. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are the headphones to beat if you can afford a pair and travel frequently, and they receive a well-deserved Best Buy designation.
