Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony LinkBuds
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony LinkBuds serve fundamentally different use cases. The Bose offers over-ear comfort with industry-leading active noise cancellation across three intensity levels, 40mm custom drivers delivering warm, balanced audio, and exceptional battery life reaching 20 hours wirelessly with ANC enabled. Its Google Assistant integration and foldable design make it travel-friendly, though at 235 grams it's noticeably heavier. Sony's LinkBuds take a different approach as ultra-lightweight in-ears (4.1g each) prioritizing ambient awareness through an open ring driver design, perfect for multitasking or outdoor activities. They deliver 5.5-hour single charge battery life, multipoint connectivity for switching between devices, and IPX4 water resistance. Sound quality favors the Bose for isolation-focused listening with richer low-end response, while LinkBuds excel in transparency mode and situational awareness. The $120 price difference matters significantly. LinkBuds suit commuters and fitness enthusiasts wanting to stay connected to their environment, while Bose targets those seeking deep immersion and maximum ANC capability. Choose Bose for dedicated listening sessions requiring noise blocking; choose LinkBuds for versatile daily use prioritizing openness and multipoint convenience.
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 Sony LinkBuds if…
- →Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- →Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- →Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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
Sony LinkBuds
Pros
- Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
- Multipoint for seamless switching between devices
- IPX4 for rain and light sweat
Cons
- Open design means zero noise isolation and significant sound leak
- 5.5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
- Bass response is inherently limited by the open driver
- Unusual fit may not work for all ear shapes
- $179 is pricey given the sound quality limitations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony LinkBuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 4.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 5.5 hrs (17.5 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 | 12mm ring driver (open design) |
| 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 ring driver design — hear surroundings naturally, Wide Area Tap for touch-free controls, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive volume control, Multipoint connection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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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.
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