Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH 1000XM2: Find The Winner

If you’re looking for high-quality noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM2 pairing is a steal! These two noise-cancelling heavyweights guarantee a listening experience like no other.

When faced with the choice between them, though, uncertainty may set in – which one to choose? Relax, because today’s debate is built specifically for you: Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM2.

Your inquiry is answered here. So, without further ado, immerse yourself in this complete comparison and allow it to guide you toward making an informed and confident decision regarding your next audio investment.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs. Sony WH 1000XM2: Find The Winner – A Complete Guide

This comprehensive analysis compares the Bose QuietComfort 35 II with the Sony WH 1000XM2. Explore their features, sound quality, comfort, and more to make an informed decision on the best noise-canceling headphones for you.

Specification

Features	Sony WH 1000XM2	Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Driver Size	40 mm.	40 mm.
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40 kHz.	10 Hz – 20 kHz.
Impedance	46 ohms.	55.6 ohms.
Battery Life	Up to 30 hours.	Up to 20 hours.
Charging Time	4 hours.	2.25 hours.
Fast Charging Feature	10 min charge = 70 min playback.	15 min charge = 2.5 hours playback.
Charging Cable Type	Micro USB.	Micro USB.
Bluetooth Version	4.1.	4.1.
Bluetooth Codec	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC.	SBC, AAC.
Wireless Range	10 m.	10 m.
Color	Black, Gold.	Black, Silver.
IP Rating	No.	IPX4.
Dimension	7.29 x 2.92 x 9.81 inches.	3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches.
Weight	9.7 ounces.	8.3 ounces.
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Sony WH 1000XM2
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Protective Case
Cable	Cable
Warranty Card	Warranty Card

Fit & Comfort

Concerning the comfort of the Sony WH1000XM2, my extended listening sessions provided great results, as I was able to listen to music for several hours without interruption. The earcups’ generous size assures a secure fit, especially for people with larger ears.

The extremely soft leatherette earpads comfortably cradle the pinna while applying minimal pressure. While the adjustable headband lacks padding, it is less tiring for shorter periods of time.

The effective seal established around the ears does hinder ventilation, which may contribute to increased sweat, implying that this headset is better suited for leisurely activities rather than hard workouts.

After switching to the Bose QC 35 II, my satisfaction with the Sony 1000xm2’s comfort reached new heights. The Bose product is substantially lighter, ensuring a precise fit without putting undue strain on your ears or head.

This featherweight feature contributes to increased comfort, especially during long listening sessions. Furthermore, the well-padded headband and memory foam earpads add to the headphones’ comfort level.

The roomy and airy ear cups act as a buffer between your ears and the headphones, avoiding discomfort and sweat buildup over long periods of wear.

Sound quality is definitely the most important feature of a headset. If a headphone’s audio output is poor, its value is greatly lessened. As a result, before making a decision, it is critical to thoroughly evaluate the sound quality of each of these rivals.

Design & Build

When it comes to physical features, the Sony WH 1000XM2 headphones have a precise design with a semi-reflective plastic surface.

The earcups’ matte and textured finish gives them a leather-like appearance, adding to the overall visual appeal. In addition, the metal-built headband has a padded bottom, and the earcups are covered in imitation leather.

The etched Sony logo over each earcup lends a touch of class to the ensemble. Despite the fact that the arms and hinges are constructed of plastic, as opposed to the metal headband, this should not have a significant impact on the build quality.

Moving on to the Bose QC 35 II, the outer shell is made of durable glass-filled nylon plastic, while the headband is made of stainless steel. Padding the headband with plush Alcantara automotive cloth adds a layer of comfort.

The company logo, prominently displayed on top of the earcups, adds a distinct touch that I personally enjoy. It’s worth considering whether the usage of plastic detracts from the luxury feel, while the Sony 1000xm2’s plastic composition must also be considered.

Leaving such issues aside, Bose has adopted high-quality materials for the earpads, which are also replaceable. So, who will win this design battle? Based on my review, the Bose QC 35 II is the clear winner due to its well-balanced blend of materials and aesthetics.

In terms of comfort, which is crucial in headphone choosing, both rivals are worthy of consideration. As a discerning consumer, your search for a pleasant auditory companion merits informative advice, which I intend to deliver in the next segment.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Bose QC 35 II has a pleasant and well-balanced sound signature. It has a strong and snappy bass presence, but no overbearing sub-bass.

The bass extension is particularly good, adding a sense of precision to the music. Within the lush and full midrange, the vocal and guitar sounds are distinct and slightly forward.

Even at greater volumes, the high frequencies are clear and distortion-free. An upper treble peak improves detail and clarity, although it may cause occasional roughness at higher frequencies. 

The midrange is slightly forward, while the emphasized highs add to an overall sound profile that excels in clarity and detail, particularly in the upper registers.

As we near the end of our examination, one question remains: Which headphones will emerge victorious in this auditory battle? Though the sound profiles of both rivals are comparable, an astute listener will notice that the Bose QC 35 II has a more balanced and neutral acoustic tone.

While the bass power is equivalent to that of the Sony, the Bose emerges as the clearer performer in reproducing instruments and vocalists, owing to its more balanced mid and treble regions.

With a focus on noise cancellation in these two sets of headphones, the following comparison will determine which can best cater to our auditory sanctuaries.

Noise Cancellation

Bose has long been regarded as the pinnacle of ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) headphones, but Sony has been anything but complacent.

Sony set out on a quest to demonstrate their expertise in creating superior noise-canceling headphones, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technology. So, what separates these two titans in this arena? In essence, not much, but one is slightly ahead of the other.

Let us start with the Bose QC 35 II. This headphone excels at blocking out distracting background noises since it has both internal and external microphones. It excels at eliminating a wide range of noises, from the intrusive ‘wacka-wacka’ of a jackhammer to the soft ‘whoosh’ of the wind.

Because of its extensive noise reduction capabilities, the Bose QC 35 II is well-suited for a variety of circumstances, including subway rides and air travel.

However, if I had to pick a winner, I’d go with the Sony WH 1000XM2. This headphone triumphs in this head-to-head showdown because of its slightly greater performance.

Sony has upped the noise cancellation game with the WH 1000XM2, delivering improved technology along with ambient sound management, atmospheric pressure optimization, an equalizer, and surround sound position adjustment.

These extra features contribute to a higher level of noise suppression, delivering a more advanced auditory experience.

Sony’s Ambient Sound Control dynamically adjusts noise-cancelling settings based on your movement, as detected by smartphone sensors.

Furthermore, the headphone includes extra features that are useful for air travel, such as the Atmospheric Pressure Optimizer, which adjusts noise canceling according to the plane’s altitude.

The Sony WH1000XM2 excels at frequencies, effectively suppressing outside noise to a surprising degree. Its ability to effectively and fully regulate varied noises makes it a serious rival in the field of noise cancellation.

Microphone or Call Quality

During my conversations with the Sony WH 1000XM2, the person on the other end of the line noticed a surprising clarity in my speech. They were truly startled because I didn’t appear to be wearing headphones. To be fair, I was at home during the talk, where the environment was noticeably quieter.

However, it is crucial to note that the experience may differ in louder environments. In such situations, the microphone tends to pick up a substantial quantity of ambient noise, which is a disadvantage.

In contrast, the integrated microphones on the Bose QC 35 II excel in canceling ambient noise and delivering crystal-clear vocals regardless of your surroundings.

Whether I spoke outside in windy circumstances or inside my home, the call quality was constantly excellent. In fact, most callers assumed I was speaking directly into my smartphone. This domain clearly has a clear winner.

While you already have a general idea of the battery life of these two headphones, the next section digs into further specifics for your review.

Battery Life

In terms of battery life, the Bose QC 35 II offers up to 20 hours of playback, while the Sony WH 1000XM2 offers up to 30 hours of battery life when noise canceling is turned on. Sony clearly wins this round. However, when it comes to speedy charging, Bose wins.

As demonstrated in the previous comparison chart, the QC 35 II provides 2.5 hours of playing after only 15 minutes of charging, beating the 1000XM2’s 70-minute playback after only 10 minutes of charging.

While the Bose headphone’s battery life of 20 hours falls short of Sony’s offering, its unique fast charging capability compensates admirably, giving convenience when it is most needed.

Although Sony claims victory in terms of battery longevity, the QC 35 II’s rapid charging capability cannot be overlooked. As a result, the score shifts significantly, highlighting each contender’s distinct qualities.

If you’re wondering which of these headphones has a more user-friendly control mechanism, the next section will offer you the answers.

Control System

The Sony WH 1000XM2 features a clever touch-sensitive control system on the right earcup. This touchpad responds well to swipe movements, allowing for seamless track navigation with left or right swipes.

Volume is controlled by swiping up or down, while play and pause are facilitated by a double-tap motion. A lengthy press will activate your selected voice assistant. A power button and an NC/ambient button are located at the bottom of the left earcup.

In comparison, the Bose QC 35 II employs a more classic three-button control method, eschewing Sony’s ultramodern touch controls.

The right earcup has volume up and down buttons as well as a play/pause button at the bottom. The power or pairing button is also included in the same earcup. Customization allows you to configure the left earcup’s button to noise-canceling modes or access Google Assistant.

In terms of usability, the Bose QC 35 II appears to be the winner. While advanced, the touch-sensitive control technology may lack the precision of physical buttons, resulting in unintentional inputs. In this aspect, the Bose QC 35 II provides a more straightforward and accurate control experience.

As a result, my vote for this round is aligned with the Bose QC 35 II’s basket, demonstrating the continued attractiveness of physical buttons in navigation and control.

Connectivity

The Sony WH 1000XM2 not only supports Sony’s proprietary high-resolution audio codec LDAC (only compatible with Sony, Android 8+ sources); it also supports aptX, aptX HD, and AAC codecs, catering to Android and Apple devices, respectively.

This adaptability offers the highest-quality Bluetooth audio experience on the WH 1000XM2, providing your phone supports AAC and aptX.

Otherwise, you may wind up with lower-quality audio in the SBC codec. The Bose QC 35 II, on the other hand, only supports SBC and AAC codecs, making the 1000XM2 ideal for high-quality audio streaming.

Both headphones include companion apps meant to improve your listening experience. In the following comparison, I’ll look at the features of their respective compatible apps.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

When it comes to wireless audio quality, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH 1000XM2 both have their unique advantages.

Both headphones support a variety of Bluetooth codecs, increasing the diversity of your listening experience. The Sony WH 1000XM2 takes the lead in terms of compatibility with high-quality codecs such as LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, and AAC.

This enables a greater range of devices to produce excellent audio quality, particularly when it comes to high-resolution material and low-latency performance for video streaming.

The Bose QC 35 II, on the other hand, supports SBC and AAC codecs, appealing to Apple consumers who want the best audio quality.

In essence, the choice between these two models in terms of Bluetooth codec support is determined by your individual audio tastes and the devices you regularly use.

The Sony WH 1000XM2’s vast codec compatibility assures a superb audio experience across a larger range of platforms, whilst the Bose QC 35 II’s focus on AAC provides excellent performance for Apple customers.

Understanding these differences will allow you to make an informed selection on which headset best matches your desired audio quality and device compatibility.

App Feature

Sony’s dedicated Headphone Connect app is a treasure trove of extra features that enable a tailored listening experience.

You can smoothly switch between multiple ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) modes inside the app to adjust to varying situations and air pressure. Furthermore, the app’s multitude of signal processing capabilities allows you to customize the aural profile of your music.

Among its features are the ability to establish a concert-like ambiance, equalize your audio, and create the illusion of 3D space speakers.

When basic EQ settings are combined with disabled signal processors, functions such as Ambient Sound Control, ANC optimizer, and quality preferences become available.

The only thing lacking could be an auto-off timer feature. When it comes to the Bose Connect app, one noteworthy flaw is the lack of an adjuster, which reduces its appeal.

However, a novel feature emerges: Music Share. This enables simultaneous audio streaming to two pairs of Bose headphones, as well as firmware upgrades.

Sony’s WH 1000XM2 wins the final phase of testing. After thoroughly comparing the Bose QuietComfort 35 II with the Sony WH-1000XM2, it’s time to crown the final winner of this competition.

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?

Have you guessed who the winner is? Without hesitation, I prefer the Bose QC 35 II over the Sony WH 1000XM2. The QC 35 II emerges as the best wireless headset, with a reduced weight and improved comfort, supplemented by an easy-to-use control system.

Notably, Bose offers a more balanced and neutral sound profile. While the bass remains consistent in both headphones, the QC 35 II’s crisp audio quality originates from its well-tuned mids and trebles.

Sony’s 1000XM2 has a little advantage in high-quality codecs and somewhat greater ANC, but these minor differences do not outweigh the overall excellence of the Bose product. 

If neither headphone meets your expectations, don’t worry; I’m ready to offer some choices. Explore your options further in the next sections.

Alternative Options

Consider the following alternatives to the Bose QC 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM2:

Sennheiser PXC 550-II: These noise-canceling headphones have a comfortable design, a 30-hour battery life, and outstanding low-frequency noise reduction.

They guarantee a great audio experience with a touch-sensitive control mechanism and AptX and AptX Low Latency codec support, similar to the Sony WH 1000XM2.

Shure AONIC 50 ANC Headphones: Immerse yourself in excellent studio-quality sound with Shure’s AONIC 50 wireless noise-canceling headphones.

These headphones have Bluetooth 5.0 technology and a variety of high-quality codec support, as well as excellent ANC performance and a stylish leather-wrapped appearance.

With these possibilities, you have a variety of options to pick from based on your interests and priorities. This concludes today’s debate; I’ll end this write-up here.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH 1000XM2: Find The Winner – FAQs

1. Which headphone has superior noise cancelling, the Bose QC 35 II or the Sony WH 1000XM2?

Both headphones excel in noise cancellation, but the Sony WH 1000XM2 has a slight advantage due to its advanced noise-canceling capabilities and features like ambient pressure optimization.

2. How does the sound quality compare between the Bose QC 35 II and the Sony WH 1000XM2?

While both headphones provide good sound, the Bose QC 35 II has a more balanced and clean sound profile. The Sony WH 1000XM2 has a pleasant tone with improved bass, and its LDAC codec support contributes to high-resolution audio.

3. Which headphone is more comfortable for longer usage, the Bose QC 35 II or the Sony WH 1000XM2?

The Bose QC 35 II is the winner in terms of comfort, as it is lightweight and has a well-padded headband and velvety earpads. Sony WH 1000XM2 is also pleasant, but it may seem significantly heavier after extended usage.

4. What about battery life? Which headphone lasts the longest?

The Sony WH 1000XM2 has a 30-hour battery life with ANC on, which outperforms the Bose QC 35 II’s 20-hour playback duration. However, Bose’s rapid charging capability is a useful feature.

5. Are there any noteworthy features in the companion applications for these headphones?

Yes, both headphones have companion applications. Sony’s Headphone Connect software allows for sophisticated customization, sound tuning, and ANC settings. Bose’s app also allows for customization, with a focus on ANC levels and music sharing between two headphones.

Final Thoughts

In the domain of noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM2 continue a contest begun by their predecessors. Your choice will be influenced by your sound signature preferences as well as requirements such as high-resolution audio playback.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is designed for leisurely extended listening sessions, whilst the Sony WH-1000XM2 is better suited for active music fans.

Both headphone models in this guide provide excellent sound quality and comfort. Nonetheless, these small distinctions do not imply lower quality in either; they only serve to aid in your well-informed decision-making process.

Our thorough analysis has shed light on the subtle differences between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH 1000XM2. Armed with this knowledge, take a minute to reflect and select a suitable match for your interests and needs.

Enjoy moments of musical delight and serenity with your chosen headphones. Thank you for joining me on this adventure.