Bose 700 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
Both Bose over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation and comfort, but serve different priorities. Bose 700 ($379) introduces modern upgrades including Bluetooth 5.0 multipoint pairing, 11 ANC levels versus QC35 II's three settings, and an 8-microphone array for superior call quality. Its USB-C charging with 15-minute quick charge is more convenient than the QC35 II's micro-USB standard. However, QC35 II ($299) offers exceptional value with identical 20-hour wireless battery life, slightly lighter weight at 235g, and wired usage extending to 40 hours. QC35 II remains extremely refined with proven reliability and a dedicated Google Assistant button. Sound quality between models is comparable, though 700 provides more ANC customization. For users prioritizing modern connectivity and call performance, Bose 700 justifies the premium. Budget-conscious buyers seeking proven excellence should consider QC35 II's strong value proposition.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose 700 if…
- →Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- →Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- →Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
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
Bose 700
Pros
- Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
- Multipoint Bluetooth and broad voice assistant support
- Elegant, minimal design that looks great
Cons
- No aptX or LDAC — limited to AAC and SBC codecs
- 20-hour battery life is shorter than Sony and JBL rivals
- Headband can cause hotspot pressure on the top of the head
- Expensive compared to competition offering similar ANC
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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 | Bose 700 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC on) | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | USB-C, 15-min quick charge for 3.5 hrs playback | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Features | 11 levels of adjustable ANC, 4 levels of Transparency (Ambient) mode, 8-microphone system for best-in-class call quality, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bose AR built-in, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Stainless steel headband with fold-flat design | 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 |
| Drivers | — | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
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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.
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