Since the launch of the Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones in the summer of 2019, a new noise-canceling kid has appeared in the area. But that doesn’t mean the QuietComfort 35 II should be written off – they’re still among the best noise-canceling headphones we’ve tested.
If you want a top-of-the-line pair of headphones, you’ll want to look for a pair of wireless and active noise cancellation headphones, which is no easy accomplishment given the problems that Bluetooth and audio quality frequently cause.
Bose previously had a pair of such headphones (the excellent Bose QuietComfort 35), but with the growing relevance of voice assistants, the company has decided to update its flagship headphones to include Google Assistant capability.
The Bose QC35 II NC headphones were the first in the world to integrate Google’s voice assistant, and since their release in 2017, a slew of other brands have followed suit. With Google Assistant installed, you can interact with Google by merely pressing and holding a button rather than saying, “OK Google.” You won’t have to go through your pocket or bag for your smartphone because the headphones will read notifications. Although Google Assistant is welcome, it comes at the cost of other useful features, such as autoplay/pause and instant mute.
Although the QC35 II NC is still a great choice for passengers and travelers, it lacks some key features that keep it from being the best of the bunch, especially with the $350 price tag.
Design
Except for the new Google Assistant button on the left earcup, the Bose QC35 II NC looks identical to the previous version headphone. The headphones are available in black or silver and have a suffocatingly bland design. This makes them ideal for budget-conscious business travelers but not for those looking for the look of headphones.
Its plastic construction is also disappointing, as it saves weight but feels cheap, especially when compared to luxury headphones like the Master & Dynamic MW50, which surround your head in lambskin leather and metal.
Thankfully, the headphone’s capacity to withstand punishment is unaffected by its plastic construction, as it feels fairly sturdy. The earphones also come with a sturdy travel case, which is more popular than the cases used by many hearing aid manufacturers.
The plastic structure of QC35 II NC is very comfortable, and the comfort of using earplugs for a long time left a deep impression on us. Plastic does not feel like metal, but it can reduce weight, which is what travelers appreciate on long trips.
Even when noise canceling is turned off, the pads used by Bose in the QC35 II NC are fantastic since they block out a lot of ambient noise. If you want to save battery life and listen without removing noise, this is a good choice.
Similarly, the headphone’s controls are straightforward and effective. On the right earcup, you’ll find a power and pairing slider, as well as volume up/down and playback buttons. The left earcup has only one Google Assistant button, which you can remap to toggle noise canceling levels using Bose’s Android or iOS app.
Features
The main function of Bose QC35 II NC is Google Assistant, which can work efficiently in most cases. During our testing, we were impressed by Google Assistant’s quickness and accuracy, as well as how well the headphones picked up our speech even in a packed train and coffee shop.
Before you turn on the headset for the first time, you’ll be invited to download the Bose app for your phone since several capabilities, such as noise-canceling, remapping the Google Assistant button, updating firmware, and more will require you to use the app.
The software is simple and works well. Although we have encountered some connection issues on Android, the app sometimes fails to recognize our headset. This can be done by restarting the application. Therefore, Bose may continue to improve its mobile application to make it more stable.
Bose can’t do simple things like automatically stop music when you take off the headphones. There is also no instant mute function, which allows you to hear what is happening around you when you place your palm on the headset. For those who need to listen to airport announcements quickly, this feature is a lifeline. It’s a shame Bose didn’t incorporate these features.
The Bose QC35 II NC supports Google Assistant in the same way as Google Home does. You can let it read messages, set reminders, and answer any questions. The assistant will also read out your notifications, which is convenient, but if you already have a smartwatch, you may not need it.
In short, Google Assistant is great, but that’s not why you should buy it. Bose QC35 II NC: get it for the excellent noise cancellation, balanced sound, and incredible comfort.
Performance
The QC35 II NC demonstrates Bose’s expertise in active noise canceling. After walking along a crowded metropolitan street, turning on noise-canceling feels like entering into a quiet room. The headset can perfectly cover everything, from the noise of trains to passing cars to human voices.
With noise cancellation switched on, we still felt some pressure, but it wasn’t too severe. (Those who are sensitive to noise cancellation pressure, on the other hand, may not enjoy them.) Even with noise cancellation switched off, the headphones do a fantastic job of filtering out ambient noise, which is a tribute to Bose’s ear pad design.
The sound quality of the Bose QC35 II NC is excellent but not exceptional. The sound is slightly faint when compared to competitors, despite the tonal balance being reasonably neutral with a tiny mid-bass bump. This limits the dynamic range, resulting in a relatively dark picture. The resolution is acceptable, but it is no exception, the sound field is average. When used alone, most listeners will find Bose’s sound quality to be excellent.
With noise cancellation enabled on and listening to moderate volumes, the battery life is rated at an impressive 20 hours.
You may listen in wired mode with noise canceling on if you want to conserve some battery life, which is a good choice to have. It’s a little bothersome that Bose went with a 2.5mm to 3.5mm connector, it is difficult to find a substitute, but will not damage the shell.
Conclusion
Bose has improved the already superb QC35 with Google Assistant. Except for the new Google Assistant button, the headset is identical in every way. This means you will continue to get industry-leading Bose noise reduction, excellent sound quality, and exceptional comfort.
Google Assistant is compatible with Android and iOS devices and provides features comparable to Google Home. Your notification will be read through the headset, which may be unnecessary for smartwatch users. Google Assistant is great, but this is not the main reason to buy these headphones.
Bose QC35 II NC is a headset that is very suitable for travelers. Bose has struck a good combination of features that will appeal to the majority of popular audiophiles.