Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers superior ANC with three adjustable levels and excellent sound quality through custom 40mm drivers, making it ideal for frequent travelers and office workers seeking prolonged listening sessions. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE offer compelling value as true wireless earbuds with modern Bluetooth 5.2, wireless charging, and IPX2 water resistance, though 6-hour ANC battery life limits extended use. Sound signature differs significantly: Bose emphasizes clarity and balanced midrange with wired fallback option, while Galaxy Buds FE provide punchy bass with 360 Audio for mobile users. At three times the price, Bose justifies investment through 20-hour wireless battery, premium build quality, and mature ANC technology. Galaxy Buds FE excel for convenience and portability at budget pricing. Choose Bose for serious noise cancellation and all-day comfort; select Galaxy Buds FE for everyday wireless freedom and value.
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 Samsung Galaxy Buds FE if…
- →ANC earbuds for just $99 — best value in active noise cancellation
- →Wireless charging case is rare at this price
- →Dual-driver setup delivers detailed, balanced sound
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Pros
- ANC earbuds for just $99 — best value in active noise cancellation
- Wireless charging case is rare at this price
- Dual-driver setup delivers detailed, balanced sound
- 360 Audio with head tracking for Galaxy phone users
- Compact and lightweight at 5.6 g per bud
Cons
- IPX2 water resistance is minimal — barely sweat-proof
- Best features locked to Samsung Galaxy devices
- No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- ANC is good but not competitive with AirPods Pro or Sony
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Samsung Galaxy Buds FE |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 5.6 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 6 hrs (ANC on), 8.5 hrs (ANC off), 21 hrs 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 | 6.5 mm (woofer) + 5.4 mm (tweeter) |
| 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient mode, Samsung Scalable Codec for Galaxy devices, 360 Audio with head tracking, Touch controls, Wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Samsung Scalable, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX2 |
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 Samsung products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.