Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The Verdict
Both headphones share the $299 price point but serve different use cases. The QuietComfort 35 II delivers 20 hours of wireless ANC playback with 40mm custom drivers tuned for volume-optimized sound, making it ideal for long travel days and office environments. Its over-ear design provides passive isolation and comfort during extended wear sessions. The QuietComfort Earbuds II flip the format entirely: at just 6.24 grams each, they offer 6 hours of ANC playback plus 18 additional hours via their case, hitting 24 hours total. They feature superior Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching, IPX4 water resistance, and CustomTune technology that auto-calibrates ANC to your ear canal. The earbuds charge dramatically faster (20 minutes for 2 hours playback) via USB-C or Qi wireless, while the 35 II needs 2.25 hours at a Micro-USB port. Sound quality favors the over-ear design's larger drivers, but the earbuds' dynamic tuning adapts better to environments. Choose the 35 II if you prioritize sound depth and battery longevity on a single charge. Pick the Earbuds II if portability, water resistance, and modern connectivity matter more.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- →CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- →Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Pros
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
- Multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Qi wireless charging case for convenience
Cons
- Only AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- 6-hour battery with ANC is relatively short
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance
- $299 is expensive for true wireless earbuds
- Call quality can be inconsistent in windy environments
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 6.24 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 6 hrs (ANC on), 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, Qi wireless, 20 min = 2 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 9.3mm dynamic driver |
| Features | 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 | CustomTune auto-calibrating ANC and sound, ActiveSense transparency mode, Aware Mode for hearing surroundings, Bose Music app with EQ, Touchpad controls |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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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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