Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers superior over-ear comfort and exceptional 20-hour battery life with customizable ANC across three levels, making it ideal for long travel or work sessions. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 offers compact in-ear convenience, faster Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and dual-driver sound engineering at half the price, plus water resistance and wireless charging that the Bose lacks. Sound quality favors Bose's 40mm drivers for richness and bass response, while Galaxy Buds2 excel in clarity through two-way speaker design. Battery endurance is Bose's strength (20 hours wireless), though Buds2 provide decent daily usage with charging case extension. For commuters prioritizing portability and value, Galaxy Buds2 win decisively. For professionals seeking marathon battery life and premium noise isolation, Bose justifies the premium investment. Choose Buds2 if versatility and price matter most; choose Bose for uncompromising ANC performance.
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 Buds2 if…
- →Two-way speaker system delivers surprisingly detailed audio
- →ANC at $149 with three adjustable levels is great value
- →Lightweight at 5 g each — among the lightest ANC 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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
Pros
- Two-way speaker system delivers surprisingly detailed audio
- ANC at $149 with three adjustable levels is great value
- Lightweight at 5 g each — among the lightest ANC earbuds
- Wireless charging case included
- Compact, low-profile design sits flush in ears
Cons
- IPX2 only — not suitable for heavy workouts or rain
- 5-hour ANC battery life is below average
- No multipoint — limited to Samsung's auto-switch within Galaxy ecosystem
- Call quality suffers in noisy environments
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 5 hrs ANC on (7.5 hrs off), 20 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C or Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | Two-way speaker (11mm woofer + 6.5mm 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 with 3 levels, Ambient Sound mode, Two-way speakers for balanced sound, Galaxy Wearable app with EQ, 360 Audio, Qi wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec |
| 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 Buds2.