If you are looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones, you might have come across two popular models: Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3. These headphones offer excellent sound quality, comfort, battery life, and wireless connectivity. But which one is better for you? How do they compare in terms of features, performance, and price?
In this blog post, we will answer these questions by comparing Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3 in detail. We will look at their design, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, controls, and app support. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of which headphones better suit your needs and preferences.
Table of Contents
Both are well-designed headsets
Regarding design, both Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3 have strengths and weaknesses. Here are some aspects to consider:
Appearance
Both headphones have a sleek and minimalist look that will appeal to many users. However, some might find the Bose QC35 II too plain and generic, while others might prefer the Sony WH-1000XM3’s more modern and futuristic style. The Bose headphones come in black or silver, while the Sony headphones come in black or platinum silver.
Build quality
Both headphones are made of plastic, which helps them to be lightweight and comfortable. However, plastic also feels cheap and less durable than metal or leather. The Bose QC35 II has a more solid and sturdy feel than the Sony WH-1000XM3, which has creaky joints and hinges. Both headphones come with a hard case for travelling and protection.
Comfort
Both headphones are highly comfortable for long periods, thanks to their soft earpads, padded headband, and adjustable fit. The Bose QC35 II has a slightly larger earcup size than the Sony WH-1000XM3, which might be more suitable for larger ears. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a tighter clamping force than the Bose QC35 II, which might be more secure right ear cup and stable on the head.
Controls
Both headphones have buttons and touch controls for adjusting volume, playback, calls, noise cancellation, and voice assistant. The Bose QC35 II has three buttons on the right earcup and one on the left earcup for Google Assistant or Alexa. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has two buttons on the left earcup and a touchpad on the right earcup for gestures. Some users might find the buttons more accessible and reliable than the touchpad, while others might find the touchpad more intuitive and convenient.
Which headset has better build quality?
Build quality is an essential factor to consider when choosing a pair of headphones, especially if you plan to use them frequently and for long periods. You want your headphones to be durable, comfortable, and easy to use. Here are some aspects to compare between Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3:
Material
Both headphones are made of plastic, which helps them to be lightweight and comfortable. However, plastic also feels cheap and less durable than metal or leather. The Bose QC35 II has a more solid and sturdy feel than the Sony WH-1000XM3, which has creaky joints and hinges. Both headphones come with a hard case for travelling and protection.
Comfort
Both headphones are highly comfortable for long periods, thanks to their soft earpads, padded headband, and adjustable fit. The Bose QC35 II has a slightly larger earcup size than the Sony WH-1000XM3, which might be more suitable for larger ears. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a tighter clamping force than the Bose QC35 II, which might be more secure and stable on the head.
Controls
Both headphones have buttons and touch controls for adjusting volume, playback, calls, noise cancellation, and voice assistant. The Bose QC35 II has three buttons on the right earcup and one on the left earcup for Google Assistant or Alexa. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has two buttons on the left earcup and a touchpad on the right earcup for gestures. Some users might find the buttons more accessible and reliable than the touchpad, while others might find the touchpad more intuitive and convenient.
Port
Both headphones have a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening but differ in their charging port. The Bose QC35 II has an ancient micro USB port, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 has a modern USB-C port. The Sony headphones can charge faster and more conveniently than the Bose headphones.
Verdict
Both headphones have excellent build quality but different strengths and weaknesses. The Bose QC35 II is more solid and sturdy, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 is more modern and sleek. The Bose QC35 II is more comfortable for larger ears, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 is more secure and stable on the head. The Bose QC35 II has simpler buttons, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 has more advanced touch controls. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a better-charging port than the Bose QC35 II. Ultimately, it depends on your preference and priorities which headphone has better build quality.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has much better noise cancelling
Noise cancelling is one of the main reasons people buy these headphones, and both Bose and Sony have a reputation for delivering excellent noise-cancelling performance. However, this category has a clear winner: the Sony WH-1000XM3. Here are some aspects to compare between Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3:
Noise cancelling technology
Both headphones use active noise cancelling technology, which means they use microphones to pick up external sounds and generate opposite signals to cancel them out. However, the Sony WH-1000XM3 has a more advanced noise-cancelling processor than the Bose QC35 II: the QN1 chip. This chip allows the Sony headphones to process more sound data and adjust the noise cancelling level more precisely and quickly.
Noise cancelling performance
Both headphones can block out various noises, such as external noise, such as engine hums, traffic noises, office chatter, and aeroplane cabin sounds. However, the Sony WH-1000XM3 can block out more noise than the Bose QC35 II, especially in the mid and high frequencies. It means the Sony headphones can reduce more voices, music, sirens, and other annoying sounds that might disturb your listening experience.
Noise cancelling customization
Both headphones allow you to customize the cancelling noise level to suit your preferences and environment. However, the Sony WH-1000XM3 has more options and features than the Bose QC35 II. The Sony headphones have an adaptive sound control mode that automatically detects your activity (such as walking, sitting, or travelling) and adjusts the cancelling noise level accordingly. You can also manually choose from 20 noise-cancelling levels or ambient sound modes. The Bose headphones only have three cancelling noise levels: high, low, or off.
Verdict
Both headphones have excellent noise-cancelling capabilities, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 has a clear edge in active noise-cancelling over the Bose QC35 II. The Sony headphones have more advanced noise cancelling technology, better performance, and more customization than the Bose headphones. If you want to enjoy your music or podcasts without any distractions, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the better choice.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II microphone demo
One of the features that you should consider when choosing between Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3 is the microphone quality. Using your headphones to make phone calls, video calls, or voice recordings is essential. How does the Bose QC35 II microphone perform in different situations?
Quiet environment
In a quiet environment, such as your home or office, the Bose QC35 II microphone can capture your voice clearly and accurately. It can also reduce background noise, such as fans or air conditioners. However, it might also pick up some ambient sounds, such as keyboard typing or the mouse clicking.
Noisy environment
In a noisy environment, such as a busy street or a crowded cafe, the Bose QC35 II microphone can still capture your voice decently, but it might also transmit some surrounding noises. It can reduce low-frequency noises, such as traffic or engine sounds, but it might struggle with high-frequency noises, such as voices or music.
Windy environment
In a windy environment, such as a park or a beach, the Bose QC35 II microphone can suffer from wind noise interference. It can filter out wind noise and affect your voice quality and clarity. It might sound muffled, distorted, or choppy.
Verdict
The Bose QC35 II microphone is good enough for casual use but might be better for something other than professional or critical use. It can perform well in quiet environments but might have some issues in noisy or windy environments. If you need a better microphone quality, consider other options or use an external microphone.
Bluetooth codec support
Bluetooth codec support is another factor you should consider when choosing between Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3. Bluetooth codecs are the algorithms that compress and decompress audio data for wireless transmission. Different codecs have different levels of audio quality, latency, and compatibility. Here are some aspects to compare between Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3:
Codec options
Both headphones use Bluetooth 4.1 and 4.2, respectively, and range about 10 meters. However, the Sony WH-1000XM3 supports more Bluetooth codecs than the Bose QC35 II. The Sony headphones support SBC, AAC, and Sony’s LDAC for the highest-quality streaming. The Bose headphones only support SBC and AAC.
Codec quality
The quality of the Bluetooth codecs depends on several factors, such as the source device, the bitrate, the bandwidth, and the interference. LDAC is considered the best codec for high-resolution audio, as it can transmit up to 990kbps of data. AAC is a good codec for iOS devices, as it can transmit up to 250kbps of data. SBC is the default codec for most devices, but it has a variable bitrate and quality depending on the device.
Codec compatibility
The compatibility of the Bluetooth codecs depends on whether your source device supports them. For example, LDAC is only supported by Android devices running Android 8.0 or higher. AAC is supported by most iOS devices but not by some Android devices. Almost all devices support SBC, but it might offer better quality or latency.
Verdict
Both headphones offer good Bluetooth codec support, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 has the edge over the Bose QC35 II. The Sony headphones support more codec options, including LDAC for high-resolution audio. The Bose headphones only support SBC and AAC, which might limit your streaming quality or compatibility. If you want to enjoy the best wireless sound quality possible, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is your better choice.
Which headphones sound better?
Sound quality is a subjective and personal preference, but there are some objective ways to measure and compare it. One of them is to look at the frequency response of the headphones, which shows how well they reproduce different sounds across the audible spectrum. Another is to look at the Bluetooth codec support, which shows how well they transmit and receive audio data wirelessly. Here are some aspects to compare between Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3:
Frequency response
Both headphones have a balanced and neutral frequency response, meaning they do not emphasize or de-emphasize any particular sound range. However, there are some subtle differences between them. The Bose QC 35 II has a slightly warmer and smoother sound, with more bass and midrange presence. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a somewhat brighter and clearer sound, with more treble and detail. The difference is only very noticeable if you listen to them side by side or with high-quality audio sources.
Bluetooth codec support
The Bluetooth codec support affects the sound quality of wireless headphones, as different codecs have different quality, latency, and compatibility levels. The Sony WH-1000XM3 supports more Bluetooth codecs than the Bose QC 35 II. The Sony headphones support SBC, AAC, and Sony’s LDAC for the highest-quality streaming. The Bose headphones only support SBC and AAC. LDAC is considered the best codec for high-resolution audio, as it can transmit up to 990kbps of data. AAC is a good codec for iOS devices, as it can transmit up to 250kbps of data. SBC is the default codec for most devices, but it has a variable bitrate and quality depending on the device.
Verdict
Both headphones offer good sound quality, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 has the edge over the Bose QC 35 II. The Sony headphones have a more advanced frequency response and Bluetooth codec support than the Bose headphones. If you want to enjoy the best wireless sound quality possible, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is your better choice.
WH-1000xM3 vs QC 35 II: Digital assistant support
Digital assistants are becoming more popular and valuable, especially for hands-free operation and voice control. Both Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3 have digital assistant support, but they differ in how they access and interact with them. Here are some aspects to compare between Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3:
Integrated assistant
The Bose QC 35 II has a dedicated Action button on the left earcup that can be programmed to access Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. You can use the built-in microphone to talk to your preferred assistant directly from the headphones without touching your phone. You can also hear notifications, messages, reminders, and other information through the headphones.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has no dedicated button for an integrated assistant on the left ear cup. Still, it supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio platform that works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, to use this feature, you must download the Sony Headphones Connect app and a compatible music streaming service app. You must press the touchpad on the right earcup to activate the assistant.
Native assistant
Both headphones can access your smartphone’s native assistant, such as Siri on iOS or Google Assistant on Android. The Bose QC 35 II has a multifunction button on the right earcup to access your native assistant with a long press. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a touchpad on the right earcup that can be used to access your native assistant with a long press as well.
Verdict
Both headphones offer digital assistant support, but the Bose QC 35 II has the edge over the Sony WH-1000XM3. The Bose headphones have a dedicated button for an integrated assistant, which makes them easier and faster to use. The Sony headphones require more steps and apps to use their integrated assistant feature. Both headphones have physical buttons that can access native assistants with a long press, but the button might be more reliable than the touchpad.
Sony WH-1000xM3 vs Bose QC 35 II: Call quality
Call quality is an important aspect to consider when choosing a pair of headphones, especially if you plan to use them for making phone calls, video calls, or voice recordings. You want your headphones to have a clear and reliable microphone that can capture your voice and reduce background noise. Here are some aspects to compare between Sony WH-1000xM3 and Bose QC 35 II:
Microphone performance
Both headphones have built-in microphones that can be used for calls and voice commands. However, the Sony WH-1000xM3 has a better microphone performance than the Bose QC 35 II. The Sony headphones have a more natural and full sound signature, accurate voice reproduction, and less distortion and compression. The Bose headphones have a more muffled and robotic voice reproduction, with more artefacts and clipping.
Noise reduction
Both headphones have active noise cancellation (ANC) that can block out external sounds and create a quieter listening environment. However, the Sony WH-1000xM3 has a better noise reduction than the Bose QC 35 II. The Sony headphones can cancel out more noise across the frequency spectrum, especially in louder music’s mid and high frequencies. The Bose headphones can cancel out low-frequency noise, such as engine hums or traffic noises, but they struggle with higher-frequency noise, such as voices or music.
Ambient sound mode
Both headphones have an ambient sound mode that can let in some external sounds and allow you to hear your surroundings. However, the Sony WH-1000xM3 has a more advanced ambient sound mode than the Bose QC 35 II. The Sony headphones have an adaptive sound control mode that automatically detects your activity and adjusts the ambient sound level accordingly. You can also manually choose from 20 ambient sound or noise cancellation modes. The Bose headphones only have three levels of noise cancellation: high, low, or off.
Verdict
Both headphones offer decent call quality, but the Sony WH-1000xM3 has the edge over the Bose QC 35 II. The Sony headphones have better microphone performance, noise reduction, and a more advanced ambient sound mode than the Bose headphones. If you want to make clear and uninterrupted calls with your headphones, the Sony WH-1000xM3 is your better choice.
FAQ
Is Bose sound quality better than Sony?
Sound quality is a subjective and personal preference, but there are some objective ways to measure and compare it. One of them is to look at the frequency response of the headphones, which shows how well they reproduce different sounds across the audible spectrum. Another is to look at the Bluetooth codec support, which shows how well they transmit and receive audio data wirelessly.
Based on these criteria, Sony WH-1000XM3 has a better sound quality than Bose QuietComfort 35 II. The Sony headphones have a more detailed and clear sound, with more treble and detail. They also support more Bluetooth codecs, including Sony’s LDAC for high-resolution audio. The Bose headphones have a warmer and smooth sound, with more bass and midrange presence. They only support SBC and AAC codecs, which might limit their streaming quality or compatibility.
However, sound quality is one of many factors to consider when choosing a pair of headphones. It would be best to look at other aspects, such as comfort, design, battery life, noise cancellation, app features, call quality, and digital assistant support. Depending on your preferences and needs, one pair of headphones is more suitable for you than the other.
Are Sony noise Cancelling headphones as good as Bose?
Noise-cancelling headphones are designed to block out external sounds and create a quieter listening environment. Sony and Bose are well-known for their noise-cancelling technology, but which is better?
Based on various tests and reviews, Sony WH-1000XM3 has a better noise-cancelling performance than Bose QuietComfort 35 II. The Sony headphones can cancel out more noise across the frequency spectrum, especially in the mid and high frequencies. They also have an adaptive sound control mode that automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level according to your activity and surroundings. The Bose headphones can cancel out low-frequency noise, such as engine hums or traffic noises, but they struggle with higher-frequency noise, such as voices or music. They also have only three levels of noise cancellation: high, low, or off.
However, noise cancelling is not the only factor to consider when choosing a pair of headphones. It would help if you also looked at other aspects like sound quality, comfort, design, battery life, app features, same music, call quality, and digital assistant support. Depending on your preferences and needs, one pair of headphones is more suitable for you than the other.
Are Bose headphones more comfortable than Sony?
Comfort is a subjective and personal preference, but there are some objective ways to measure and compare it. One of them is to look at the headphones’ weight, size, shape, and materials, which affect how they fit and feel on your head and ears. Another one is to look at the clamping force, which affects how tight or lose the headphones are on your head.
Based on these criteria, Bose QuietComfort 35 II are more comfortable than Sony WH-1000XM3. The Bose headphones are lighter (235g vs 254g), smaller (7.1 x 6.7 x 3.2 inches vs 10.4 x 2.9 x 7.3 inches), and have a softer headband and earpads the Sony headphones. The Bose headphones also have a lower clamping force (0.8 lbs vs 1 lb), making them less likely to cause fatigue or discomfort over long listening sessions.
However, comfort is only one of the factors to consider when choosing a pair of headphones. It would help if you also looked at other aspects, such as sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, app features, call quality, and digital assistant support. Depending on your preferences and needs, one pair of headphones is more suitable for you than the other.
Is Sony WH-1000XM3 the best?
Sony WH-1000XM3 is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, offering superb sound quality, comfort, and features. However, whether it is best depends on your preferences and needs.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has advantages over its main competitor, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. The Sony headphones have a longer battery life (30 hours vs 20 hours), a more advanced noise-cancelling technology, a more responsive touch panel, a more customizable app, more detailed sound quality, a more versatile Bluetooth codec support, and a better call quality than the Bose headphones.
However, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II also has some advantages over ANC headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM3. The Bose headphones are lighter (235g vs 254g), smaller (7.1 x 6.7 x 3.2 inches vs 10.4 x 2.9 x 7.3 inches), and have a softer headband and earpads the Sony headphones. The Bose headphones also have a lower clamping force (0.8 lbs vs 1 lb), making them less likely to cause fatigue or discomfort over long listening sessions.
Therefore, whether Sony WH-1000XM3 is the best depends on what you value more in a pair of headphones. If you want the best noise-cancelling performance, sound quality, battery life, and features, then the Sony WH-1000XM3 is your best choice. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II might be better if you want the most comfortable and simple headphones.
Conclusion
Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3 are two of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, offering superb sound quality, comfort, and features. However, after comparing them in various aspects, such as battery life, design, controls, app, sound quality, Bluetooth codec support, digital assistant support, and call quality, we have to give the edge to the Sony WH-1000XM3. The Sony headphones have a more advanced noise-cancelling technology, a longer battery life, a more responsive touch panel, a more customizable app, a more detailed sound quality, a more versatile Bluetooth codec support, and a better call quality than the Bose headphones. The Bose headphones are still an excellent option for those who value comfort, simplicity, and reliability. Still, if you want the best noise-cancelling headphones money can buy, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the clear winner.
Reference
- List of Bose headphones – Wikipedia: This article provides information on the history, design, features, and performance of various Bose headphones, including the QuietComfort 35 II.
- List of discontinued Bose headphones – Wikipedia: This article provides information on the previous models of Bose headphones that have been discontinued, such as the original QuietComfort and QuietComfort.
- List of Bose home audio products – Wikipedia: This article provides information on the various home audio products that Bose has produced over the years, such as speakers, soundbars, and home theatre systems.