The Swift Summary
Pros
Cons
- Superb audio performance and noise cancelling
- Very comfortable
- Premium materials and finishes
- Google Voice Assistant integration
- 20hr battery life could be better
- Taking calls in noisy places is a struggle
Features of the Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II
- Volume optimised EQ
- Wireless connectivity (via Bluetooth or NFC pairing)
- Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology (with three levels of noise suppression)
- Foldable design
- Over-ear cup design
- 20 hour battery life
- Rechargeable battery via USB
- Integrated remote playback controls
- Integrated dual microphone system (with noise rejection)
- Detachable audio cable
- Voice control (with Google Assistant built-in and Amazon Alexa)
- Enhanced experience with Bose Connect App
- Carrying case included
- Available in three colours: black, silver or rose gold
- Adjustable Alcantara® cushioned head strap
- LED status indicator
- 2 year (EU) or 1 year (non-EU) manufacturers’ warranty
Swift Thoughts
Design
Like all Bose products the QuietComfort 35’s have a sleek, sophisticated, timeless design. For an over the ear headphone design the ear cups are just the right size and the emblazoned Bose logo is subtle. Whilst the button placement and their ease-of-use is perfectly functional, their chunky feel is a tad dated, in my opinion. More function over form in that respect.
Audio Performance
In one word, the QuietComfort 35 II sound quality is just superb. Even with the noise cancelling function on, I couldn’t notice any compromise in audio clarity or performance.
Comfort
Comfort is great. I particularly like the luxurious materials used and velvety soft finishes. The QC35s are headphones that can be worn for hours with no problems.
Build Quality
When you pay premium, you get premium. These Bose headphones boast both impact resistant materials and corrosion resistance finishes.
Battery Life
The battery has a 20 hour life cycle which is more than enough for most users.
Functionality
Overall the functionality of these headphones is very good. The noise cancelling feature is excellent – by far the headphone’s best feature. If you want that sensation of pure isolation when listening to your favourite playlist, then I can’t recommend the QC35’s enough.
I found the wireless connectivity worked well and taking calls easy and intuitive. Some users have mentioned that Bluetooth connectivity gets a little flaky at longer distances to the device, but I didn’t notice any such issues. It’s possible these sort of problems occur with devices that use older Bluetooth firmware.
Now to the less good bits – taking calls. In order to take calls or listen to conferences you need to be able to hear your own voice, right? But how do you do this with noise cancelling headphones? It doesn’t sound like the two features should go together. Well, Bose’s answer is to use the microphone to pick up your voice and amplify it through your headphones. It’s what’s called the sidetone feature.
Unfortunately myself and many others have experienced poor results when taking calls in noisy environments. The sidetone feature literally amplifies too much of the outside noise, making it hard to hear. You also cannot adjust or turn the feature off. Boooo Bose Boo. 🙁
In order to remedy this situation you either look for an alternative that’s better designed for taking calls, like Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 or you could purchase a Bose compatible cable with an inline mic. This cable works with both Apple and Android devices.
I should also mention that making calls in quieter situations works perfectly well so this issue may not be a deal breaker for many people.
Swift Scores
Design
Audio Performance
Comfort
Build Quality
Functionality
Battery Life
FAQs
Q: What does the Bose Connect App do?
A: Whilst the app is not necessary, with it you can manage wireless connections, update software for your headphones, adjust the noise cancellation setting, use the volume-optimised equalizer settings, disable voice prompts or change the voice prompt language.
Q: What’s the difference between QuietComfort 35 series I and QuietComfort 35 series II headphones?
A: The series 2 headphones have an Action button on the left earcup that connects to Google Assistant. You can also keep noise cancelling on using both wireless and wired connections.
Q: Can it connect to Apple’s Siri or Android Assistant instead?
A: Yes. The Google Assistant connectivity is just an additional integration for the series II.
Q: Do the QC35’s come with a case?
A: Yes.
Q: Are these headphones suitable for people who wear glasses?
A: Yes, they are very comfortable.
Q: Do they leak sound?
A: Nope.
Q: Will they work with my iPad, iPhone, iPod etc…?
A: Yes, as long as they have Bluetooth connectivity.
Q: Are they suitable for wearing in the gym or exercising, running etc.?
A: No, not really. They are not water/sweat resistant.
Q: Can this be paired to multiple devices?
A: Yes. The QC35’s can hold up to 8 devices in its memory.
Q: Will they connect to an Amazon Echo?
A: No. I believe the Echo only has one way wireless connectivity. So it can be a speaker, but not connect to wireless headphones.
Q: Do they make your ears hot?
A: Nope. Never experienced heat issues.
What’s in the box?
- Bose QuietComfort 35 ii wireless headphones
- Audio cable
- USB charging cable
- Carrying case
Tech Talk
Voice Assistants – Siri, Android and now Google Assistant
Using the new action button on the left earcup you can now connect to your preferred mobile voice assistant. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II helps you connect to Apple’s Siri, Android Assistant and new for the QC35 series II, Google Assistant. The Google Assistant feature is a little better integrated as you can get notifications and reply to messages hands free.
It’s worth noting that although the headphones connect to these voice apps (via Bluetooth), the headphones themselves don’t have network connectivity (WiFi nor Cellular). Your connected iphone/Android/Pixel/device will need internet access.
How to pair your Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones to a Bluetooth device
First make sure your device has Bluetooth connectivity switched on. Then turn the headphones on by sliding the power/bluetooth button to the right for two seconds. You’ll hear a voice prompt saying “Ready to connect another device” and the Bluetooth indicator will flash blue. Then select your Bose headphones from the device list on your connecting device. Once connected you’ll hear another voice prompt stating “Connected to …” and the indicator light will glow solid white.
What does NFC touch pairing mean and how does it work?
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones allow you pair them with NFC compatible Bluetooth devices. NFC stands for Near Field Communication which is a short-range wireless technology in which pairing starts by simply touching the two devices to each other.
To pair your QC35’s to your device, first make sure your device has Bluetooth and NFC connectivity switched on. Then turn your headphones on. Next, touch your NFC-compatible device to the left underside on the headphones. Once connected you’ll hear a voice prompt stating “Connected to …” and the indicator light will glow solid white.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II – Colours Options
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless noise-cancelling headphones are available in three colours – black, silver or rose gold.
Download the manual
If you’re interested you can download the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Manual in PDF format. Just look directly underneath the ‘Product Details’ section header. It’s called ‘User Guide’.
Alternative headphones
Maybe take a look at the AKG N60NC headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM3 – both are excellent noise cancelling headphones. The AKG’s have an on-ear design and the Sony’s an over-the-ear design.
Recommended accessories
Geekria EJB29 UltraShell is a well designed hard shell case suitable for your QC 35 headphones. Unlike cheap softer cases you might be recommended, this one will give your headphones better protection whilst travelling. It comes in eight different colour/material options and features an internal mesh pocket for accessories. It’s definitely worth investing in a case if you plan to travel with your headphones!
Avantree Priva III Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. This neat little gadget gives your TV or PC Bluetooth capabilities so you use it with your wireless Bluetooth headphones.
