Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM3
The Verdict
Both headphones excel at noise cancellation, but they target slightly different priorities. Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers three ANC levels with a lighter 235g design and includes Google Assistant integration, making it ideal for voice-centric users. Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers superior battery life at 30 hours with ANC enabled, faster charging (10 minutes yields 5 hours playback), multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching, and more advanced codec support including LDAC and aptX HD for higher quality audio streaming. Sound quality leans toward Sony's favor with DSEE HX upscaling and adaptive sound control. Comfort and portability favor Bose slightly due to its lighter weight. At $299 versus $349, Bose provides better value for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable ANC, while Sony justifies its premium for longer battery endurance, richer features, and superior audio codec flexibility. Choose Sony WH-1000XM3 for comprehensive features and battery longevity.
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 WH-1000XM3 if…
- →Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- →Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- →30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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 WH-1000XM3
Pros
- Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- 30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
- Wide codec support including LDAC and aptX HD
- 10-minute quick charge gives 5 hours — great for travel
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks the stability and range of newer versions
- No water resistance — not suitable for workouts
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- Creaks and pressure can build on larger heads over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 30 hrs with ANC |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 10 min = 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer dome |
| 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 | HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, Adaptive Sound Control, Touch controls on ear cup, Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat (via update), DSEE HX upscaling |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 4.2 |
| 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.
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