Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Verdict
Both headphones excel in noise cancellation but cater to different lifestyles. Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers superior comfort for extended listening sessions with 40-hour wired battery life, larger 40mm drivers, and three ANC intensity levels. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 prioritizes portability and modern features, offering true wireless freedom, multipoint connectivity, Gemini AI integration, and spatial audio with just 4.7g per bud. Sound quality slightly favors Bose's custom drivers, while Pixel Buds Pro 2 compensate with advanced processing via Tensor A1 chip. Battery endurance across a day goes to Bose with 20-hour wireless ANC life versus Pixel's 8 hours per charge. Water resistance appears only on Pixel Buds Pro 2. At $70 less, Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers better value for mobile-first users, but Bose remains the choice for frequent travelers or those demanding extended listening without frequent charging. Choose Bose for comfort and longevity, Pixel Buds Pro 2 for convenience and AI integration.
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 Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 if…
- →Significantly improved ANC powered by the new Tensor A1 chip
- →Smaller, lighter, more comfortable design than the original
- →Long battery life — 8 hrs per bud with ANC on
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Pros
- Significantly improved ANC powered by the new Tensor A1 chip
- Smaller, lighter, more comfortable design than the original
- Long battery life — 8 hrs per bud with ANC on
- Deep Pixel and Android integration with Gemini
- Spatial Audio with head tracking and multipoint
Cons
- No hi-res or LDAC codec support (AAC/SBC only)
- Best features are tied to Pixel and Android devices
- Touch controls can be inconsistent
- Case has lower IPX4 rating than the buds
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 4.7 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 8 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 11 mm custom 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 | Tensor A1 chip for on-device audio processing, Silent Seal 2.0 active noise cancellation, Gemini AI assistant integration, Spatial Audio with head tracking, Find My Device and Find My speaker on case, Conversation Detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP54 (buds), IPX4 (case) |
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 Bose products or all Google products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2.