Bose QC 35 II Overview: Nonetheless rocking virtually two years later

You could have heard that Bose has some fancy new headphones popping out, and there’s cause to be excited concerning the Bose Lively Noise Cancelling 700 (lame identify however), however for my cash, the QC 35 II nonetheless take advantage of sense for most individuals. They’re $50 lower than the brand new 700, the model is timeless, and Bose’s noise-canceling tech can’t be beat for shutting out air noise on a airplane.

I’d by no means ditch my pair of QC 35 II for the brand new 700 mannequin, and I say this primarily based on two causes: 1. I’m not a fan of how the brand new pair look, and a pair of, I’ve no want for voice optimization.

If you happen to spend a variety of time taking cellphone calls in your over-ear noise-cancelling headphones or barking orders at Alexa or the Google Assistant, then, completely, go test the 700 out – they have been created to serve these wants higher than any competing headphone. However if you happen to, like me, simply need to shut out as a lot noise as you possibly can in your frequent travels — be every day commute or frequent flights – then I believe you’ll discover the QC 35 II are the smarter name.

As an unapologetic fan of the Sony WH-1000XM3, it could be honest to ask why I’m nonetheless in love with the QC 35 II. In any case, I’ve stated the Sony sound higher many occasions over. When it come to the Bose, nonetheless, its much less about what you do hear and extra about what you don’t. The QC 35 II are excellent noise blockers and noise cancelers, and, as a bonus, I additionally discover them extra snug for terribly lengthy sporting classes.

Out of the field

Whenever you unbox the QC 35 II, you instantly really feel the place your cash went. These are well-crafted headphones comprised of high-quality supplies. The case is constructed to guard, and while you zip it open, the superbly cradled headphones begin displaying off their supple leather-based earcups and microfiber headband padding. Raise them out, and their mild weight indicators they’ll be a cushty put on.

Obtainable in black, silver, and rose gold, the QC 35 II include two color-matched cables, one for plugging right into a headphone jack (if you could find one anymore), and the opposite a USB charging cable. Gone is the dual-prong airline adapter of yore – I suppose now we have lastly advanced past it.

Options and different goodies

The QC 35 II use a dual-microphone setup to detect noise and cancel it proper out. Three ranges of noise-canceling can be found, relying on how a lot you need to block out, although I need to admit I’ve by no means used something aside from most noise canceling. Usually, once I need to block noise, I need to block as a lot of it out as attainable.

The QC 35 II are excellent noise blockers and noise cancelers.

You don’t want it for the headphones to work, however I get pleasure from utilizing the Bose Join app. Amongst different options, it let me identify my headphones. I might have chosen any identify I needed, however I nonetheless get a chuckle each time I see “Thunder Flash” in my cellphone’s listing of Bluetooth units. That was Bose’s steered identify, by the best way.

It additionally makes pairing simpler, and means that you can view remaining battery share, management your music, and toggle voice prompts on and off, however principally, properly, Thunder Flash.

The QC 35 II include management buttons you possibly can press. This may occasionally appear to be a no brainer, however ever since touch-sensitive tech grew to become a factor, we’ve seen management buttons disappear in favor of gesture controls. For these of us who don’t wish to fuss with gestures, the buttons are clutch. The QC 35 II enable for quantity management, play/pause, monitor advance or reverse – the same old stuff – however the button that places the II in QC 35 II is the one which calls up Alexa and the Google Assistant. You already know precisely what these two do, so sufficient about that.

Riley Younger/Digital Developments

That headphone cable we talked about earlier? It permits for battery-free listening, simply in case you run out of juice, and reduces battery draw by eliminating the Bluetooth issue. Count on 20 hours of wi-fi use on a cost and about 40 hours with the headphone cable in play, relying on the amount you play at, after all. Louder means shorter battery life.

Efficiency

I’ve logged over 100 hours on the QC 35 II on airplanes alone, 24 of which have been spent alongside the Sony WH-1000XM3 for the sake of comparability. After rigorous testing, I can say with confidence that I want the QC 35 II for canceling airplane noise. Whereas the Sony appear to be slightly extra versatile for noise-canceling in different environments (workplace, avenue, and so forth.), those that desire a set of headphones like this for air journey may respect the QC 35 II acumen on this space.

Count on 20 hours of wi-fi use on a cost and about 40 hours with the headphone cable.

General sound high quality for listening to music or motion pictures is great. Non-audiophiles will probably be happy with punchy bass, satisfactory midrange presence, and zesty treble – a sound profile which is made attainable in noisy environments by wonderful noise canceling. There are actually different headphones that provide a extra balanced, detailed sound when noise canceling just isn’t an element, however aside from the aforementioned Sony cans, you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a pair of headphones that may convey considerably higher sound to your ears whereas doing battle with roaring 737 engines at 30,000 ft. Sennheiser’s PXC 500, as an example, provide wealthy, balanced, and detailed sound in quiet environments – and for a cheaper price, too — however a few of that element and richness is misplaced to much less efficient noise-canceling.

Not that I make a behavior of it, however typically I do use the QC 35 II for cellphone calls, and on this regard, they carry out very properly. Have been it not for the brand new 700 mannequin and their optimization for cellphone calls and voice recognition, I’d put them on the prime of their class … actually higher than the Sony WH-1000XM3, which wrestle in windy and noisy environments. Oh, and right here’s a giant bonus: The QC 35 II will pair to a number of units directly – a declare the 1000XM3 can’t make.

Riley Younger/Digital Developments

A part of efficiency is comfortability, and as I discussed earlier than, Bose has the market cornered right here. Because of well-apportioned padding and lightweight weight, one can put on the QC 35 II on a flight from LA to NYC, by no means take them off, and really feel simply high quality on the finish of the flight.

Guarantee info

Bose affords a baseline commonplace 1-year guarantee on the QC 35 II, nonetheless this may fluctuate relying on product and area. Go to this web page to be taught extra about Bose’s guarantee on a product-by-product and regional foundation.

Our Take

For the frequent flyer, workplace employee, and just about anybody else who values efficient noise canceling above all else, the Bose QC 35 II are an excellent selection. Even with a redesigned mannequin with voice optimization on the best way, we nonetheless extremely advocate this pair of fantastic noise-canceling headphones.

Is there a greater different?

For the audiophile who should have the perfect sound attainable in noisy environments, I want the Sony WH-1000XM3. For consolation and the perfect airline noise abatement, the QC 35 II stay my most well-liked possibility.

How lengthy will it final?

From my expertise cramming these headphones into seat pockets, jostling them in backpacks, and repeatedly cramming them of their case, the QC 35 II are extraordinarily sturdy and will final so long as their rechargeable battery holds out, which can fluctuate primarily based on use and charging habits.

Do you have to purchase it?

Sure. That is an excellent set of headphones with wonderful noise canceling and satisfying sound high quality.