Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass
The Verdict
Both over-ear headphones deliver solid noise cancellation and wireless comfort, but they target different listener preferences. Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers exceptional ANC with three distinct levels, industry-leading comfort for long sessions, and Google Assistant integration via dedicated button. Sound signature emphasizes balanced clarity with volume-optimized EQ tuning. Sony WH-XB910N counters with 30-hour battery life versus Bose's 20 hours, faster USB-C charging (10 minutes delivers 4.5 hours), and Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching. Its Extra Bass tuning delivers deeper low-end punch, while Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control provide practical convenience features. Bose excels in ANC refinement and proven reliability, while Sony offers superior battery endurance and modern connectivity standards at a $50 lower price point. For bassheads prioritizing battery longevity and multipoint pairing, Sony wins. For audio purists seeking premium ANC and assistant integration, Bose remains the refined choice.
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-XB910N Extra Bass if…
- →Extra Bass delivers deep, powerful low-end for bass-heavy genres
- →30-hour battery life with ANC matches the premium XM series
- →LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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-XB910N Extra Bass
Pros
- Extra Bass delivers deep, powerful low-end for bass-heavy genres
- 30-hour battery life with ANC matches the premium XM series
- LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable, lightweight design at 252 g
Cons
- Bass emphasis can overwhelm mids and highs for balanced listeners
- ANC is decent but noticeably weaker than WH-1000XM5
- No water resistance limits outdoor use
- Touch controls lack the precision of the XM5's panel
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 252 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 = 4.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 40mm driver with Extra Bass |
| 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 | Extra Bass for deep, punchy low end, Noise Cancellation, Quick Attention mode, 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.2 |
| 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass.