Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
Beats Solo 3 and Bose QC35 II target different priorities. Beats Solo 3 delivers exceptional battery life (40 hours wireless) and Apple W1 integration for seamless connectivity with Apple devices, though it lacks ANC and uses smaller on-ear drivers. Bose QC35 II counters with industry-leading active noise cancellation across three levels, larger 40mm drivers for richer sound, and Google Assistant integration, but wireless playback drops to 20 hours with ANC enabled. QC35 II charges faster via Micro-USB (2.25 hours full charge), while Beats' Fast Fuel provides quick top-ups. QC35 II's over-ear design suits long listening sessions better than Beats' on-ear fit. For Apple users prioritizing portability and battery longevity, Beats Solo 3 excels. For anyone needing premium ANC and versatile assistant support, Bose QC35 II remains superior despite higher price and shorter wireless runtime.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 3 Wireless if…
- →40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- →Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- →W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
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 Solo 3 Wireless
Pros
- 40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
- Foldable and portable for commuting and travel
- Iconic Beats styling in multiple color options
Cons
- On-ear clamping force causes discomfort during extended sessions
- Bass-heavy sound signature lacks detail in mids and highs
- No ANC — you're paying for brand and battery, not noise cancellation
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- Bluetooth 4.0 is outdated — lacks modern codec support
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 Solo 3 Wireless | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 215 g | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 3 hrs (Fast Fuel) | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Fine-tuned acoustics driver | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
| Features | Apple W1 chip for seamless Apple pairing, Fast Fuel charging (5 min = 3 hrs), Foldable design for portability, On-ear controls, RemoteTalk cable for wired use | 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 | 4.0 with Apple W1 chip | 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 Beats products or all Bose products. View full details for the Beats Solo 3 Wireless or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.