Apple AirPods 2nd Gen vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen excel as lightweight, seamless true wireless earbuds for Apple ecosystem users, offering 5-hour playback per charge and iconic design at an attractive price point. Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers superior audio quality with 40mm drivers, industry-leading active noise cancellation across three levels, and impressive 20-hour battery life with ANC enabled, though at more than double the cost. Sound profile differs significantly: AirPods favor clarity and treble, while QC35 II emphasizes bass and noise isolation. AirPods lack ANC entirely, making them unsuitable for travel, while QC35 II's over-ear design excels in blocking ambient noise. Battery comparison heavily favors Bose for long sessions. Choose AirPods for casual daily use and Apple device integration, or select QC35 II for serious listening, frequent travel, and maximum comfort during extended wear.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 2nd Gen if…
- →Iconic design and effortless Apple ecosystem integration
- →H1 chip enables hands-free Hey Siri voice commands
- →Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen
Pros
- Iconic design and effortless Apple ecosystem integration
- H1 chip enables hands-free Hey Siri voice commands
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Quick and reliable pairing with all Apple devices
- Affordable entry point into the AirPods lineup
Cons
- No water or sweat resistance rating — risky for workouts
- 5-hour battery life is below average by modern standards
- No noise cancellation or transparency mode
- One-size-fits-all design doesn't suit every ear shape
- Lightning charging only — no USB-C
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 2nd Gen | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4 g (each) | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs (earbuds), 24 hrs total with case | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | Lightning (wireless charging case optional) | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
| Features | H1 chip with Hey Siri support, Automatic ear detection, Seamless Apple device switching, Quick pairing via proximity | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 with NFC pairing |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Bose products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 2nd Gen or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.