Noise-cancelling headphones are a great way to enjoy your favourite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks without being disturbed by the outside world. They can also help you focus on your work, relax on a plane, or sleep better at night. But with so many available options, how do you choose the right one? If you are a fan of Bose, you might be interested in two of their most popular models: the Bose 700 vs the QC35 II. These headphones are designed to deliver excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, but they also have some essential differences that make them more suitable for your needs.
This article will compare and contrast the Bose 700 vs QC35 II in various aspects, such as design, comfort, features, battery life, sound quality, and value. We will also provide pros and cons for each model and recommendations on which one to buy depending on your preferences and budget. By the end of this article, you should have a clear picture of what each model can offer you and which is the best fit for your lifestyle. So let’s dive into comparing the Bose 700 vs QC35 II!
Table of Contents
Design and Build
One of the most noticeable differences between the Bose 700 vs QC35 II is their design and build quality. The Bose 700 has a sleek, modern, and minimalist look. They have a smooth metal headband that is adjustable and rubberized for comfort. The round earcups have touch-sensitive controls that let you swipe and tap to adjust the volume, skip tracks, play/pause, and access your voice assistant. The earpads are made of soft leather and memory foam that conforms to your ears. The Bose 700 comes in four colours: black, silver, soapstone, and triple midnight.
The QC35 II have a more classic and conservative design that is still attractive and elegant. They have a plastic headband that is padded and flexible. The earcups are oval-shaped and have physical buttons that let you control the playback, volume, noise cancellation level, and voice assistant. The earpads are also made of leather and memory foam that is comfortable and breathable. The QC35 II come in black, silver, and rose gold.
Another difference between the Bose 700 vs QC35 II is their portability and durability. The Bose 700 does not fold into a compact shape like the QC35 II does. It means they take up more space in your bag or suitcase when travelling. They also have a larger carrying case that adds more bulk. However, the Bose 700 has a more premium and sturdy build quality that can withstand more wear and tear. They also have a USB-C port for charging that is more future-proof than the micro-USB port of the QC35 II.
Final Words
The QC35 II have an advantage over the Bose 700 regarding portability and convenience. They can fold into smaller shapes, easily fitting into their carrying case or pocket. They also have a lighter weight, making them more comfortable to wear for long periods. However, the QC35 II have a more plastic and fragile build quality that can crack or break over time. They also have a micro-USB port for charging that needs to be updated and more compatible with newer devices.
Sound Quality
Another essential aspect to consider when comparing the Bose 700 vs QC35 II is their sound quality. Both headphones can deliver rich, balanced, and detailed sound across different genres and sources. However, some subtle differences affect your listening experience.
The Bose 700 has a slightly clearer, smoother, and more refined sound than the QC35 II. They have less Bluetooth distortion and better audio processing, producing more accurate sound and natural sound reproduction. They also have an adjustable EQ feature in the companion app that lets you tweak the bass, treble, and mids to your liking. The Bose 700 also supports AAC codec, a higher quality Bluetooth audio codec than SBC, the only codec supported by the QC35 II.
The QC35 II have a slightly warmer, bass-heavy, and energetic sound than the Bose 700. They have more punch and depth in the bass boosting the low frequencies, which can appeal to some listeners who prefer more bass. They also have a more spacious and open soundstage than the Bose 700, which can create a more immersive and realistic sound. However, the QC35 II can sound more harsh, distorted, and compressed at higher volumes or with complex tracks.
Both headphones have excellent noise cancellations that block out most of the ambient noise and enhance sound quality. However, the Bose 700 has the edge over the QC35 II in this regard, as they have 11 levels of active noise cancellation that you can adjust according to your environment and preference. The QC35 II only has three noise cancellation levels: high, low, and off.
Final Words
Both headphones have good microphone quality that can pick up your voice clearly and reduce background noise when making calls or using voice assistants. However, the Bose 700 has a slight advantage over the QC35 II in this regard, as they have eight microphones (four for ANC and four for voice) that can isolate your voice better from background noises and make it sound more natural and crisp. The QC35 II only has two microphones (one for ANC and one for voice) that sometimes make your voice sound muffled or robotic.
In summary, both headphones have excellent sound quality that can satisfy most listeners. However, if you want a clearer, more smooth, and more refined sound with more customization options and better Bluetooth audio codec support, you might prefer the Bose 700. If you want a more warm, bass-heavy, and energetic sound with more spaciousness and openness, consider choosing the QC35 II.
Comfort and fit
Both the Bose 700 vs the QC35 II are designed to be comfortable and fit well on different head shapes and sizes. However, there are differences in how they feel and isolate external noise.
The Bose 700 has a snugger fit than the QC35 II. They have a more contoured headband that adapts to your head and distributes the weight evenly. They also have more clamping force that keeps them stable and secures your ears. The earpads are soft and plush but not too thick or warm. The Bose 700 offers better sound isolation than the QC35 II, even with the ANC turned off. They block out ambient noise and create a more immersive wireless listening experience.
The QC35 II have a looser fit than the Bose 700. They have a more flexible headband that can bend and twist without breaking. They also have less clamping force, which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods. The earpads are soft and plush but slightly thicker and warmer than the Bose 700. The QC35 II offer good sound isolation, but better than the Bose 700. They let in more ambient noise and can be affected by wind noise.
Both headphones are lightweight and easy to wear, but some people may prefer one depending on their preference and sensitivity. The Bose 700 may feel snugger and isolating, while the QC35 II may feel more relaxed and unobtrusive.
Audio quality
Both the Bose 700 vs the QC35 II are known for their excellent audio quality and performance. They can deliver rich, balanced, and detailed sound across music genres and sources. However, some subtle differences affect your listening preference and enjoyment.
The Bose 700 has a clearer, smoother, and more refined sound than the QC35 II. They have less Bluetooth distortion and better audio processing, producing more accurate and natural sound. They also have an adjustable EQ feature in the companion app that lets you tweak the bass, treble, and mids to your liking. The Bose 700 also supports AAC codec, a higher quality Bluetooth audio codec than SBC, the only codec supported by the QC35 II.
The QC35 II have a warmer, bass-heavy, and energetic sound than the Bose 700. They have more punch and depth in the low frequencies, which can appeal to some listeners who prefer more bass. They also have a more spacious sound and open soundstage than the Bose 700, which can create a more immersive and realistic sound. However, the QC35 II can sound more harsh, distorted, and compressed at higher volumes or with complex tracks.
Both headphones have excellent noise cancellations that block out most of the ambient noise and enhance sound quality. However, the Bose 700 has the edge over the QC35 II in this regard, as they have 11 levels of noise cancellation that you can adjust according to your environment and preference. The QC35 II only has three noise cancellation levels: high, low, and off.
Final Words
Both headphones have good microphone quality that can pick up your voice clearly and reduce background noise when making calls or using voice assistants. However, the Bose 700 has a slight advantage over the QC35 II in this regard, as they have eight microphones (four for ANC and four for voice) that can isolate your voice better and make it sound more natural crisp. The QC35 II only has two microphones (one for ANC and one for voice) that sometimes make your voice sound muffled or robotic.
In summary, both headphones have excellent audio quality that can satisfy most listeners. However, if you want a clearer, more smooth, and more refined sound with more customization options and better Bluetooth audio codec support, you might prefer the Bose 700. If you want a more warm, bass-heavy, and energetic sound with more spaciousness and openness, consider choosing the QC35 II.
Battery life
The Bose 700 and the QC35 II have impressive battery life, lasting up to 20 hours of wireless playback with ANC on. It is enough for most daily use scenarios, such as commuting, working, or travelling. However, there are some differences in how they charge and conserve power.
The Bose 700 has a USB-C port for charging, which is more future-proof and compatible with newer devices than the micro-USB port of the QC35 II. They also support fast charging, giving you 3.5 hours of playback in just 15 minutes. The Bose 700 also has an auto-off feature that can turn off the headphones after 10 minutes of inactivity to save battery.
The QC35 II have a micro-USB port for charging, which needs to be updated and more convenient than the USB-C port of the Bose 700. They do not support fast charging, so you must wait longer for more juice. The QC35 II also have an auto-off feature that can turn off the headphones after 20 minutes of inactivity. Still, you can customize this setting in the companion app to extend it up to 3 hours or disable it altogether.
Both headphones have a battery indicator that shows the remaining battery level on the headphones and your connected device. They also have voice prompts that tell you the battery status when you turn them on or press a button.
In summary, both headphones have excellent battery life that can last a long. However, if you want a more modern and convenient charging port, faster charging speed, and smarter power management, you might prefer the Bose 700. If you want more control over the auto-off feature and don’t mind the older charging port, consider choosing the QC35 II.
Microphone and Call Quality
Both the Bose 700 vs the QC35 II have a good microphone and call quality that can make your voice sound clear and reduce background noise when making calls or using voice assistants. However, there are differences in how they perform and handle different scenarios.
The Bose 700 has a superior microphone and call quality than the QC35 II. They have eight microphones (four for ANC and four for voice) that can isolate your voice better and make it sound more natural and crisp. They also have a beamforming technology that can focus on your voice and ignore other sounds around you. The Bose 700 also has a sidetone feature that lets you hear your voice in the headphones, which can help you modulate your volume and tone. The Bose 700 also has a conversation mode that lets you pause your music and ANC with a single button press, so you can talk to someone without taking off your headphones.
The QC35 II have a decent microphone and call quality, but better than the Bose 700. They have two microphones (one for ANC and one for voice) that can pick up your voice clearly, but sometimes make it sound muffled or robotic. They also have a noise-rejecting technology that can reduce background noise, but less effective than the Bose 700. The QC35 II do not have a sidetone feature or a conversation mode, which means you have to adjust your volume manually or take off your headphones to talk to someone.
Final Words
In summary, both headphones have a good microphone and call quality that can make your voice communication easier and more pleasant. However, if you want a more advanced and versatile microphone and call quality with more features and options, you might prefer the Bose 700. If you want a simple and reliable microphone and call quality that can get the job done, you might choose the QC35 II.
Voice Assistant
The Bose 700 and the QC35 II have voice assistant support that lets you access your favourite digital assistant with a simple button press or voice command. You can use voice assistants to control your music, check the weather, set reminders, send messages, and more. However, there are some differences in how they work and perform.
The Bose 700 has more advanced and versatile voice assistant support than the QC35 II. They can work with three voice assistants: Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa. You can activate your preferred voice assistant in the companion app by pressing the dedicated button on the right earcup or by saying “Hey, Google” or “Alexa”. The Bose 700 also has a better microphone quality that can pick up your voice more clearly and accurately, even in noisy environments. The Bose 700 also has an assistant voice indicator showing when your voice assistant is listening or speaking.
The QC35 II has more basic and limited voice assistant support than the Bose 700. They can only work with two voice assistants: Google Assistant and Siri. You cannot use Amazon Alexa with the QC35 II. You can activate your voice assistant by pressing the dedicated button on the left earcup or using your device’s trigger word. The QC35 II have a decent microphone quality, but not as good as the Bose 700. They can sometimes miss your voice commands or make them sound distorted. The QC35 II does not have an assistant voice indicator, so you must rely on audio cues to know when your voice assistant is listening or speaking.
Final Words
In summary, both headphones have voice assistant support that can make your life easier and more convenient. However, if you want more advanced and versatile voice assistant support with more options and better performance, you might prefer the Bose 700. If you want a more fundamental and simple voice assistant support that can get the job done, you might choose the QC35 II.
Apps and special features
Both the Bose 700 vs the QC35 II have apps and unique features that can enhance your user experience and give you more control and customization over your headphones. However, there are some differences in how they work and what they offer.
The Bose 700 has a more advanced and versatile app and special features than the QC35 II. They use the Bose Music app, which differs from the Bose Connect app that the QC35 II uses. The Bose Music app lets you adjust the ANC level, the EQ settings, the voice assistant, the battery level, and more. You can also access Spotify integration, which lets you play your favourite songs or playlists with a simple tap on the right earcup. The Bose 700 also has multipoint technology, which enables you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them easily. The Bose 700 also has a conversation mode, which lets you pause your music and ANC with a single button press, so you can talk to someone without taking off your headphones.
The QC35 II have a more fundamental and simple app and special features than the Bose 700. They use the Bose Connect app, which lets you automatically adjust the ANC level, the voice assistant, the battery level, and more. You cannot change the EQ settings or access Spotify integration with this app. The QC35 II also have multipoint technology, but it is less seamless than the Bose 700. You may experience some lag or connection issues when switching between devices. The QC35 II has no conversation mode, so you must manually adjust your volume or remove your headphones to talk to someone.
Final Words
In summary, both headphones have apps and unique features that can make your listening experience more enjoyable and convenient. However, if you want a more advanced and versatile app and unique features with more options and functionality, you might prefer the Bose 700. If you want a more fundamental and simple app and special features that can get the job done, you might choose the QC35 II.
Sound Equalizer
The Bose 700 and the QC35 II have sound equalizer settings that let you adjust your headphones’ sound quality and balance. However, there are some differences in how they work and what they offer.
The Bose 700 has a more adjustable and customizable sound equalizer than the QC35 II. They use the Bose Music app, which lets you tweak your headphones’ bass, treble, and mids. You can also choose from several presets, such as Warm, Bright, or Balanced. The Bose 700 also supports AAC codec, a higher quality Bluetooth audio codec than SBC, the only codec supported by the QC35 II. It means the Bose 700 can deliver clearer and smoother sound over Bluetooth.
The QC35 II have a more fixed and limited sound equalizer than the Bose 700. They use the Bose Connect app, which does not let you adjust your headphones’ bass, treble, or mids. You can only choose from two presets: High or Low. The QC35 II does not support AAC codec, meaning it can only deliver standard-quality sound over Bluetooth.
Both headphones have sound equalizer settings that can affect your sound quality and preference. However, if you want a more adjustable and customizable sound equalizer with more options and better Bluetooth audio codec support, you might prefer the Bose 700. If you want a more fixed and simple sound equalizer with fewer options and standard Bluetooth audio codec support, consider choosing the QC35 II.
Does the Bose QuietComfort 45 have better noise cancelling than the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700?
The Bose 700 has slightly better noise cancelling than the QC45. Bose 700 has 11 levels of active noise cancelling features, while the QC45 has 3 levels of control noise cancellation only. The Bose 700 also has clearer and smoother sound quality than the QC45. Both headphones have excellent noise cancelling, but the Bose 700 gives you more control and customization.
Does the Bose Music app work with the Bose NCH 700 and the Bose QC 45?
The Bose Music app works with the Bose NCH 700 and the Bose QC 45. The free mobile app lets you easily browse and control your favourite music from one or many Bose smart products. You can also personalize your environment with controllable noise cancellation on your headphones, access your favourite voice assistant, and set presets for your playlists or stations. The app is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store and Android devices on Google Play.
Which Bose headset is best for phone calls?
The Bose headset that is best for phone calls is the Bose NCH 700. The Bose NCH 700 has new microphones that reduce background noise and enhance your voice during calls or commands. The sound quality of the Bose NCH 700 is also clearer and smoother than the Bose QC 35 II. The Bose NCH 700 also works with the Bose Music app, which lets you access your favourite voice assistant, adjust the noise cancelling headphones’ noise level, and set presets for your music. The Bose QC 35 II also works with the app but has fewer control and customization options than the Bose NCH 700.
What should you get instead of Bose headphones?
Many alternatives to Bose headphones offer excellent sound quality, noise cancelling, comfort, and features. Some of the best ones are:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: These headphones have excellent ANC performance with 11 levels of adjustment, balanced sound, intuitive touch controls, and many high-end features like 360 Reality Audio and tri-digital assistant support.
- Sennheiser PXC 550: These headphones have slightly better sound quality than Bose headphones, touch controls, and the ability to turn on with a twist of the ear cups. They also work with Sennheiser’s app for customization.
- B&O Play H8: They are stylish and luxurious, with premium materials like leather and aluminium. They have good ANC and sound quality, touch controls, and a replaceable battery.
- Microsoft Surface Headphones 2: These headphones have a sleek design and a unique dial control system that lets you adjust the volume and ANC level. They also have good sound quality, multipoint technology, and Cortana integration.
- Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B: These headphones are affordable and reliable, with decent ANC and sound quality. They also have a foldable design and a detachable cable for wired listening.
FAQ
What is the difference between Bose 700 vs 35?
The main difference between Bose 700 vs 35 is the design and features of the two headphones. The Bose 700 has a sleeker, more modern design, touch controls, and a rubber-lined headband. The Bose 35 has a classic, comfortable design, with button controls and a leather headband.
The Bose 700 has more features than the Bose 35, such as 11 active noise cancelling (ANC) levels, voice assistant activation, USB-C charging, and 360 Reality Audio. The Bose 35 has 3 levels of ANC, a Google Assistant button, micro-USB charging, and no unique audio modes.
Both headphones have similar sound quality, battery life, wireless connectivity, and companion app. However, some reviewers have noted that the Bose 700 has slightly better ANC performance, call quality, and sound clarity than the Bose 35.
Is Bose 700 worth the upgrade?
Bose 700 may be worth the upgrade if you value the design and features of the headphones more than the price. The Bose 700 has a sleeker, more modern design, touch controls, and a rubber-lined headband. They have more features than the QC35 II, such as 11 active noise cancelling (ANC) levels, voice assistant activation, USB-C charging, and 360 Reality Audio. The Bose 700 also has slightly better ANC performance, call quality, and sound clarity than the QC35 II.
However, if you are happy with the sound quality, comfort, and battery life of the QC35 II, you may not need to upgrade to the Bose 700. The QC35 II has a classic and comfortable design, with button controls and a leather headband. They have decent ANC performance, smart controls, audio sharing, tri-digital assistant support, and multipoint technology. The QC35 II is also cheaper than the Bose 700.
Is QC45 better than 700?
QC45 is not necessarily better than 700, but it may suit some people’s preferences and budgets more. The QC45 has a longer battery life (24 hours vs 20 hours), better noise cancelling (especially in low frequencies), and more comfort (lighter and softer ear cushions) than the 700. They also have a lower price ($329 vs $379) than the 700.
However, the 700 has some advantages over the QC45 as well. The 700 has a more modern and sleek design, with touch controls and a rubber-lined headband. They have more features than the QC45, such as 11 active noise cancelling (ANC) levels, voice assistant activation, USB-C charging, and 360 Reality Audio. The 700 also has slightly better sound quality, call quality, and microphone performance than the QC45.
Which is better Bose QC 45 or 700?
There is no definitive answer to which Bose QC 45 or 700, as both have pros and cons. The QC 45 has a longer battery life (24 hours vs 20 hours), better noise cancelling (especially in low frequencies), and more comfort (lighter and softer ear cushions) than the 700. The QC 45 also has a lower price ($329 vs $399) than the 700.
However, the 700 has a more modern and sleek design, with touch controls and a rubber-lined headband. The 700 has more features than the QC 45, such as 11 active noise cancelling (ANC) levels, voice assistant activation, USB-C charging, and 360 Reality Audio. The 700 also has slightly better sound quality, call quality, and microphone performance than the QC 45.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and budget. Try both headphones before making a decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bose 700 vs QC35 II are excellent noise-cancelling headphones with great sound quality, comfort, wireless connectivity, and smart features. However, they also have some differences that may make one more suitable for you than the other.
The Bose 700 has a more modern and sleek design, with touch controls and a rubber-lined headband. Bose 700 has more features than the QC35 II, such as 11 active noise cancelling (ANC) levels, voice assistant activation, USB-C charging, and 360 Reality Audio. The Bose 700 also has slightly better ANC performance, call quality, and sound clarity than the QC35 II.
The QC35 II has a classic and comfortable design, with button controls and a leather headband. QC35 II has decent ANC performance, smart controls, audio sharing, tri-digital assistant support, and multipoint technology. The QC35 II is also cheaper than the Bose 700.
Recommendation
Therefore, our recommendations are as follows:
- If you value design and features more than price and want more control and customization over your noise-cancelling experience, you should choose the Bose 700.
- If you love comfort and battery life more than design and features and want a reliable and easy-to-use pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you should choose the QC35 II.
Reference
List of Bose headphones – Wikipedia. This article provides an overview of the different models of Bose headphones, including their features, design, and history. It also compares some of the models and discusses their reception and issues.
Bose Corporation – Wikipedia. In this article briefly introduces Bose Corporation, its founder, products, revenue, and ownership. It also covers the company’s history, innovations, controversies, and lawsuits.
List of discontinued Bose headphones – Wikipedia. This article lists some Bose headphones that are no longer in production or are available for sale. It also briefly describes their characteristics and reasons for discontinuation.