Beats Powerbeats Pro vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
Comparing these two headphones reveals distinct use cases rather than direct competitors. Beats Powerbeats Pro offers true wireless earbuds with impressive 9-hour battery life per charge, the convenient H1 chip for Apple ecosystem integration, and secure fit ear hooks ideal for workouts, thanks to IPX4 water resistance. Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers superior active noise cancellation across three levels and exceptional 20-hour wireless battery life, making them better for travel and office environments. Sound quality differs notably: Bose's 40mm drivers provide deeper, more immersive audio, while Beats' 12mm drivers prioritize clarity. The QC35 II supports wired listening as a backup, offers Google Assistant, and includes a carrying case. Powerbeats Pro suits athletes and Apple users seeking portability; QuietComfort 35 II serves professionals and commuters prioritizing noise isolation and battery longevity. Choose Powerbeats Pro for active use or Bose for passive listening comfort and ANC performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro if…
- →Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- →H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- →9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
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
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Pros
- Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- 9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
- IPX4 handles sweat and rain during outdoor training
- Physical buttons are reliable — no accidental touch inputs
Cons
- Charging case is enormous compared to competitors
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- No ANC at $249 is a tough sell against AirPods Pro
- Ear hooks make them impossible to use while lying on your side
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 | Beats Powerbeats Pro | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 20.3 g (pair) | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 9 hrs (24 hrs total with case) | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Custom 12mm driver | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
| Features | Apple H1 chip with Hey Siri, Adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks, Volume and track controls on each earbud, Automatic play/pause with ear detection, 9-hour battery per charge | 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 | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) | 4.2 with NFC pairing |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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 Beats products or all Bose products. View full details for the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.