Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs JBL Live 660NC
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver solid noise cancellation and over-ear comfort, but serve different priorities. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II excels with its refined 40mm custom drivers tuned for balanced audio and three distinct ANC levels that provide granular control over sound isolation. Its 20-hour wireless battery life with ANC and Google Assistant integration make it reliable for daily use. However, the JBL Live 660NC outperforms in battery endurance, stretching to 40 hours with ANC enabled or 50 hours with it off, plus faster charging via USB-C with a 10-minute quick charge delivering 4 hours of playback. JBL's multipoint Bluetooth 5.0 allows seamless switching between two devices simultaneously, while the Bose remains single-device focused. Both headphones weigh similarly (235g vs 260g) and include wired connectivity options. At $299, the Bose targets audio purists willing to pay for custom driver tuning and refined ANC implementation. At $149, the JBL Live 660NC delivers exceptional value with longer battery life, modern Bluetooth 5.0, dual assistant support, and multipoint connectivity for half the price. For budget-conscious listeners prioritizing battery longevity and multi-device convenience, the JBL is the smarter choice. Audiophiles seeking premium sound tuning and precise ANC control should consider the Bose investment worthwhile.
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 JBL Live 660NC if…
- →40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- →JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
JBL Live 660NC
Pros
- 40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Built-in voice assistant support for hands-free control
- Comfortable lightweight fit for extended wear
Cons
- ANC is decent but noticeably behind Sony and Bose
- No LDAC or aptX codecs — limited to AAC
- Bluetooth 5.0 is a generation behind newer models
- Plastic build doesn't feel premium
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | JBL Live 660NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 260 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 40 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 40 mm |
| 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 | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, JBL Signature Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Google Assistant and Alexa built-in, Speed Charge support |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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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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