Bose QuietComfort 35 Series I Headphones

Updated: Previous review didn’t factor in wired, active listening

Rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded down). There are several nit pick issues that prevent me from giving this a full 5-star review. Headphones are near perfect for my needs, but considering the price point — I rounded down my star rating. This is based on using them for about two months (with three weeks of family vacation travel).

TL;DR (Summary):
Bose QC 35 are the best wireless noise canceling headphones I have personally tested and own, and so if that is your main need — stop reading this review and buy the headphones. If you want to know why, keep reading.

Abbreviations:
QC = Quiet Comfort
ANC = Active Noise Cancellation
BT = Bluetooth

Tracks for Testing:
Hotel California (Hell Freezes Over) – Eagles
Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – IZ
I’m Yours/Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Straight No Chaser
Hanuman – Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Kung Fu Piano – The Piano Guys
1980 (Rise) – Herb Alpert
The Sound of Silence – Disturbed
Dirty Laundry – Don Henley
Royals – Lorde
Of course, a lot more stuff including podcasts and audio books

For audio quality comparisons, I use my ATH-M50x (~$150). I really wanted something in the same sound quality range but with smart phone integration, Bluetooth wireless ability but still with a wired option, and with excellent noise cancellation ability — and they had to be comfortable for extended wearing sessions (think cross-country flight). I had a pair of Plantronics BlackBeat Pros (~$170) that someone stole when left in my car. The Plantronics were more functional with better controls, but the sound quality wasn’t nearly a good and the noise cancellation was only acceptable — they (Plantronics) were also a lot bigger and heavier (not as mobile/travel friendly).

The best settings (highest audio quality and most stable connection) is wired with the headphones turned on (with ANC enabled) — seems a bit odd actually since ANC does degrade audio quality. Wired and powered, the Bose are on par with my ATH-M50x headphones with sound quality. This hasn’t been true of other Bose models (to me) and I’ve often felt like Bose were overpriced compared to the audio quality delivered (granted, not nearly as bad as Beats or similar “pop culture” headphones). I find it strange that Bose refers to the audio cable as a “backup” since that might be my preferred way to listen when I’m not traveling. Seems like a missed opportunity. This is my favorite listening mode. Bose claims 40 hours of listening in this mode.

I do like the ability to optionally enable/disable ANC while wired. However, when you power off the headphones, while they do continue to work, the soundstage is greatly and negatively affected (especially bass). That means power does more than just power wireless and noise cancellation — but also powers the headphones internal amplifier and EQ. In wired, powered off mode the highs and mids are still fine but bass is practically non-existent. This mode is good for podcasts or other voice performances and non-bass-heavy music (bluegrass, classical, etc). It is nice you can continue listening after your battery dies — which makes up the lack of replaceable batteries. I wish there was a way to disable ANC and Wireless with the headphones powered on to see if that would yield even better sound performance.

Bluetooth audio is, at best, a compromise (lower sound quality for convenience and freedom). No matter how awesome the headphones, the limiting factor is normally Bluetooth. I’ve also had some connection reliability issues (like others) — a bit of skipping or studdering. Rarely, the connection drops off entirely. This is both a problem of BT wireless in general and Bose, but other BT headphones I have seem more reliable. Sound quality with ANC and Wireless mode is surprising good considering both technologies actually work against sound quality. Yes, sound quality isn’t nearly as good as the wired mode or my ATH-M50x — but that’s the trade off (which is great when you need it).

Noise cancellation is far better than anything I have ever tested. If I remember correctly, even besting the QC 15 I demoed in a big-box store. With ANC enabled, there is a slight feeling of pressure (like taking off in an airplane) but you soon get used to it. It’s hard to tell the exact impact of ANC regarding sound quality since I don’t think you can disable ANC without powering off the headphones entirely. With ANC enabled, it counters most constant background noises like in-flight airplane noise, air conditioning hum, and similar noises. ANC is less effective with non-constant noises like voices (office chatter), but the Bose QC 35 does a respectable job even under those circumstances (better than just passive isolation).

Headphones are very comfortable and lightweight. I had no problems listening to them the majority of multi-hour flights across the country, at the office, or doing chores. They might be heavier than previous QC headphones, but compared to other over-the-ear wireless and ANC headphones — I thought they were very light. The headphones fold up very compactly and fit nicely in the included protective hard-shell case (the bag has pouches for the charging and audio cables).

To be honest, the weakest part of the headphones is the BT headset phone integration. Perhaps I don’t know how to operate it (I’m a tech geek), but I’ve had mixed results so far. Sometimes the headphones pick up a call and sometimes not. This (along with other nit picks) is the main reason for a 1-star reduction or, at least, rounding down from 4.5 to 4 stars. At this price point, I expect better. Perhaps this can be addressed with a firmware update or better user manual.

Battery life has been excellent. Bose claims 20 hours in wireless and ANC mode and 40 hours in powered (with ANC) wired mode. While that is enough most of the time, I do carry a $25 charger battery pack which negates the lack of replaceable batteries — I’ve never gotten 20 hours of service from a pair AAs. And, the headphones still work powered off (reduced sound quality).

My main complaints:
1. Wireless connection more unreliable than competition (Plantronics)
2. Controls a bit too subtle, requires a few seconds to find them (vs Plantronics)
3. No active mode without wireless and ANC (possible superior sound?)
4. Included audio cable is flimsy and does not have device controls on it — Bose thinks it’s just a backup ::sigh::
5. Hit or miss with phone integration (as a BT headset)
6. User manual is anemic, I found most stuff just playing around and perhaps several undocumented features

You can easily pay less for similar or better sounding headphones. The same is true for high quality wireless headphones or those with exceptional active noise cancellation (even from Bose). However, the Bose QC 35 is one of the few headphones that puts it all together in a single package for those willing to pay for it.

I got these when they were first released and paid full retail for them. I normally don’t fall for the “big brand” marketing since you often pay more than half for marketing hype and brand awareness. However, Bose is known for noise cancellation with no close seconds. So, I paid dearly and Bose delivered. They have become my favorite headphones.

This is one of the best pieces of kit I have bought!

I work in an open office environment and using these are a delight to remove almost all background noise and makes you feel like you locked in a little quiet bubble. I don’t have a bad thing to say about these the battery lasts ages and charges quickly just 15mins charge will give you 2.5hrs use. The headphones come with a charging lead, dual phono adapter for using on flights and also a single jack lead to use in the event of total battery failure you can still use and listen to music just without the noise cancelling (NC) functionality.

Every room in my house has a window–except the closets. And I seriously was going to convert one into a sound-proof room.
I was OK with my little Apple earbuds for music but for quiet times, I was getting tired of my peace getting disrupted by outside sounds.
Then I found a few noise cancelling headphones and bought the Bose QC25. I liked it except it was wired AND it needed AA batteries.
I then discovered the Bose QC35, so I bought the Black model. For most of the time I have had them I have used them just for making my space quiet–just turning them on without playing anything.
It is not dead silent but pretty darn quiet. In fact, often what I am ‘hearing’ is actually sounds either from my insides (I can hear my heartbeat) or sounds conducting through my bones (my footsteps sound heavy even though I have gym shoes on).
So for quiet times, they work great! And cheaper (and less confining) than building a sound proof room.

Then I used them for phone calls. Again, I can have a conference call and actually hear JUST the call. I haven’t asked anyone ‘how do I sound’ but no one has said ‘can you repeat that’ as if it wasn’t as clear as my wired headset.

It is Ramadan for me and that means a lot of praying (17 ‘prayers’ or rakats during 5 prayer times) for 30 days. Also I personally obstain from TV, movies, most internet viewing and music that has words (so I listen to only classical music and some light jazz).
For prayer, this has been a godsend (pardon the pun). It is so quiet that I can better concentrate on my prayers (last year it was so noisy during some days that I actually prayed in my closet).

I went for an evening walk with my Bose QC35 and thankfully! they are not so quiet that I wouldn’t be able to tell a car is coming. I could makeout the tire sounds and a slight change in background noise but could not actually hear the engine while listening to my classical music.
Someone saw me walking, waved to me and…I saw their mouth moving (probably said ‘hi’) but never heard them:) I just waved back and smiled.
I was listening to Mozart and Bach and the QC35 with noise cancelling sound really good. I kept the headband slightly towards the back of my head because my hair is cut low and I didn’t like the pressure directly on the top of my head.

I have taken power naps with these, both in the car during lunch hour and a quick nap at home.

Mine are Black and I don’t see the finish on these peeling like the Sennheiser that I was reading about. Comes with nice case, charging cable, audio cable and airline adapter. I kinda wish the case was not leather because it is going to get scratched and abrased eventually, but some may have been offended to not have received such a beautiful case after spending $350.

They are not as portable as my earbuds but for my personal enjoyment they are great. Overall, I am very happy with these! $350 is a small price to pay to be happy with your audio (or in my case the nearly complete lack of when I want some peace).

I will update this next month regarding ‘listing review’ when I return to watching movies at home as well as other music perhaps with heavy drums and/or vocals and instead of using my home stereo speakers I will use my QC35s.

CON: Cannot listen to headphones wirelessly while charging (but can charge and listen if using the included 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable; no biggie…it’s just two cables to plug in instead of one IF you need to listen and charge at same time).

No mute function on headphones for calls; have to take phone out and use native app’s mute button.
===
Now to respond to some of the reviews:

The center button does mute and resume the music. It can also play next song or previous song. The QC35 also has volume up and down. All in one ‘rocker switch’. Should the QC35 have more buttons? I don’t think so…I have a pair of Arctic BT headphones and it has separate buttons but I find the QC35 easier.

You can use these headphones via the included 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable at any time, even if the QC35 battery is dead. You just lose the noise cancelling until the battery is sufficiently charged.

I have a 3rd generation iPodTouch (2009) still running iOS 5.14. The Bose Connect app would not install on it but the QC35 still paired, connected and played my music. BTW, Bose Conncect on my iPhone 6 can manage the iPodTouch as one of the two devices that the QC35 is simultaneously connected to but I was not able to disconnect it via the Bose Connect app on my iPhone. I had to close the ‘connections’ window (via the ‘X’ in the corner then reopen it for it to let go my iPodTouch).

I have a 20Ah external battery with USB charging outputs so IF they let me bring it on the plane I can use it to power my QC35 during a ridiculously long trip if necessary. But 20 hours is plenty!

Well, my $900 iPhone doesn’t have a user replaceable battery either! So I guess every 18, 24 or 36 months I’ll have to go a few hours without my phone or a few days without my QC35 headphones. In the meantime, life is short so enjoy! and don’t sweat the small stuff.

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Edit 20160701: I was about to list a CON to these headphones until I found another reviewer’s comment. And that CON is…
The included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable does not have inline controls nor will the controls on the headphones work if you have this cable plugged in. You have to take your sound device out and change the volume or tracks there. Terrible!

Unless…you buy this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OGA2R7Y
Bose Quiet Comfort 25 Headphones Inline Mic/Remote Cable for Apple devices – Black

Why…why in the world didn’t Bose put these in the box instead of the (almost) useless 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable with no inline controls?????
This [QC25] cord will allow you to change volume, pause/next/previous track and the inline microphone works.

*** Hope they get the ClearMic Noise Canceling Microphone fitting the Bose QC25/35 so I can get it and use it in the office: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0195SUXMM ***

So I will probably not give this a 5 because the Inline Mic/Remote Cable should be provided not the one they threw in. This cable is actually for the QC25…Bose maybe reluctant to recommend it for the QC35 and may be working on one specific for this model. Amazon should bundle this. Anyhow, still really enjoying my QC35 and next 1-2 weeks I will put it through its paces.

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Ich bin geschäftlich viel unterwegs und möchte euch nachfolgend meine Langzeiterfahrungen mit dem Bose QC35 beschreiben.
Mein Anwendungsgebiet:
– Geschäftsreisen (ca. 4 bis 6 Flüge im Monat, lange Bahnfahrten ca. 8 Stück im Monat)
– Zu Hause zum entspannen
Ich war selten so euphorisch und gleichzeitig teils ernüchtert wie bei diesem Produkt doch dazu später mehr.
Ich habe bereits viele Kopfhörer in meinem Leben besessen und auch in den vergangen Wochen probiert. Angefangen von vielen Bose Modellen (IE2, QC20, NC3, NC15 und zuletzt Sound True), Bang und Olufsen (H8 und H6), RHA T20i und viele mehr. Anfangs war ich besorgt dass mich die Bose QC35 enttäuschen werden.

Mein Musikgeschmack: POP, KLASSIK, R&B und FILMMUSIK
Mein Problem: Einen Kopfhörer zu finden der mich rundum glücklich macht, viel Bass hat (wenn man ihn benötigt POP und R&B), aber auch sehr detailliert ist, so dass man jedes Instrument einzeln heraus hören kann und der Eindruck eines Konzertsaals im Ohr entsteht (Klassik und Filmmusik). Als jahrelanger Klavierspieler muss sich für mich ein Klavier auch vor allem nach einem Klavier anhören.

Design: *****(5/5 Sterne)
Gefällt mir persönlich sehr gut. Understatement und praktisch orientiert, aber eigentlich ist ja der Klang entscheidend.

Verarbeitung: *** (3/5 Sterne)
Für einen Pedanten wie mich lässt die Verarbeitung der Bose QC35 leider zu wünschen übrig, B&O zeigt mit den Modellen H7 und H8 deutlich was auf dem selben Preisniveau möglich ist und verarbeitet echtes Leder und Aluminium im Gegensatz zu den QC35. Mein erster Bose QC35 Kopfhörer wurde fabrikneu mit Kratzern geliefert, mein zweiter hatte Soundprobleme mit der linken Ohrmuschel, mein dritter hat getreu dem Motto alle guten Dinge sind drei endlich gepasst. Bose sollte bei so einem hohen Preis deutlich mehr wert auf Qualitätssicherung legen.

Tragekomfort: ***** (5/5 Sterne)
Sehr angenehm zum Tragen, auch nach stundenlanger Nutzung im Flugzeug fühlt man kein unangenehmes Druck Gefühl am Kopf.
An heißen Tagen fängt man an den Ohren leicht zu schwitzen an, was aber für over ear Kopfhörer vollkommen normal ist. Auch meiner Frau passen die Kopfhörer perfekt, was sehr gut zeigt dass die Kopfhörer sich perfekt unterschiedlichen Kopfformen anpassen können.

Klang: **** (4 Sterne von 5)
Die Kopfhörer können unterschiedliche Musikrichtungen perfekt wiedergeben und bei höherer Lautstärke baut sich eine große Bühne auf, wodurch sich einzelne Instrumente perfekt zuordnen und heraushören lassen. Man hört Details in seiner Musik die einem vorher noch nie aufgefallen sind und muss wirklich aufpassen das man nicht süchtig nach diesem Sound wird (vor allem auch wegen der Lautstärke 😉
Bass: 3 von 5 ***** (Mit Equalizer Einstellung 4 von 5)
Höhen: 5 von 5 ****
Mitten: 4 von 5 ***** (Es fehlt ein bisschen an Dynamik)

Es ist immer schwer zu beschreiben wie ein Kopfhörer Klingt, da jedes Ohr unterschiedlich ist. Um einen besseren Einblick zu geben welche Lieder/Interpreten ich damit z.B. höre und begeistert bin findet ihr hier eine kleine Auflistung:

– Filmmusik: Yann Tiersen – (Alben: Amèlie, Les Choristes, Good Bye Lenin, Summer 78), James Horner (Avatar)
– PoP: Adele, Amy MacDonald, The Black Eyed peas, Birdy, Dido, Duffy, Coldplay, Lana del Rey, Sia, Calvin Harris: (How deep is your love), Major Lazer: (Lean On), Deavid Guetta usw.
– Klassik: Beethovens 9 und 5 Sinfonie, Mozart Piano Sonata No. 11 usw.
– Rap: Eminem usw.
– Buena vista social Club und ähnliche

Das ist also mal der Vorgeschmack welche Musik sich mit diesem Kopfhörer richtig toll anhört 🙂

Noise Cancelling: ***** (5 Sterne von 5)
Kommen wir nun zum wichtigsten, dem Noise Cancelling. Bei meinem ersten Flug war ich absolut begeistert und wusste dass sich die Anschaffung auf jeden Fall gelohnt hat. Ich war so stark in meine Musik vertieft, dass ich den Start des Flugszeugs fast nicht mitbekommen hätte, wäre da nicht das Bauchgefühl gewesen 😉
Flugzeug: 5 von 5 Sterne (Perfekter Musikgenuss)
Bahn: 4 von 5 Sterne (Bei tunnelfahrten erfolgt je nach Zug ein komisches Druckgeräusch auf den Ohren)
Citylife: 4 von 5 (Autos und ähnliches werden fast nicht mehr wahrgenommen, allerdings nur bei hoher Musiklautstärke)
Alltag Café, Restaurant: 3 von 5 (Hohe und schrille Stimmen kann das Noise Cancelling leider nicht ausgleichen)

Bluetooth Verbindung ***** (5 von 5 Sternen)
Unterwegs hatte ich mit den Bose QC35 bis jetzt keinerlei Aussetzer und bin von der Verbindungsqualität begeistert, anders als es bei den B&O h8 der Fall war. Zu Hause kann ich mich auch leicht in einem Radius von 7 Metern ohne Aussetzer bewegen.

Fazit:
Ich bin von den Kopfhörern absolut begeistert und freu mich endlich wieder auf meine Geschäftsreisen, weil ich mich mit diesen Kopfhörern perfekt entspannen kann. Deswegen schau ich gerne über meine anfänglichen Probleme mit der Verarbeitungsqualität und die leicht schlechtere Musikqualität hinweg. Wer aktuell auf der Suche nach Bluetooth Kopfhörer mit Noise Cancelling Funktion ist, kommt an diesen Kopfhörern nicht vorbei. Wer jedoch etwas mehr wert auf die Musikqualität legt, dafür aber Abstriche im Noise Cancelling hinnehmen kann, sollte sich die Sennheiser Whirless Momentum 2.0 kaufen. Klassik Liebhabern die höchsten Wert auf Verarbeitungsqualität und tolle Materialien legen kann ich ausnahmslos die Bang und Olufsen H7 empfehlen. Die Kopfhörer haben zwar kein aktives Noise Cancelling, dafür ist das passive Noise Cancelling um so besser.

Anmerkung:
Hören ist etwas sehr subjektives, jeder Mensch hat eine andere Wahrnehmung. Hifi Geräte benötigen meistens eine kleine Einspielzeit bis sie ihr volles potenzial entfalten können und das menschliche Ohr (das vielleicht schon an eine andere Art zu hören gewöhnt ist) muss sich erst einmal an einen neuen Kopfhörer gewöhnen. Diese Eingewöhnungsphase viel mehr jedoch noch nie so leicht wie bei den Bose QC35 Kopfhörer.

Einen ausführlichen Videoreview könnt ihr auf YouTube unter dem Suchbegriff: “markdeu bose” finden.

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