Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sennheiser HD 560S
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sennheiser HD 560S serve different listening philosophies. Bose prioritizes active noise cancellation with 20-hour wireless battery life, Google Assistant integration, and three ANC levels, making it ideal for travel and commuting. Sennheiser HD 560S targets audiophiles seeking wired reference-quality sound with open-back design, 38mm drivers, and wide frequency response (6 Hz-38 kHz) for studio work or critical listening. Build quality favors Bose with its foldable design and carry case versus Sennheiser's detachable cable approach. Sound signature differs significantly: Bose offers balanced, modern tuning optimized for convenience, while Sennheiser delivers neutral, analytical performance requiring a quality source. Battery technology heavily favors Bose for untethered listening. Choose Bose for active noise cancellation and portability; select Sennheiser if you demand reference-grade audio and don't need wireless capability.
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 Sennheiser HD 560S if…
- →Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- →120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- →Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- 120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
- Lightweight and comfortable for marathon listening sessions
- Excellent value as an entry into open-back audiophile headphones
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound heavily — no isolation
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass can sound lean for casual listeners who prefer warmth
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sennheiser HD 560S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | N/A |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance |
| 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-back reference design, 120-ohm impedance — can be driven by most sources, Detachable cable, Velour ear pads for comfort, Wide frequency response (6 Hz – 38,000 Hz) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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 Sennheiser products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Sennheiser HD 560S.