Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Verdict
Both headphones share the same $299 price point but serve distinctly different use cases. Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers superior active noise cancellation with three levels, 20-hour wireless battery life, and the comfort of over-ear design, making it ideal for travel and focused listening. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds prioritize situational awareness with their open-audio cuff design, multipoint connectivity, and lighter 6.5g build, better suited for all-day wear and maintaining environmental awareness. QC35 II edges ahead for dedicated ANC performance and battery longevity, while Ultra Open Earbuds excel in portability, modern Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and wireless charging convenience. For commuters and noise-sensitive users, the QC35 II remains the stronger choice; for active lifestyles requiring ear awareness, the Ultra Open Earbuds win.
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 Ultra Open Earbuds if…
- →Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- →Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- →Wireless charging case adds convenience
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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 Ultra Open Earbuds
Pros
- Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- Wireless charging case adds convenience
- Multipoint and aptX Adaptive for high-quality streaming
- Ideal for situational awareness during outdoor activities
Cons
- Very expensive at $299 for earbuds without ANC
- Bass is inherently limited compared to sealed designs
- 7.5-hour battery is decent but not exceptional
- Sound leak is noticeable in quiet environments
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 6.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology |
| 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 | Cuff-style design clips onto the ear, Bose Immersive Audio with head tracking, OpenAudio directional sound technology, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wireless charging case, Customizable EQ via Bose Music app |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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.
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