Updated: Previous review didn't factor in wired, active listening
Rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded down). There are several nit pick issues that prevent me from giving this a full 5-star review. Headphones are near perfect for my needs, but considering the price point -- I rounded down my star rating. This is based on using them for about two months (with three weeks of family vacation travel).
TL;DR (Summary):
Bose QC 35 are the best wireless noise canceling headphones I have personally tested and own, and so if that is your main need -- stop reading this review and buy the headphones. If you want to know why, keep reading.
Abbreviations:
QC = Quiet Comfort
ANC = Active Noise Cancellation
BT = Bluetooth
Tracks for Testing:
Hotel California (Hell Freezes Over) - Eagles
Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World - IZ
I'm Yours/Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Straight No Chaser
Hanuman - Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Kung Fu Piano - The Piano Guys
1980 (Rise) - Herb Alpert
The Sound of Silence - Disturbed
Dirty Laundry - Don Henley
Royals - Lorde
Of course, a lot more stuff including podcasts and audio books
For audio quality comparisons, I use my ATH-M50x (~$150). I really wanted something in the same sound quality range but with smart phone integration, Bluetooth wireless ability but still with a wired option, and with excellent noise cancellation ability -- and they had to be comfortable for extended wearing sessions (think cross-country flight). I had a pair of Plantronics BlackBeat Pros (~$170) that someone stole when left in my car. The Plantronics were more functional with better controls, but the sound quality wasn't nearly a good and the noise cancellation was only acceptable -- they (Plantronics) were also a lot bigger and heavier (not as mobile/travel friendly).
The best settings (highest audio quality and most stable connection) is wired with the headphones turned on (with ANC enabled) -- seems a bit odd actually since ANC does degrade audio quality. Wired and powered, the Bose are on par with my ATH-M50x headphones with sound quality. This hasn't been true of other Bose models (to me) and I've often felt like Bose were overpriced compared to the audio quality delivered (granted, not nearly as bad as Beats or similar "pop culture" headphones). I find it strange that Bose refers to the audio cable as a "backup" since that might be my preferred way to listen when I'm not traveling. Seems like a missed opportunity. This is my favorite listening mode. Bose claims 40 hours of listening in this mode.
I do like the ability to optionally enable/disable ANC while wired. However, when you power off the headphones, while they do continue to work, the soundstage is greatly and negatively affected (especially bass). That means power does more than just power wireless and noise cancellation -- but also powers the headphones internal amplifier and EQ. In wired, powered off mode the highs and mids are still fine but bass is practically non-existent. This mode is good for podcasts or other voice performances and non-bass-heavy music (bluegrass, classical, etc). It is nice you can continue listening after your battery dies -- which makes up the lack of replaceable batteries. I wish there was a way to disable ANC and Wireless with the headphones powered on to see if that would yield even better sound performance.
Bluetooth audio is, at best, a compromise (lower sound quality for convenience and freedom). No matter how awesome the headphones, the limiting factor is normally Bluetooth. I've also had some connection reliability issues (like others) -- a bit of skipping or studdering. Rarely, the connection drops off entirely. This is both a problem of BT wireless in general and Bose, but other BT headphones I have seem more reliable. Sound quality with ANC and Wireless mode is surprising good considering both technologies actually work against sound quality. Yes, sound quality isn't nearly as good as the wired mode or my ATH-M50x -- but that's the trade off (which is great when you need it).
Noise cancellation is far better than anything I have ever tested. If I remember correctly, even besting the QC 15 I demoed in a big-box store. With ANC enabled, there is a slight feeling of pressure (like taking off in an airplane) but you soon get used to it. It's hard to tell the exact impact of ANC regarding sound quality since I don't think you can disable ANC without powering off the headphones entirely. With ANC enabled, it counters most constant background noises like in-flight airplane noise, air conditioning hum, and similar noises. ANC is less effective with non-constant noises like voices (office chatter), but the Bose QC 35 does a respectable job even under those circumstances (better than just passive isolation).
Headphones are very comfortable and lightweight. I had no problems listening to them the majority of multi-hour flights across the country, at the office, or doing chores. They might be heavier than previous QC headphones, but compared to other over-the-ear wireless and ANC headphones -- I thought they were very light. The headphones fold up very compactly and fit nicely in the included protective hard-shell case (the bag has pouches for the charging and audio cables).
To be honest, the weakest part of the headphones is the BT headset phone integration. Perhaps I don't know how to operate it (I'm a tech geek), but I've had mixed results so far. Sometimes the headphones pick up a call and sometimes not. This (along with other nit picks) is the main reason for a 1-star reduction or, at least, rounding down from 4.5 to 4 stars. At this price point, I expect better. Perhaps this can be addressed with a firmware update or better user manual.
Battery life has been excellent. Bose claims 20 hours in wireless and ANC mode and 40 hours in powered (with ANC) wired mode. While that is enough most of the time, I do carry a $25 charger battery pack which negates the lack of replaceable batteries -- I've never gotten 20 hours of service from a pair AAs. And, the headphones still work powered off (reduced sound quality).
My main complaints:
1. Wireless connection more unreliable than competition (Plantronics)
2. Controls a bit too subtle, requires a few seconds to find them (vs Plantronics)
3. No active mode without wireless and ANC (possible superior sound?)
4. Included audio cable is flimsy and does not have device controls on it -- Bose thinks it's just a backup ::sigh::
5. Hit or miss with phone integration (as a BT headset)
6. User manual is anemic, I found most stuff just playing around and perhaps several undocumented features
You can easily pay less for similar or better sounding headphones. The same is true for high quality wireless headphones or those with exceptional active noise cancellation (even from Bose). However, the Bose QC 35 is one of the few headphones that puts it all together in a single package for those willing to pay for it.
I got these when they were first released and paid full retail for them. I normally don't fall for the "big brand" marketing since you often pay more than half for marketing hype and brand awareness. However, Bose is known for noise cancellation with no close seconds. So, I paid dearly and Bose delivered. They have become my favorite headphones.
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| Customer Rating | (9218) | (118) | (62333) | (1093) | (132) | (6661) |
| Price | $149.99 | $298.89 | $229.92 | $242.00 | $127.93 | $459.00 |
| Sold By | Tech Professionals | Planet Open Box | Renovar Tech | TheWEIKANGroup | Renovar Tech | BBDirect2u |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Silver | Rose Gold |
| Fit Type | Circumaural | Over-Ear | — | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Headphones Form Factor | Over Ear | — | Over Ear | — | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 3.1 x 6.69 x 7.08 inches | — | 3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches | — | 1.5 x 5.98 x 7.52 inches | 3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.52 lbs | — | 0.52 lbs | — | 6.81 ounces | 0.52 lbs |
| Special Features | noise-cancellation, wireless | Microphone, USB connectivity, Noise-Canceling, wireless | Noise Cancellation, Microphone Feature, Volume-Control | Microphone, Android, Noise-Canceling, wireless | Noise-Canceling | Noise Cancellation |
From the manufacturer
In the box
Included items
- QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones
- USB charging cable
- Backup audio cable
- Airline adapter
- Carry case
No noise. No wires. Just your music and you.
When it comes to noise cancellation, we’re not just best in class. We invented the category. With QuietComfort 35 headphones, there’s no noise to get in the way of your music, and no wires to get in your way at all. We put years of research into headphones that deliver true listening freedom. Easily connect your devices with Bluetooth or NFC pairing. They provide balanced audio performance no matter how noisy your commute is, and clear calls even on a bustling, windy street. With 20 hours of wireless battery life, you can listen all day; and the fit is light and comfortable enough for it, too. And for easy management of your devices, use the free Bose Connect app.
- World-class noise cancellation makes quiet sound quieter and music sound better
- Volume-optimized EQ for balanced audio performance at any volume
- Wireless, with easy Bluetooth and NFC pairing aided by voice prompts
- 20-hour battery life per charge; up to 40 hours in wired mode
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear calls even in windy environments
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World-class noise cancellationYears of research went into them so you'll get more out of them. Better quiet, better sound and better for your music. |
Lose the wiresHassle-free wireless is simpler than ever: Bluetooth and NFC connections are quick and easy. And voice prompts to guide you through it so you'll never have to reach for your device. |
Sound that stays true to your musicVolume-optimized EQ gives you a consistent, balanced performance. Even when you have to turn it up on a plane, the sound stays true to your music. |
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More time with your musicRechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers up to 20 hours per charge so you can listen wirelessly for longer. Or, with the included backup audio cable, you can plug in and get 40 hours. |
Clearer callsWindy or noisy environments used to make calls hard to hear. Not anymore—a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system makes your calls clear from both ends. |
Designed for comfortPremium, lightweight materials make for a comfortable fit, so you can love your music all day. |
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I purchased QC 35 wireless headphones from Amazon a month back, and I am completely satisfied with the product.What's in the box: QC wireless headphones comes with USB charging cable, Audio cable for wired connection, Airline adapter and cool looking carrying case.Look and Feel: Headphones looks sleek and extremely durable. It was built with impact resistant materials, corrosion resistant steel and glass filled nylon according to BOSE Corporation. The headband is wrapped in Alcantara (materials used in yachts and high-end automobiles) The ear cushions are soft and feels great over the ear. It is manufactured from synthetic protein leather.Battery life: When it comes to wireless headphones, battery life plays a major deciding factor for me. As for as, QC35 concerned, it excels in battery life. I use at least 4 to 5 hours daily while working and I charge once on Sunday evening, and the next time I would charge only on Thursday night. That's almost 18 to 20 hours of battery life. Just for this feature, I would highly recommend this product to people who are heavy users. Also, when you switch on the headphone, a voice prompt tells you how much the battery percentage is remaining. That is a nice feature.Connectivity: Connection to any Bluetooth device is a breeze. I connected several devices so far. The only thing I was not able to connect was my PS4, and that was due to an issue with PS4 firmware not supporting this headphone. The moment a device connects, a voice prompt will tell you the device it connects. It spells out the device name. When I pair to my Samsung cell phone, it spells out the name as S-A-M_S. It does it for all the device. Also, the audio cable comes in handy when you can't connect to a device. I use audio cables to connect to my PS4. The audio jack is connected via the slot provided at the bottom of the left ear pads.Ease of Use: The process to connect to Bluetooth and switch on and off is all done by one simple toggle switch on the right ear pad. When it is in off position, a red dot will show next to the toggle switch and a green dot will show when it is in ON position. Also, You need to hold the switch towards the green dot to connect to a Bluetooth device. At the bottom of the right ear pad, you have the multi-function button and Volume +/_ button. The multi-function button initiates play/pause and other track controls for videos and music, answers and ends calls, and can also initiate voice commands such as Siri or voice dial. At the top of multi-function button, 'Volume +' button and the bottom of the multi-function button you have the 'volume -.' This arrangement makes increasing and decreasing volume intuitive.Sound Quality: The Bass is very balanced, and it does not rattle your head. Highs and Mids. are crisp. The sound quality is exceptional. But I don't expect anything less from a BOSE headphone. Good sound quality is almost a given for me as I have used several BOSE products and never once I have disappointed with BOSE.Noise Cancellation: Hands down, the best noise canceling headphone currently in the market. If you want to experience the magic of this headphone, go to a crowded place and just switch on the headphone, You will be transferred to a place of tranquility and peace. I work in an office where there are constant noise and phone conversations from adjacent cubicle.When I use my headphone, I completely love how effective the noise cancellation works. I use it all the time during Lawn mowing, Vacuuming ... You will feel a faint rumble and nothing else. Also, the microphone is designed to allow enough ambient sound in, while taking a call so that you can hear yourself.Overall: I am giving five stars as I did not find any negatives so far after one month of use. My top features are Battery life and Noise cancellation. That alone takes this headphone to the top among its competitors. The Headphone is built keeping long hours users in mind. You won't feel any pain or discomfort wearing the headphones for 3 to 4 hours straight. If you are looking for a solid noise cancellation headphone, which is aesthetically great, sounds fantastic, easy to use and long battery life, don't look any further than QC 35 BOSE Wireless headphone. You won't be disappointed.
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