Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Nothing Ear (open)
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Nothing Ear (open) serve fundamentally different use cases. Bose delivers superior active noise cancellation with three levels, 40mm custom drivers, and exceptional 20-hour wireless battery life, making it ideal for frequent travelers and office workers seeking isolation. Nothing Ear (open) takes a completely different approach, prioritizing ambient awareness through open-ear design while offering modern conveniences like LDAC hi-res audio, USB-C charging, multipoint pairing, and IP54 water resistance at half the price. Sound quality differs significantly: Bose emphasizes rich, balanced audio in a sealed environment, while Nothing focuses on clarity with minimal isolation. For commuters needing ANC and comfort during long sessions, Bose remains superior. For outdoor activities, social awareness, or users wanting lighter all-day earbuds without isolation, Nothing Ear (open) provides better value and versatility. Consider your primary use case: commuting with isolation demands Bose; active lifestyle with social interaction favors Nothing.
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 (open) if…
- →Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- →LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- →8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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 (open)
Pros
- Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- 8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
- Directional drivers minimize sound leak to bystanders
- IP54 dust and water resistance for outdoor use
Cons
- No noise cancellation by design — not for noisy environments
- Bass is inherently weaker than sealed in-ear designs
- 8.1 g per bud is heavier than traditional earbuds
- Open design means music is audible to nearby people
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Nothing Ear (open) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 8.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 14.2 mm titanium-coated 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 | Open-ear design for ambient awareness, Directional audio minimizes sound leakage, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Bass Enhance and custom EQ, Nothing X app with equalizer |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP54 |
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 (open).