Review of Bose Quit Comfort 35 II
A good set of headphones are a big personal investment these days. Nearly every big tech firm has a few models, but they aren’t all created equal. Nothing frustrates me more than slamming down over a hundred bucks on a pair of cans only to have the ear pieces cut into my flesh like medieval torture devices.
Choosing the right headphones is an important decision, just as important as finding the right laptop or tablet. Luckily, I found a pair that fit comfortably on my head and fit comfortably within my budget. I’m talking about the QuietComfort 35 II from Bose.
At First Glance
These headphones feel really comfortable in your hands. It’s lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy. I get the impression that I could drop it and it still wouldn’t break or scuff too badly. I don’t typically use a carrying case, but these cans come with a pretty nice one. The head strap is made of a soft Alcantra cushion that has the right amount of firmness.
The ear cup is synthetic, but it feels soft and leathery without any exposed plastic to cut into my skin. I chose an all-black finish, but if you go onto the Bose website, you can fully customize your headphones. There are 5 different parts that you can place colored plates on. Bose gives you 26 different colors to choose from and you can mix and match them to create all kinds of combinations.
The Specs
The QuietComfort 35 headphones weigh in at 8.3 ounces when used wirelessly. For comparison, the top-of-the-line Sony wireless headphones (Sony WH-1000XM3) weigh just under 9 ounces. So, Bose is right in the sweet spot on weight.
These headphones have a 20-hour battery life and can be charged for a quick 2.5-hour boost in just 15 minutes. A full charge will take all night, but you can always plug-in the 47-inch audio cable or the 12-inch USB-style cable charger when in a crunch.
New Features of the Bose QuietComfort 35
One of the most impressive features of the QuietComfort 35 II is that it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You press the action button and you can manage your digital library or get vital information about the weather with the sound of your voice.
You can say things like “Alexa, set a timer for one hour” or “Hey Google, play some 50 Cent.” There’s a Bose Connect app for your smartphone, as well. You and a friend can synch up playlists. You can access Bluetooth and remotely adjust any of your settings.
The Benefits of Noise-Canceling Headphones
I take the train into the downtown area for work every day and I get a bit claustrophobic on tightly-packed rush hour trains. Noise-canceling headphones help reduce my anxiety. These headphones allow you to tune out the outside world and dial into your own soundscape.
The QuietComfort 35 II has three levels of noise cancellation, so you can stay alert when walking through busy traffic zones or cancel out everything that chirps or beeps so you can relax at the end of the day.
You just need to press the action button to toggle through the different levels. These headphones actually listen to the outside world and then create an opposing signal frequency to deaden outside noise.
Drawbacks of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones have impressive sound quality, but sometimes the sound cuts out when pairing it with Bluetooth for inexplicable reasons. Maybe it just comes down to interference. Another drawback is the absence of Google Play Music. There’ Google Assistant, but no access to Google Play Music. That’s a bummer.
The Takeaway
These wireless headphones are priced at the top of the range, costing about $350 dollars. Their noise-cancelling functions are middle of the pack, but onboard integration with Google and Amazon are nice features to have on deck.
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These are some of the most comfortable and lightweight cans I’ve tried on at the store with materials that don’t seem too obtrusive. For me, it all comes down to longevity and these cans should last for a good five years or more.
So, you may be wondering if I like these headphones and think they are worth the money? All I can say is that I’ve had a really positive experience so far and am pleased with my purchase.
Do you own a pair of these headphones? If so, what has been your experience.
