The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are versatile wireless over-ears with a very comfortable fit. They have a long 20-hour battery life, and their outstanding noise isolation performance can easily block out lots of background noises, so they're ideal for long days on-the-go. They don't come with any sound customization features, but their neutral sound profile is suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content.
Our Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are good for neutral sound. They have a very neutral and balanced sound profile, especially in the mid-range. While there's a slight overemphasis across the bass range, it shouldn't be too overwhelming for neutral sound. Unfortunately, there aren't any sound customization features.
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Consistent audio delivery.
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No sound customization options.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are impressive for commute and travel. Their comfortable fit and their 20-hour battery life are ideal for long days on-the-go. They can also block out the sound of bus and plane engines or chatter from other passengers. However, their bulky design isn't very portable.
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Comfortable fit.
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Outstanding noise isolation.
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Bulky design.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are decent for sports and fitness. They're comfortable and well-built, but they aren't stable enough for high-intensity exercises and may fall off your head during your workout. Also, their bulky design isn't very easy to bring on-the-go.
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Comfortable fit.
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Bulky design.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are very good for office use. They're comfortable, and their 20-hour battery life should easily get you through your shift. They can also block out background noises typically found in an office, like chatter from nearby coworkers. However, they leak a bit of noise, which can be annoying for those around you.
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Comfortable fit.
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Outstanding noise isolation.
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Leak some noise.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II aren't wirelessly compatible with the PS4 or the Xbox One, so they aren't suitable for wireless gaming.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are good for wired gaming. You can plug them into your Xbox One or PS4 controller, but you can only receive audio. They're comfortable enough for long gaming sessions, and they have negligible latency over a wired connection.
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Comfortable fit.
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Low latency over wired connection.
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Can't use microphone over wired gaming connection.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are fair for phone calls. Their integrated microphone has a mediocre recording quality, so your voice is thin and muffled, especially if you're calling from a noisy setting. Fortunately, their ANC feature can block out background noises that might distract you during a call.
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Outstanding noise isolation.
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Mediocre recording quality.
- 8.0 Neutral Sound
- 8.1 Commute/Travel
- 7.4 Sports/Fitness
- 7.9 Office
- 6.2 Wireless Gaming
- 7.9 Wired Gaming
- 7.3 Phone Calls
- Updated Oct 11, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless in Compared To Other Headphones.
- Updated Nov 14, 2022: We have changed Mic Mute to 'Yes' in Controls, and changed the wired connection to '1/16" TRRS' in Wired.
- Updated Sep 21, 2022: We've added a note regarding audio while charging while also using the analog cable. However, the Battery score hasn't changed.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Nov 26, 2020: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Aug 22, 2019: We've updated the Noise Isolation score and text. The 4.5.2 software update made the ANC slightly worse than before.
- Updated Sep 10, 2018: The self-noise value in Noise Isolation was corrected. The active noise cancellation performance has not changed.
- Updated Mar 01, 2018: Review published.
- Updated Feb 27, 2018: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Feb 25, 2018: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Jan 18, 2018: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
These headphones come in four different color variants: 'Black', 'Silver', 'Rose Gold', and 'Triple Midnight'. We tested the 'Black' variant, but we expect the other models to perform similarly.
If you come across another version of these headphones, let us know in the discussion section below.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a minor update to the Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 Wireless 2016 with a better control scheme that gives you a bit more control over the noise cancellation and allows you to easily access Google Assistant/Alexa. They're among the best wireless headphones we've tested thanks to their very comfortable design and well-balanced sound profile. However, their sound can't be customized like some of the competing models, like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless or Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless.
See also our recommendations for the best over-ear headphones and the best noise cancelling headphones.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more comfortable headphones than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. Out of the box, the Bose also have a more neutral, less bass-heavy sound profile than the Sony. The Sony have a graphic EQ and presets available in their companion app to help you customize the sound to your liking. The Sony are better built, have longer battery life, have a better noise isolation performance, and leak less noise. Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are a later generation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018. While they look similar, the Ultra are better built and have CustomTune technology, so the headphones automatically adjust their sound and noise isolation performances based on your unique hearing capabilities and the environment around you. They also have a head tracking feature, whereby audio follows your head movements for a more immersive experience and a longer continuous battery life. However, the QC35 II have a more neutral sound, which some users may prefer, and they support passive playback. You have to turn on the Ultra to playback audio via analog.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 have similar performance to the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. The Bose are a bit more comfortable than the Sony and have a better-balanced and less bass-heavy sound profile. They also have an easier to use control scheme and can pair with multiple devices at once, which makes them a bit easier to use with your PC and your phone. On the other hand, the Sony are a lot more customizable than the Bose as their companion app gives you access to a graphic EQ, noise cancelling options and optimization, an in-app player, room effects, and codec options. The Sony also have a longer battery life with a better quick charge feature. Get the Bose if comfort is most important and you typically use headphones without companion apps. However, if you like to tweak your audio and want more features, the Sony are the better option.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 have a slight edge over the Apple AirPods Max Wireless. The Bose are significantly more comfortable and come with an AUX cable if you want to use an analog wired connection. They also support multi-device pairing if you want to stay connected to your smartphone and PC at the same time. However, the Apple headphones charge a bit quicker, and their ANC system is better at reducing background noise.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Beats Studio3 Wireless. The Bose are very comfortable, and their sound profile is well-balanced. Their ANC feature noticeably blocks more background noise than the Beats. On the other hand, the Beats will be slightly better suited for bass-heavy genres, and they leak less than the Bose. They also have an in-line microphone for calls, which the Bose are lacking. The battery life of the Beats is about three hours longer than the Bose, but they don't have a power-saving feature.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are a bit better than the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless overall. The Bose have an easier to use control scheme and a more comfortable over-ear fit. They also have better noise cancellation and a better-balanced sound profile that packs a more bass than the Sennheiser. On the upside, the app for the Sennheiser gives you access to EQ presets so you can change the way they sound.
The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless are the next generation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, although they don't offer much of a significant improvement over their predecessor. Both headphones are similarly well-built and have very comfortable fits. They also have comparable battery performances. However, the QC35 II can block out slightly more background noise in the mid to treble ranges and support NFC pairing. On the other hand, the QC45 have SimpleSync, a feature that allows you to pair the headphones up to other compatible Bose headphones, speakers, and soundbars to share their audio.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless are ANC headphones with different strengths. While both over-ears are well-built, the Bose are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile that's versatile enough for a variety of audio content. However, the Sony are more customizable, thanks to their companion app's graphic EQ and presets, and their battery life is longer, too. They also have a virtual soundstage to help create a more immersive audio experience, though you need to subscribe to services that support this feature. Both headphones have a fantastic ANC performance, but the Sony have the edge in this regard, particularly when it comes to mid- and treble-range noises.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better for most uses than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. The Bose are wireless headphones with ANC. They have a active noise cancellation which isolates you from noise better and their fit is much more comfortable. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica are wired headphones intended for audiophiles and audio production. They're better built, and their passive soundstage is perceived as more open and spacious without requiring a charged battery.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless. The Bose are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve reviewed so far, thanks to their padding and very lightweight build. Their sound profile is better-balanced, and their ANC is much better than the Sony. On the other hand, the Sony offers a higher continuous battery life and their app offers an EQ, which Bose is lacking. The Sony also support the aptX codec, which the Bose don’t.
The differences between the Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 Wireless 2016 and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are minimal. The new model now has a dedicated ANC button, which you can also map for voice-enabled controls. Overall, if you always want your ANC on at max level and don’t use your device’s voice assistant, there is practically no reason to get the QC 35 II over the first model.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and the Bose 700 Headphones Wireless are both good wireless noise cancelling headsets but serve slightly different purposes. The Bose NC 700 have a significantly better-integrated microphone which makes them great if you take a lot of calls on-the-go. The QC35 II, on the other hand, are more comfortable and have a more balanced, neutral frequency response, which makes them better if you want something ultra-comfortable to enjoy your favorite tracks with. In addition, the QC35 II have NFC pairing, which the Bose 700 are lacking, and have a physical control scheme that’s easier-to-use. That said, the Bose 700 Headphones feel better built and offer mic muting, which makes them handy during conference calls.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset is the gaming-centric sibling of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018. However, you can expect the same level of comfort, build, and noise isolation between both models. Where they differ is that the Gaming Headset is designed to be primarily used wired on PCs, and when using this connection, you can use the detachable boom mic to chat with others. This headset also comes with an in-line controller so you can adjust the volume on the fly. That said, you can still use this headset wirelessly if you prefer and expect similar levels of battery life.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 Wireless 2018 are better headphones for most uses than the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless, especially if you prefer an over-ear fit. The Bose are more comfortable and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their noise isolation performance is significantly better, and they have a longer continuous battery life too. However, the Sony are in-ears that are more customizable, thanks to their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They're also better built and have a more stable fit.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are a wireless upgrade to the Bose QuietComfort 25/QC25. The QC 35 II have better noise isolation than the QC 25 and feel slightly better-built. They're wireless and can be used wired as well, unlike the QC 25. On the other hand, the QC 25 have a longer battery life overall but use AA batteries. This may be a deal-breaker for some, but an advantage for others since you don't have to charge them.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Beats Solo Pro Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and a significantly better noise isolation performance. They also have a better overall battery performance and can be paired with up to two devices at a time. However, the Beats are better built.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better overall over-ear headphones for most uses than the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have an outstanding noise isolation performance thanks to their powerful ANC. However, the Anker have longer continuous battery life, and their companion app has a graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound to your liking.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are two great products but for different uses. The Bose's over-ear design is more comfortable, and the ANC blocks more ambient noise. On the other hand, the Apple are more portable and better for sports thanks to their better stability and breathability performances.
The Razer Opus Wireless 2020 and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are both good over-ear headphones for most uses. The Bose are more comfortable, have a better microphone, and support multi-device pairing so you can easily switch between two devices. On the other hand, the Razer have a better ANC feature, a better-balanced default sound profile, a better companion app with EQ settings, and easier-to-use controls.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones overall than the Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless. The Bose have easier-to-use controls and are more lightweight and comfortable than the Sonys. The Bose also have a better-balanced and neutral sound profile that packs an equal amount of bass as the Sony but sounds a bit clearer with instruments and vocals thanks to their better balanced mid and treble ranges. The Sony, on the other hand, have a bit more features and support multiple high-quality audio codecs that we haven't had the chance to test yet. They also look more premium and have a slightly better ANC feature.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better noise cancelling headphones than the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, and their sound profile is a bit more neutral than the Sennheiser. Also, their noise isolation is one of the best on the market. However, the Sennheiser have a more distinctive style and feel a bit better built.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better over-ears than the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. Though the two offer a comparable noise isolation performance, the Bose are more comfortable and a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a better battery performance too. However, the Anker have a more customizable sound profile as their companion app has a graphic EQ and presets.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are slightly better over-ears than the AKG N700NC M2 Wireless. While both headphones can block out a lot amount of ambient sound, thanks to their ANC systems, the Bose are more comfortable, and have a better overall mic performance. However, you can customize the AKG's sound using their companion app's parametric EQ.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and the Sony WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless are different types of headphones that serve different purposes. The Bose are better if you find over-ears more comfortable and want something with a long, continuous battery life. The Sony are more portable, and can still last you all day thanks to their charging case, though they don't last nearly as long off a single charge. Their ANC feature also doesn't work nearly as well as the Bose.
The Bose SoundLink 2 Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC 35 II Wireless 2018 are almost identical headphones, but the QC35 II are more versatile thanks to their ANC feature, which the SoundLink 2 lack. If you need active noise cancellation for commuting, then go for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. However, if you don't need the added isolation, then the Bose SoundLink 2 have the same design without the ANC. The QC 35 II also have a slightly more pronounced bass and feel a tiny bit more durable and well-made. On the other hand, the SoundLink 2 offer better value if you don't need ANC, have even easier-to-use controls, and are a bit lighter, so they might be a tad more comfortable for some during longer listening sessions.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless. The Bose are much more comfortable, have a much better-balanced sound profile, and isolate noise better. The Sennheiser, on the other hand, are better for using at the gym due to their more breathable and stable design.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the AKG N700NC Wireless. The Bose are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve ever tested, and they have much better noise isolation. Both headphones have a neutral sound profile, but the AKG have an EQ in their compatible app to customize the sound to your liking, which the Bose lacks. However, you can connect the Bose to two devices simultaneously which can be convenient.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 headphones are better than the JBL Live 660NC Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC does a significantly better job of cutting down noise around you. However, the JBL have a somewhat better battery performance, and their companion app has a parametric EQ and presets to adjust their sound.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Razer Opus Wireless 2021. The Bose are more comfortable, have a neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC offers a significantly better noise isolation performance. They also support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone at the same time. However, the Razer are better-built.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Sony MDR-1000X Wireless. The Bose have an easier-to-use control scheme, and they're lighter weight and more comfortable than the Sony. The Bose also have a better-balanced sound profile that packs a bit more bass than the Sony and sounds a bit clearer with instruments and vocals. The Sony, on the other hand, look more premium and leak quite a bit less audio.
If you just need budget wired headphones then the Marshall Major 2/Major II could be a viable option but in most cases, the wireless noise-canceling Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are a much better and more versatile pair of headphones. The Bose block a lot of noise with their noise cancelling feature which makes them more suitable for commute and travel. They're also a lot more comfortable and have an over-ear fit that most will prefer over the on-ear design of the Marshall. The Marshall, on the other hand, are completely passive, so you don't need to worry about battery life. They're also a bit more compact to carry around than the Bose but don't come with a case like the Bose do.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless are very different headphones, and you may prefer either depending on what you're looking for. The Βose are over-ears with a superb ANC feature, a much more neutral sound profile, and a longer continuous battery life. They're also much more comfortable. On the other hand, the Apple are smaller, more portable earbuds. They also have significantly better build quality, an IPX4 rating for water resistance, and a longer total battery life, thanks to their compact charging case.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the JBL Live 460NC Wireless. The Bose are over-ear headphones that are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile overall, which some users may prefer, and their ANC delivers superior noise isolation. However, the JBL are on-ear headphones with better battery performance and their companion app allows you to customize their sound profile via a parametric EQ and presets.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Drop + THX Panda Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have an outstanding active noise cancelling system. They also have a better Bluetooth performance. However, the Drop have longer continuous battery life.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and the Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless have different strengths and weaknesses. The Bose are more comfortable, deliver audio more consistently, block out more ambient noise, and have lower wireless latency, especially on iOS devices. Meanwhile, the Jabra have a more comprehensive control scheme, last longer off of a single charge, and have a more feature-packed companion app. Their boom microphone also outperforms the Bose's integrated unit.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i Wireless. The Bose's ANC blocks way more background noise and they're much lighter and more comfortable than the Bang & Olufsen. Also, the sound profile of the Bose is very well-balanced. However, they can get a bit leaky at high volumes, and the high-end metal build quality of the Bang & Olufsen surpasses the Bose. You also get a few hours more of battery life on the Bang & Olufsen and their app allows for better customization, too.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better mixed usage headphones than the Jabra Elite 85h Wireless due to their amazing noise cancelling performance. The Bose are better-suited to commuting as they block out more low-end noises like engine rumbles. On the other hand, the Jabra feel slightly better built than the Bose, and their control scheme is more complete. They also have noticeably better wireless range and aren’t as leaky as the Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better and more versatile headphones than the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless/HD1 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a better-balanced and more neutral sound profile, better battery performance, and much better ANC than the Sennheiser. On the upside, the Sennheiser leak a lot less, which makes them a slightly better option to use in noise-sensitive environments like an office.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better noise cancelling headphones than the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC. The Bose isolate much better in noisy conditions with a more efficient ANC feature that's excellent for commuting and travel. They're also a lot more comfortable to wear for long listening sessions and have a more balanced sound profile than the Sennheisers. On the other hand, the Sennheiser's have a more stable fit, making them slightly better-suited for physical activity if you like working out and running with over-ears instead of in-ears.
The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless. While both headphones are well-built, the Bose are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and can isolate you from more ambient noise. However, the Sony's sound profile is more customizable, thanks to their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They also have better battery performance.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better active noise cancelling headphones than the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Wireless. The Bose can better isolate low bass sounds like bus and plane engines. They also have a more neutral, better-balanced sound profile, they're more comfortable, and they have longer-lasting battery life. However, the Microsoft have a companion app with a customizable EQ plus presets, and they have better, easy-to-use controls.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better Bluetooth over-ears than the JBL CLUB 950NC Wireless. The Bose are much more comfortable thanks to their lightweight design that doesn't clamp nearly as tightly on the head, and their integrated microphone sounds much better overall. They also have a much better ANC feature, that does an outstanding job of blocking out background noises. While both headphones have well-balanced default sound profiles, the JBL have a better app that gives you a parametric EQ and presets to adjust the way they sound. The JBL also have a longer battery life, leak less audio, and come with an audio cable with an in-line mic, so you can make phone calls even while using the headphones wired.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC 35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Razer Opus X Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC is able to block out significantly more ambient noise. They also support multi-device pairing with up to two devices at a time. However, the Razer have a 'Gaming Mode' for lower latency audio.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better-mixed usage headphones than the Nura Nuraphone Wireless thanks to their great ANC feature. The Bose are also one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve reviewed so far and have a much more neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Nura last a lot longer off a single charge, and their personalization feature and hybrid design offer a unique listening experience.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better mixed usage wireless headphones than the Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless. The Bose have a comfier fit, deliver a better-balanced listening experience out-the-box, and block out far more ambient noise. The Bose also support multi-device pairing, which is useful if you swap between listening to content on your phone and computer. However, the Sony last twice as long on a single charge and have a companion app that offers a greater degree of customizability and a more intuitive control scheme.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile headphones than the HiFiMan ANANDA-BT Wireless. Thanks to their closed-back design and ANC feature, the Bose are much better at noise isolation, and they leak less noise. The Bose also have longer battery life and a more comfortable, stable fit. However, the HiFiMan's open-back design gives them a more open, spacious soundstage than the Bose, which may be preferred by audiophiles.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Skullcandy Venue Wireless. The Bose's noise cancelling feature is better, and they have a more neutral sound profile than the Skullcandy. The Bose are more significantly more comfortable too, and feel better built. However, the battery life is slightly better on the Skullcandy, and they have better wireless range. They're also not as expensive as the more premium Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are much better noise canceling headphones than the Plantronics Backbeat Pro Wireless 2014. The Bose are a lot more comfortable and have a much better-balanced sound profile. They also have a significantly better ANC feature that blocks a ton of background noise. The Plantronics, on the other hand, have a better control scheme, a slightly longer battery life, and are a lot cheaper, providing better value for some people.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better wireless noise canceling headphones than the Samsung Level Over Wireless. The Bose are smaller and easier to carry around, even if they are not the most portable headphones. The Bose are also a lot more comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, have a much better noise cancellation feature than the Samsung, and a much better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. The Samsung, on the other hand, have a better app that gives you access to a graphic EQ and presets, so you can change the way they sound. They also leak quite a bit less audio, which is good if you like to blast your music in the office.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are much better headphones than the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0/HD1 Over-Ear. The Bose are a lot more suitable for commuting and traveling thanks to their excellent ANC feature. The Bose are also much more comfortable and have a much better-balanced sound profile. On the other hand, since the Sennheisers are wired, you don't have to worry about keeping a battery charged or latency when watching videos.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II are much better headphones than the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 On-Ear/HD1 On-Ear. The Bose are much more comfortable and have an outstanding ANC feature that helps gives you peace and quiet during your daily commutes or on long travel days. Their sound profile is much better-balanced, and their wireless design gives you more freedom. On the other hand, the on-ear design of the Sennheiser makes them a bit more portable, and you don't have to worry about keeping their battery charged since they're not wireless.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are much better noise canceling headphones than the Denon AH-GC20 Wireless. The Bose have a more comfortable over-ear fit and a better noise cancellation feature that makes them more suitable for travel and commuting than the Denon. The Bose also have a much better-balanced sound profile than the Denon, which sound poorly balanced, dark, and too bass-heavy. On the upside, the Denon feel better-built than the Bose, have a longer battery life, and a more premium look and feel.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better wireless headphones if you prefer over-ears; however, if you want a more portable on-ear design, then go for the Beats Solo3 2018 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, and most may prefer their over-ear fit compared to the on-ear design of the Beats. The Bose are also noise cancelling headphones that can give you some peace and quiet during long flights or commutes. On the upside, the Beats have a more portable on-ear design and are more stable for the gym. They also have a better wireless range and a longer battery life than the Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better noise canceling wireless headphones than the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016. The Bose are lighter, more comfortable, and have a better-balanced sound profile than the Plantronics. They also have a much better noise canceling feature, which makes them more suitable for commute and travel than the Plantronics. On the other hand, the Plantronics have a better battery life, wireless range, and controls. They also have a more exciting sound that packs a deeper bass, which some may prefer over the Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 Gen 1 Wireless in pretty much every way. The Bose are more versatile thanks to their amazing ANC feature, and their sound is noticeably more neutral and well-balanced. The Bose are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve reviewed so far and feel well-built, but aren’t quite on par with the premium design and build quality of the Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen also have slightly less battery life, but they can be used while charging, which you can’t do with the Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better and more versatile headphones than the Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless. The Bose have a more comfortable over-ear fit than the Bowers & Wilkins and a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. On the other hand, the Bowers & Wilkins have a better build quality that feels more in line with their price point. The Bose also leak a little less audio, which makes them a bit more suitable for noise-sensitive environments like an office.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are much better wireless noise cancelling headphones overall than the Sony WH-H900N/h.ear on 2 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a much better ANC feature, and easier-to-use physical controls. On the other hand, the Sony have a better companion app that gives you access to a graphic EQ, so you can customize their sound profile. They also have a sleek looking premium design that some may prefer over the Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Jaybird X4 Wireless for everyday use. Their over-ear design is more comfortable than the in-ear fit of the Jaybird, and their outstanding ANC feature gives you peace and quiet during your daily commute or in the office. They have a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box but don't have any EQ options in the app like the Jaybird. Also, the Jaybird are significantly more portable and will be a better option than the Bose if you’re looking for sports headphones as they feel much more stable.
The Mpow Flame Pro Truly Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are very different pairs of wireless headphones. The Mpow are truly wireless headphones with ear-hooks that are much more portable, and feel much more stable, making them a better option for taking to the gym. On the other hand, the Bose are wireless over-ears that are much more comfortable, have ANC to block out background noise, have a much more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and a longer battery off a single charge.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Microsoft Surface Wireless Headphones. The Bose have a more neutral and well-balanced sound profile, are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve reviewed to date. The Bose also have a much better ANC feature. However, they don’t have the satisfying touch-sensitive control scheme of the Microsoft, they leak more audio, and don’t have any EQ options in their dedicated companion app like the Microsoft.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the JBL E65BTNC Wireless. The Bose have a more neutral sound profile, and their ANC feature is one of the best we’ve tested to date. They're also one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve ever reviewed. On the other hand, the JBL have better wireless range and feel more stable since they have a higher clamping force on the head, which can be useful during physical activity. They also have an in-line microphone that the Bose lack.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better than the Cowin SE7 Wireless in pretty much every category. The Bose are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve reviewed so far, their ANC feature blocks an impressive amount of ambient noise, and they have a very well-balanced sound profile. They have longer battery life and will be a more versatile pair of headphones than the Cowins. The Cowin have noticeably lower latency and are quite a bit cheaper than the Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better than the Anker SoundCore Space NC Wireless. The Bose have an excellent design with a very comfortable fit. They have a neutral sound reproduction suited for a wider variety of genres, compared to the Anker's dark and thumpy sound profile. On the other hand, the included TRRS cable for the Anker has an in-line microphone that we expect to perform better than the one integrated into the headphones themselves. The Anker are also less expensive, and fans of bass-heavy music might even prefer them.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Mpow H10 Wireless in almost every way. The Bose are more comfortable, have a better-balanced sound profile, and are more durable build than the Mpow. Their ANC is outstanding, and they can connect to two devices simultaneously, which the Mpow can’t do. On the other hand, you get slightly more battery life out of the Mpow, and you can use them while charging. The Mpow offer great value, but their overall performance isn’t quite on par with the Bose.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better and more versatile headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless thanks to their very comfortable fit and well-balanced and natural sound profile. The Bose are one of the best noise cancelling headphones we’ve reviewed so far, making them great for commuting or travel as well. Their battery lasts longer, and they take less time to fully charge than the Audio-Technica. You can also use them wired with a phone, even if the battery is dead, which is convenient. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica look and feel more premium overall, but the Bose are likely a better value for most people.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better mixed-usage headphones than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017, but the Astro are a much better choice for gaming due to their great dock and boom microphone performance. The Bose are better for everyday use, however, as their ANC blocks out a lot of background noise. On the other hand, the Astro are open-back headphones, which means they won’t be a good option for outside use, but maybe better for gaming or listening to music alone at home.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are noticeably better headphones than the TaoTronics SoundSurge 60 Wireless. The Bose are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve tested so far. They support NFC, their ANC feature is great, and their sound profile is very well-balanced. The Bose will be a better option over the TaoTronics in pretty much every way, but they're more expensive, so if you can get a TaoTronics unit that doesn’t have a big mismatch in their drivers, they might have better value for some.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are much better headphones than the Creative SXFI Air Wireless. They're much more lightweight and comfortable, have a much better-balanced sound profile, and one of the best ANC features we've tested to date. On the other hand, the Creative have a unique head mapping feature.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 perform better overall than the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless but have a very different design. The Bose are over-ear Bluetooth headphones that are much more comfortable, have better controls, a better-balanced sound profile, significantly better noise isolation thanks to their ANC feature, and a much longer 20-hour battery life. On the other hand, the TOZO are truly wireless in-ears that are much more portable, breathe better, and feel much more stable in the ear.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are slightly better headphones than the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless in-ears. The Bose have much better active noise cancelling, are more comfortable, and have a slightly better-balanced sound profile with more bass. On the other hand, the Sony have better controls and a better companion app that gives you access to a graphic EQ as well as presets.
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Test Results
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II look identical to the original Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 Wireless 2016 but with an additional button on the left ear cup. Our model is all-black, but they're also available in 'Silver', 'Triple Midnight', or 'Rose Gold'. You can also fully customize a pair with your own colors through the Bose website, but it costs a bit more.
These headphones are amazingly comfortable. Unlike the Apple AirPods Max Wireless, they're lightweight, and don't clamp too tightly on your head. Also, they're very well-padded. You should be able to wear them for long listening sessions without a lot of fatigue.
The Bose QC35 II have a slightly improved control scheme over the original Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 Wireless 2016. They have an additional button on the left ear cup that activates Google Assistant/Alexa or switches between noise cancelling modes. The rest of the buttons are pretty much the same as the previous model and give you access to most common commands. You can even mute and unmute the mic when you're on a call by holding down both volume buttons simultaneously. Their physical controls deliver great tactile feedback, especially compared to touch-sensitive buttons on headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. Unfortunately, the buttons feel a little cramped on the bottom of the right ear cup, but they're easy to use, and you get accustomed to them fairly quickly.
The Bose QC35 II are passably breathable. They create a good seal around your ears, which prevents a lot of airflow and makes you sweat a bit more when exercising, so they may not be the best choice for more intense workout routines. On the upside, they should be fine for more casual listening sessions, only making your ears warm after hours of use.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have mediocre portability. Their over-ear design is bulky and takes up some space in your bag. However, they fold into a more compact format, and the ear cups also lay flat to take up less space, which is nice.
The hard case is impressive. It also doesn't add much bulk and easily stores all the provided accessories in a dedicated pocket within the case, unlike the Bose QuietComfort 25/QC25.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have a good build quality. The plastic used for the ear cups is dense and should be able to handle a few drops without sustaining damage. The headband is decently flexible and has a metal frame to reinforce the build, though they still have a lot of plastic in their design, which feels a bit cheap for their price range.
These headphones are decently stable but not tight enough on the head to be suitable for more intense exercise. The ear cups sway a little when exercising, but thanks to the wireless design, you don't have to worry about the audio cable getting caught on something and yanking the headphones off your head.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones
- 1/8" TRS audio cable
- Airline adapter
- Carrying case
- Micro-USB charging cable
- Manuals
These headphones have a neutral, well-balanced sound profile that's suitable for lots of different types of audio content. The overemphasized bass range adds an extra boom, punch, and thump to the mix, but it shouldn't be too overwhelming.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have good frequency response consistency. Assuming you achieve a proper fit, their audio delivery should be consistent across users, regardless of their seal or positioning on your head.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have great bass accuracy. The entire range is slightly overemphasized, so audio has an extra boom, punch, and thump that can even please fans of bass-heavy music genres like EDM but shouldn't be too overwhelming for other genres.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have remarkable mid accuracy. The entire range is very well-balanced and neutral, ensuring a clear reproduction of vocals and lead instruments that doesn't sound cluttered or muddy.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have great treble accuracy. Most of the low-treble range is quite well-balanced and accurate, resulting in present and detailed instruments and vocals. The mid-treble is somewhat uneven, however, so sibilants may be piercing or dull.
The peaks and dips performance of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II is great. There aren't any major peaks or dips throughout the entire bass or mid ranges. There's a peak in the high-mid and low-treble that can make vocals and lead instruments honky and harsh. There's also a peak in the mid-treble that follows a slight dip, which may cause some frequencies to be slightly piercing or sharp, though it may not be noticeable to most people.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have exceptional imaging. Their weighted group delay falls mostly below the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble. The L/R drivers of our unit are also well-matched in amplitude, phase, and frequency response, so objects like footsteps or voices are accurately placed in the stereo image. However, these results are only valid for our test unit, so your experience may vary.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have a disappointing soundstage. They have a relatively large and natural sounding soundstage, but it's perceived to be located inside your head, as opposed to in front. Also, because of the closed-back design and ANC, they tend to sound less open than open-back headphones.
These headphones don't have any virtual soundstage features.
The weighted harmonic distortion performance of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is good. All frequencies fall within acceptable limits, which should result in a mostly clear and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test the Bose QuietComfort 35 II; therefore, our results are only valid when used at these settings.
Update 08/22/2019: We've re-tested the noise isolation of the Bose QC35 II after noticing a flaw in our testing methodology. While the 4.5.2 firmware update reduced the ANC performance slightly, it's less than we initially reported. This review has been updated to reflect these changes.
While the ANC doesn't work quite as well as it did before the 4.5.2 firmware update, it's still outstanding and is among the best we've ever tested. These headphones can block out the low rumble of bus or plane engines as well as background chatter or the hum of nearby AC units. If you want a pair of over-ear headphones that do an even better job at cancelling out sounds in the bass range, check out the Razer Opus Wireless.
The leakage performance of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is alright. Their leakage sounds fuller and more distracting than that of in-ears and earbuds, so at high volumes, people close to you can hear your music even in moderately noisy environments, like on a bus. If you like to blast your music, check out the less leaky Jabra Elite 85h Wireless.
Update 18/03/2019: Thanks to user feedback, we've noticed that the noise floor is quite a bit higher than other Bluetooth headphones when using call-enabled software like Skype or Slack. This seems most likely due to higher than average mic feedback on the Bose headset. We also noticed a high-pitched tone before the mic feedback/noise kicked in when using newer MacBook Pros, which didn't occur when tested with an iMac, PC, or phone. If you've experienced similar issues with your Bose headset on a MacBook Pro, please let us know in the discussion thread below.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have an integrated microphone.
The microphone has a mediocre recording quality. Speech sounds thin and noticeably muffled, making you slightly difficult to understand. On the bright side, your voice sounds natural and neutral.
The microphone has a passable noise handling performance. Even in only moderately noisy environments, it's difficult for the person on the other end of the line to hear you.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have great battery performance. They last 20 hours off a single charge, which is slightly longer than the original Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 Wireless 2016. They also feature an adjustable auto-off timer to help conserve battery life. Unfortunately, they take a little over two hours to fully charge, which can be inconvenient for some users. You also can't use them wirelessly while charging. If you want to use them while charging, you can connect them to your device via analog, but the ANC will be disabled.
The Bose Connect app is decent but only offers a minimal list of features. It allows you to connect, rename, and update the Bose QuietComfort 35 II but doesn't provide you with any EQ settings, which is a shame. On the upside, the app offers a good auto-off timer that you can set at different intervals. You also get a limited in-app player and the battery level status. Unlike the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, you can also adjust the strength of the headphone's ANC. Overall the app is decent but doesn't offer as many customization options as the Sony| Headphones Connect app.
These headphones have amazing Bluetooth connectivity. You can pair them with up to two devices at the same time, and they also support NFC pairing. Unfortunately, their latency may be too high to be suitable for watching videos or gaming. However, some apps compensate for latency, so your real-world experience may vary.
These headphones are Bluetooth-only.
The Bose QC35 II come with a simple TRS audio cable with no in-line remote or USB adapter. They use a 1/8" TRS to 1/16" TRS connection, which is less common than a standard 1/8" connection, so replacing the cable may be slightly more difficult. Keep in mind that the 1/16" TRS connector is also what connects the cable to the headphones.
You can plug the Bose QuietComfort 35 II into your Xbox One controller, but you can only receive audio.
The Bose QC35 II headphones don't have a base or dock. If you want well-balanced headphones with a base, check out the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019.