Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs 25: Go for The Best One

Bose has gained a reputation for manufacturing headphones with great sound quality, but what actually distinguishes them is their leading noise-canceling feature.

When it comes to incorporating noise-canceling technology into headphones, Bose is the industry leader. While the Bose QC 35 II is the flagship model, some people may prefer the slightly cheaper QC 25.

If you’re torn between the two, don’t worry. This assessment will help you make a decision. Should you choose the premium QC 35 II or the less expensive QC 25? Uncertain?

No need to be concerned. In this article, I’ll present a full comparison of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and 25, revealing all the intricacies to help you make an informed decision.

Bose has gained a reputation for making headphones with great sound quality, but what actually distinguishes it Before diving into the in-depth comparison, become acquainted with the fundamental differences between the essential specifications.

Take a look at the table below. While this introductory information is insufficient to make a conclusion, I will now provide a full breakdown. Let’s start with an analysis of their design and construction.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs 25: Go for The Best One –  A Complete Guide

Bose is the industry leader in noise-canceling headphones. While the Bose QC 35 II is the flagship model, some people may prefer the slightly cheaper QC 25. If you’re torn between the two, don’t worry. This evaluation will assist you in making a decision. Should you buy the QC 35 II?

Specification

Features	Bose QuietComfort 25	Bose QuietComfort 35 II
		Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Connectivity Technology	Wired.	Wireless, Wired.
Cable Length	1.42 m.	1.2 m audio/ 0.3 m (12 inches) USB.
Battery Type	Single AAA battery.	Lithium-ion.
Battery Life	1xAAA – 35 hours.	20 hours (Wireless), 40 hours (Wired).
Noise Cancellation Levels	1.	3.
Colors	Black, White.	Black, Silver.
In-App Integration	No.	Bose Connect app.
Google Assistant (built-in)	No.	Yes.
Dimension	2.5 x 5.88 x 9.38 inches.	3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches.
Weight	6.9 ounces.	8.3 ounces.
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Bose QuietComfort 25
Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Bose QuietComfort 25
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Protective Case
Cable	Cable
Warranty Card	Adapter
	Battery

Fit & Comfort

The QC 35 II and QC 25 headphones are both quite comfortable thanks to their extensive ear cup cushioning. The clamping force, an important determinant in wearability, is standard in both models.

This ensures a secure fit without putting unnecessary strain on your head or ears. Whether you’re listening to music all day or taking long trips, these headphones are ready to provide comfort.

Now, let’s talk about comfort differences. Surprisingly, there isn’t much of a difference between them in this aspect. Despite a modest weight difference, the headphones’ general comfort is unaffected. During my testing, both models felt light and comfortable on my head. As a result, the comfort score remains balanced.

As we go on to sound quality, the suspense grows: can these headphones perform similarly in this critical area? This is where we’ll find the answer. Stay tuned for a detailed comparison of their audio performance.

Design & Build

Both headphones have an underlying elegance to them. Bose has used minimalist colors and borders to keep the aesthetics simple yet elegant. Both types’ exteriors are made of tough nylon plastic, which ensures durability.

The headband is made of stainless steel for further durability. The use of soft Alcantara automotive cloth for headband cushioning increases comfort.

However, when it comes to design variances, the QC 25 and QC 35 II stand out. The QC 35 II is wireless, whereas the QuietComfort 25 is wired. Visually, the two models are very similar.

However, Bose made a difference with the QC 35 II by incorporating a leather finish on the outside side of the headband, in contrast to the denim finish of the QC 25. This change addressed issues voiced about the QC 25’s denim finish upon its initial debut.

Although both versions have a nearly similar appearance, there is one small difference: the existence of a wire reaching out from the QC 25, which is absent in the QC 35 II. Because the goods are so similar, the outcome of this design round is a draw.

It’s critical to understand that comfort isn’t just influenced by the appearance of a headphone; it’s about offering an enhanced experience. Stay tuned as I compare their comfort characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

Sound Quality

In terms of sound quality, both the Bose QC 35 II and QC 25 headphones excel, with a superb bass response that many premium equivalents struggle to match. This makes them especially well-suited for listening to instrumental music, with guitars and kick drums ringing strongly.

The mid-range is also enjoyable, with a small bump in the low-mids that adds warmth to tones. The high-mids help to the clarity of vocals and guitars, giving them a crisp quality.

But let’s look at the differences between them. Notably, a substantial contrast may be found in the high-end notes.

The QC 35 II has a crisp presence at the top but falls slightly short in terms of detail when compared to the QC 25. What is the source of this disparity? My analysis attributes it to the QC 25’s wired connection.

Furthermore, the QC 25 has a neutral and pleasant sound profile, not overloading listeners with bass but giving a balanced experience appropriate for extended listening times.

While neither headset is designed for detailed or critical listening, it excels at providing a pleasurable experience that captures the intricacies of diverse tones, highs, and lows.

So, which headphone wins? The decision is difficult, but I would give the QC 25 a tiny advantage because of its warm and neutral tone sound. This advantage is largely due to its wired connectivity.

As previously stated, both versions have noise-canceling capabilities. Now comes the important question: how well do they reduce unwanted noise? If you’re intrigued about their noise-canceling abilities, keep reading for more information in the area below.

Noise Cancellation

The Bose QC 35 II has exceptional noise absorption qualities across the frequency spectrum, making it perfect for subway commutes and air travel.

The headphone excels at canceling out distracting background conversations and can efficiently mute even the loudest of noises, such as a jackhammer’s boom or a soft breeze’s murmur. The QC 25’s active noise suppression is good, but not as standardized as the QC 35 II’s.

Background chatter resembles distant AM radio transmissions when the ANC is turned on. When you turn on your music, these distractions go completely.

The headphone effectively shuts out automobile horns and other ambient sounds, making it a dependable companion for flights and public transportation rides. Overall, the QC 35 II outperforms the QC 25.

Microphone or Call Quality

You may be confident that either of these headphones will provide you with some of the best calling experiences available. However, when it comes to selecting the superior alternative, I’ll go with the Bose QC 35 II.

It performs admirably in windy conditions, eliminating rustling caused by gusts or fast-moving automobiles. Callers on the other end of the line have complimented me on my crisp audio during phone calls and video conferences.

The QC 25 gives a comparable performance, with crystal-clear sound quality on both sides of the discussion. It efficiently filters out street noise, allowing for uninterrupted talks even in the midst of busy traffic or construction sites.

In terms of recording quality, both models are decent, albeit voices may come out as thin and muffled. While the battery life information is given in the table, read on for a more in-depth look at this element.

Battery Life

The Bose QuietComfort 25 differs from the QC 35 II in that its active noise cancellation is powered by a single AAA battery rather than a rechargeable battery.

This option has an impressive battery life of up to 35 hours on a single AAA battery. The advantage is that you can replace out the battery as needed, eliminating the need to connect it for charging.

Surprisingly, the QC 25 has an additional feature: it can operate without a battery, albeit without the active noise-canceling mode. The QC 35 II, on the other hand, is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides roughly 20 hours of wireless playback and up to 40 hours of wired playback.

A full charge takes 2.25 hours, with the extra benefit of rapid charging. A 15-minute charge yields 2.5 hours of playback time. The usage of a micro USB charging cord significantly streamlines the process.

The Bose QC 35 II takes the top spot in this battery life analysis. Its enhanced battery life in wired mode outperforms that of the QC 25.

Furthermore, the QC 35 II’s rechargeable battery is more convenient and user-friendly than the QC 25’s changeable AAA battery. Now that the battery issue has been resolved, let’s look at the specific connectivity aspects of these headphones.

Control System

The Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones come with a 56-inch (1.4m) audio cord with an in-line microphone and a three-button remote. It’s worth noting, though, that the complete functionality of this remote is designed for iOS devices, reflecting a trend seen with many wired headphone remotes and other Bose products.

My personal experience was utilizing it with a Samsung Galaxy S4, where I was able to adjust volume, skip tracks, manage calls, and control playback with ease. However, when used with my Nokia Lumia 925, only the play/pause button worked properly, which is typical of the behavior of most Android devices.

The control system for the Bose QC 35 II, on the other hand, is located immediately on the headphones’ body. The right ear cup houses a pairing or power button that emits a characteristic vibration when pressed. The volume and play/pause controls are located on the lower right side of the device.

The left ear cup has a separate Action button for activating the noise-canceling feature, and this button is intriguingly programmable for Google Assistant access. This user-friendly control structure improves the QC 35 II headphones’ user experience.

Connectivity

As previously stated, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a variety of connectivity choices, including wireless and cable options. The wireless connection, which uses Bluetooth v4.1, has a noteworthy range of 10 meters.

This headphone includes built-in NFC compatibility for effortless pairing by just touching a compatible smartphone against the NFC emblem on the right ear cup.

Furthermore, the QC 35 II offers multi-pairing, allowing for quick switching between two connected devices. The wired option requires the use of the supplied 2.5-to-3.5mm connection to ensure lossless audio quality.

The QC 25, on the other hand, lacks Bluetooth capability and must connect to compatible devices through a 3.5mm cable. The cable design, on the other hand, is unusual, with a 2.5mm micro jack on one end instead of the standard 3.5mm jack. This unique decision raises concerns about its practicality.

Given the extensive connectivity options, the Bose QC 35 II takes the lead, allowing both wired and wireless connections.

The second factor to evaluate is the control system, which is an important factor in determining how user-friendly a headset is. It’s a good idea to look over a headphone’s control system before making a purchase selection.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

The QC35 model provides wireless freedom via Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC. While it does not provide an upgraded wireless sound experience like some options, like Bowers & Wilkins’ PX with aptX HD, its sound output remains remarkable.

Like Bose’s previous wireless options, you can connect to several Bluetooth audio sources; but, unlike Bose’s QC30 in-ear headphones, you cannot share a single source among many pairs of wireless headphones.

App Feature

The Bose Music app is a newer mobile application than the Bose Connect app, and both are free to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

However, the Bose Music app (version 5.0.2) has limited functionality, basically letting you switch between ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Aware mode. Surprisingly, it lacks the option to stop ANC and Aware mode for a more traditional listening experience, a feature included in products such as the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2.

Notably, in February 2022, Bose released an in-app EQ for the Bose QuietComfort 45 via a software upgrade, increasing its capabilities.

The Bose Connect app, on the other hand, gives you more control. It lets you choose between three noise-canceling modes (high, low, and off) and configure the action button. This button can be configured to toggle ANC or to engage your choice, smart assistant.

The app also allows you to share music between two compatible Bose headphones and set an auto-off timer for the QC 35 II (a feature already available in the Music app).

While neither app is particularly useful, they do act as venues for future firmware changes. Bose has a history of improving its products through upgrades, while some consumers may argue that these new functions should have been included from the start.

Extra Feature

The Bose QC 35 II features Google Assistant and Siri integration, which is a significant difference between the two models. This allows you to easily activate your digital assistant with voice commands like “Okay Google” or “Hey Siri.”

Unfortunately, the QC 25 headphones lack this advantage. Furthermore, the QC 35 II includes an added feature called Bose Connect, which lets customers tailor their listening experience. The QC 35 II has an IPX4 classification, which protects against sweat and water splashes. 

The QC 25 headphones, on the other hand, lack an IP rating. With these comparisons in hand, it’s evident that the Bose QuietComfort 25 falls short in this category. After thoroughly comparing the QC 35 II and QC 25, it’s time to reveal the ultimate victor.

Price & Value

There is a slight cost difference between the two models. Both alternatives provide fair value for their respective price points. The higher cost of the QC 35 reflects the added convenience of wireless capability, making it a worthwhile investment for the comfort it delivers.

In the big scheme of things, both models provide good value for money, and the upgrade fee for the QC 35 appears justifiable given the improvements it provides.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Bose QuietComfort 25: Pros And Cons

When comparing the Bose QuietComfort 25 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, consider the following pros and cons:

Which is the Winner?

The Bose QC 35 II is the clear winner in our detailed analysis. If you frequently travel or are constantly on the go, the QC 35 II is unquestionably your best option. Its the wireless capability and compact folding form make it an ideal companion for your travels.

Furthermore, if having a digital assistant embedded into your headphones is a priority, as well as class-leading noise canceling, the QC 35 II checks those boxes.

While they excel in comfort and appearance, there may be a tiny reduction in sound quality – a trade-off that is acceptable considering the total package.

The QC 25 is a suitable option for people whose primary concern is sound quality and who are unconcerned by the presence of a wire. All things considered, and taking into account comfort, features, and performance, I wholeheartedly suggest the Bose QC 35 II headphones over the Bose QC 25 headphones.

If you are dissatisfied with the performance of either model, there are options. Explore the suggestions in the next area to find other options that match your interests.

Alternative Options

Consider the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Beats Studio3 Wireless as alternatives to the Beats Solo Pro and Bose NC 700. The Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out for its industry-leading ANC, comfort, and adjustable sound profile via the Headphones Connect app.

Meanwhile, the Beats Solo Pro features high-performance Bluetooth noise canceling that is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and provides 22 hours of quality listening time. These solutions provide a variety of possibilities to fit your interests. This concludes the information presented.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs 25: Go for The Best One – FAQs

What are the main changes between the Bose QC 35 II and QC 25?

The main differences are in wireless capabilities and active noise canceling. The QC 35 II provides wireless freedom and integrated digital assistants, whereas the QC 25 is wired and lacks digital assistant capability.

Which model is more comfortable and appealing in terms of design?

Both versions prioritize comfort with substantial padding, but the QC 35 II stands out for its wireless design and sleek finish, which improves on-the-go comfort.

Is there a substantial difference in the sound quality between the two models?

The QC 25 excels in terms of sound quality, giving a rich and detailed audio experience. While the QC 35 II provides respectable sound, it may sacrifice a tiny advantage in sound quality for wireless ease.

Can I use the Bose Connect or Bose Music apps with both models?

Yes, both versions are compatible with the Bose Connect app, which allows for control customization and firmware updates. However, the latest Bose Music app provides limited capability for the QC 35 II and an in-app EQ for the QC 25.

Is the price difference between the two models justified?

The pricing difference is mostly due to the QC 35 II’s wifi capability and digital assistant integration. If these are critical to your needs, the higher price may be justified. However, if sound quality and price are important, the QC 25 is a good buy.

Final Thoughts

I hope our comparison of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC 25 provided you with useful information for making an informed selection.

Examine the differences thoroughly to choose the model that best meets your needs. May your new headphones offer you joy. Throughout this discussion, your time and attention have been greatly appreciated.

Now, which headset should you choose? It’s simple: if you like digital assistant integration and a wireless experience, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the right pick.

It adapts to your demands by providing great sound quality and comfort. If wired headphones don’t bother you and you want to save money, the Bose QuietComfort 25 is a great option.