Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Nothing Ear (2)
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Nothing Ear (2) serve distinctly different listening preferences. Bose delivers superior ANC with three adjustable levels and exceptional comfort for long sessions, leveraging 40mm drivers and 20-hour battery with ANC enabled. Nothing Ear (2) counters with modern conveniences: compact in-ear design, USB-C and wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, and hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support at half the price. Bose excels in passive noise isolation and casual listening comfort, while Nothing emphasizes portability, audio quality, and smart features. For frequent travelers prioritizing ANC and comfort, Bose remains the stronger choice. Budget-conscious users seeking versatile daily drivers with solid ANC and modern connectivity should prefer Nothing Ear (2), which delivers exceptional value at $149.
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 Nothing Ear (2) if…
- →Striking transparent design that stands out
- →Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- →Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
Nothing Ear (2)
Pros
- Striking transparent design that stands out
- Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
- Comfortable, lightweight fit with secure seal
- Affordable at $149
Cons
- ANC is good but not class-leading
- Battery life with ANC on is shorter than rivals
- App and feature support is best on Nothing phones
- Pinch controls take getting used to
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Nothing Ear (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 4.5 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 4 hrs buds (ANC on) / 6.3 hrs (ANC off), up to 22.5 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm |
| 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 | Personalized active noise cancellation, LHDC 5.0 hi-res audio support, Personal Sound Profile via Mimi hearing test, Dual connection (Bluetooth multipoint), Pinch-stem controls, Transparent design with glyph case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP54 (buds), IP55 (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 Nothing products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Nothing Ear (2).