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Bose QC 35 II Review: Why Older Is Better
Audio Headphones Noise Canceling

Bose QC 35 II Review: Why Older Is Better

Bose QC 35 II 9/10 ★★★★½ • 2 min read
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€190.00 Range: €149.00 – €249.00

Price last updated: Feb 1, 2026

Low: €149.00 High: €249.00

Pros

  • ✓ Legendary comfort — you can wear them 8 hours without pain
  • ✓ Physical buttons (Power switch, volume) are perfect
  • ✓ Noise cancellation is still competitive in 2026 against mid-range options
  • ✓ 20-hour battery life (realistic, not marketing fluff)
  • ✓ Folds flat into a tiny case (unlike Sony XM5)

Cons

  • ✗ Micro-USB charging port (the ultimate sin in 2026)
  • ✗ Soundstage is narrower than modern competitors (Sennheiser Momentum 4)
  • ✗ No transparency mode/aware mode button on the cups
  • ✗ ANC creates slight cabin pressure feeling (older generation tech)

Verdict: The most comfortable headphones ever made. Buy them used for €150 and replace the ear pads.

Overview

New headphones chase features: app connectivity, touch controls, spatial audio. The Bose QC 35 II focused on one thing: Quiet Comfort. And it nailed it so hard that even in 2026, people seek these out over the newer QC Ultra.

Comfort: The Benchmark

The clamping force is perfect—just enough to seal, not enough to squeeze. The ear cups are deep and plush.

  • Weight: At 235g, they disappear on your head.
  • Glasses Friendly: The memory foam accommodates frames without pushing them into your skull.

Controls: Physical Superiority

Touch controls (Sony XM4/XM5) fail in the rain or with gloves. The QC 35 II has:

  1. Real Power Switch: Flip it on, it connects instantly.
  2. Volume Buttons: Clicky, tactile, impossible to miss.
  3. Action Button: Toggle ANC levels or summon Google Assistant.

Sound & ANC

  • ANC: It cancels the low drone of engines perfectly. It struggles more with voices compared to the Sony XM5, but for focused work, it’s still top tier.
  • Sound: The signature is “safe.” The bass is present but not booming. Treble is clear but never harsh. It’s tuned for podcasts and pop music, not critical listening.

The Micro-USB Problem

Yes, it charges via Micro-USB. This is annoying. However, many users feel the physical controls and comfort outweigh the charging hassle.

Comparison

Vs Sony XM4: The Sony has better ANC, USB-C, and wider soundstage. But the Bose are lighter, more comfortable for long sessions, and have physical buttons. If you hate touch controls, get the Bose.

Final Verdict

If you find a pair in good condition, buy them. Replace the ear pads for €20, and you have the best travel headphones ever made. Just don’t forget your Micro-USB cable.