Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WF-C700N
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WF-C700N serve different user priorities at different price points. Bose delivers superior sound quality with its 40mm drivers and excellent ANC across three levels, plus 20 hours of wireless playback with ANC enabled. Sony's compact 5mm in-ear design prioritizes portability with IPX4 water resistance, multipoint Bluetooth, and fast USB-C charging (10 minutes for 1 hour playback). Battery life differs significantly: Bose offers 20 hours wireless, while Sony provides 7.5 hours per earbud with 15 hours total from the case. Sound stage and comfort heavily favor Bose's over-ear design for extended listening sessions. Sony excels in modern features like multipoint connectivity and faster charging. At $299 versus $119, Bose justifies premium pricing with superior audio performance and endurance, making it ideal for frequent travelers and audiophiles. Sony WF-C700N suits budget-conscious users seeking active noise cancellation with contemporary features and water resistance.
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 WF-C700N if…
- →ANC at $119 is exceptional value — best noise cancellation under $150
- →Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- →Multipoint connection handles phone and laptop simultaneously
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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 WF-C700N
Pros
- ANC at $119 is exceptional value — best noise cancellation under $150
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Multipoint connection handles phone and laptop simultaneously
- IPX4 water resistance for workouts and commuting
- 7.5-hour battery with ANC is competitive at this price
Cons
- No LDAC — limited to SBC and AAC codecs
- ANC is effective but not as strong as WF-1000XM5
- No wireless charging on the case
- Bass can sound slightly thin compared to pricier Sony models
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony WF-C700N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 4.6 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 7.5 hrs ANC on (15 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 10 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 5mm 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sound mode, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Multipoint connection, Sony Headphones Connect app EQ customization |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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 Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Sony WF-C700N.