Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Who Is Better?

In your search for premium active noise-canceling headphones, you’ve probably come across outstanding candidates, Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM3. Both of these over-ear models have exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, a long battery life, and a wealth of features.

If you’re stuck on which one to choose, don’t worry—I’m here to help. Examine the features of these two headphones before making your purchase. Who sets the standard for battery longevity?

What distinguishes their well-known noise-canceling technology? Investigate the specifics of their differences to make an informed decision. Join us as we explore the gripping war of sonic dominance between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM3.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Who Is Better? – A Complete Guide

Before delving into a deeper comparison, take a look at the table below for a short summary of their important specifications.

This side-by-side comparison will provide a fundamental grasp of each model. Following that, I will perform an in-depth head-to-head comparison of these top noise-canceling headphones, beginning with their design and construction.

Specification

Features	Sony WH 1000XM3	Bose Quietcomfort 35 II
Driver Size	40 mm.	40 mm.
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40 kHz.	10 Hz – 20 kHz.
Sound Pressure Level	104.5dB/mW.	90dB/mW.
Impedance	47 Ohms (Active). 16 Ohms (Passive).	55.6 ohms.
Battery Life	Up to 30 hours.	Up to 20 hours.
Charging Time	3 hours.	2.25 hours.
Fast Charging	5 hours playback.	15 min charge = 2.5 hours playback.
Charging Cable Type	USB-C.	Micro USB.
Bluetooth Range	10 m.	10 m.
Bluetooth Version	4.2.	4.1.
Color	Black, Silver.	Black, Silver.
Codec Support	SBC, AAC, LDAC, AptX, AptX HD.	SBC, AAC.
IP Rating	No.	IPX4.
Number of Microphones	3.	2.
Dimension	7.31 x 2.94 x 10.44 inches.	3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches.
Weight	9 ounces.	8.3 ounces.
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Sony 1000xm3
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Protective Case
Cable	Cable
Warranty Card	Warranty Card

Fit & Comfort

Both the Bose QC 35 II and the Sony WH-1000XM3 have a comfortable fit, however, there is a significant difference in their weight.

The Bose QC 35 II is lighter than Sony’s 1000XM3, resulting in a less apparent clamping force on the head. This lighter clamping contributes to the QC 35 II’s reputation as one of the most comfortable headphones on the market.

The headband on the Bose headphones is softer, whilst the headband on the 1000XM3 is more flexible. Sony’s memory foam earpads, on the other hand, are notably plusher and better cushioned. To reduce fatigue during extended use, the smaller weight of the Bose QC 35 II is preferred. 

Despite utilizing the larger Sony 1000XM3 for an extended period of time, a brief break can alleviate any pain. When it comes to overall comfort, the Bose QC 35 II is the clear winner in this category.

Now, let’s look at one of the most important characteristics of headphones: their sound profile. While neither headphone sounds bad, there are noticeable variances that will influence your choice.

Understanding these distinctions is critical for making an informed decision. Stay tuned to find out which headphone gives a performance that matches your preferences.

Design & Build

Both the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Sony WH-1000XM3 are over-ear closed-back headphones that come in two separate colors, as seen earlier in the table.

These types are mostly made of plastic and have memory foam earpads and swiveling earcups. Both headphones can be folded for easy storage and portability. Both versions are well-built, with sturdiness under pressure and the ability to withstand minor drops.

In the case of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, Bose has kept the original design of the QC35 while enlarging the oval-shaped ear cups. The resultant style is inviting, with leather-padded headbands and soft ear cushions that radiate a premium feel. 

The Sony WH-1000XM3, on the other hand, has adopted a revised design from its predecessor, the XM2, but it may not emanate the same level of luxury elegance as the QC 35 II.

The inclusion of broad microphones atop each earcup adds a touch of refinement, yet it falls somewhat short of Bose’s design attractiveness. Both headphones have excellent build quality, but Bose’s subtle design wins for its broad appeal.

In terms of design, the Bose QC 35 II has a minor advantage over the 1000XM3. Because comfort is essential, especially for prolonged usage, the next section will look at which of these headphones has the best comfort features.

Sound Quality

Sony’s competence in sound engineering, similar to Bose’s expertise in noise canceling, frames the outcome of this round as unsurprising. Sony’s headphone has a notable advantage due to its use of analog amplification.

The 1000XM3 has Sony’s QN1 processor, which combines Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), and an analog amplifier to outstanding effect. Sony takes pride in a broad and meticulously detailed soundscape that allows each instrument and vocal to breathe.

The noticeable pressure variation of piano key pressing attests to this ability. Sony’s QN1 processor and trademark bass profile improve fidelity by eliminating distortion and providing cleaner, more impactful sounds. 

Flux Pavilion’s “I Can’t Stop” keeps its brightness, with the bass end remaining vibrant rather than drab. Sony’s headphones provide a vivid and airy portrayal of live music recordings.

In contrast, Bose’s QC 35 II provides a wide, clean sound with well-managed highs and mids, albeit the bass dominates the sound profile and lacks depth. Astute ears may notice some treble unevenness.

In comparison, Sony’s WH 1000XM3 has earthier bass, greater insight, and more detailed, nuanced depth across the spectrum. Sony wins this category as a whole.

Now that we’ve examined their sound profiles, it’s time to reveal their abilities in canceling or isolating ambient noise – a critical component we’ll investigate right away.

Noise Cancellation

Bose has long been regarded as the gold standard in active noise cancellation (ANC), but as time goes on, other firms, such as Sony, have implemented digital ANC into their headphones.

The combination of internal and external microphones in Bose headphones effectively eliminates undesirable background noise, such as jackhammer clacks or wind gusts. The QC35 II excels at noise reduction across a wide range of frequencies, making it an excellent choice for flights and commutes.

However, Sony’s 1000XM3 outperforms the Bose competitor by suppressing a broader range of noises. While Bose offers three degrees of noise reduction, Sony offers a whopping 20 levels, exhibiting an advantage in versatility. 

Sony’s Ambient Sound Control feature intelligently analyzes your activity, whether walking, running, or standing still, and adjusts noise-canceling settings accordingly, utilizing smartphone sensors.

This thorough frequency blocking is both smart and effective. Sony also touts useful features for travelers, such as the Atmospheric Pressure Optimizer, which improves noise cancellation efficiency at greater altitudes during aircraft travel.

In the battle of noise cancellation, Sony’s ingenuity and customization prowess triumph, providing a more comprehensive and dynamic ANC experience.

Microphone or Call Quality

The WH-1000XM3’s call quality is below average but adequate. However, the microphones struggle with background noise interference, notably wind noise.

Calls can become practically inaudible due to low volume, leaving the person on the other end difficult to hear clearly. Bose, on the other hand, excels in call quality thanks to its built-in microphones that are adept at eliminating ambient noise and delivering crystal-clear vocals.

Whether you’re outside in windy circumstances or inside, call quality is consistently good. Callers frequently mistook my voice for speaking directly into a smartphone because they could hear me clearly and loudly. 

This factor clearly favors Bose. While the battery life facts are given in the table, further information on this subject is offered in the following section.

Recording Quality

Both headphones can be used as microphones if you want to record audio. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers crisp and precise voice recordings, making it excellent for voice notes and casual recording.

The Sony WH-1000XM3 has adequate recording quality as well, while the Bose model generally delivers crisper recordings.

Battery Life

The gap in battery life between 20 and 30 hours is significant, with Sony emerging as the clear winner in this category. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a battery life of up to 20 hours, whereas the Sony 1000XM3 has a battery life of up to 30 hours.

However, your own experience may differ depending on aspects such as noise cancellation mode, volume levels, and EQ settings. Despite the nearly 10-hour difference in battery life, both devices have a similar recharging time.

However, Sony claims an advantage once more with its quick charging capability. A 10-minute charge produces an amazing five hours of playback, whilst the Bose counterpart gets 2.5 hours from a 15-minute charge. 

Both headphones have a sleep mode to save energy when not in use. Looking ahead, the control system of a headphone is important, determining its overall ease and user-friendliness. Stay tuned to find out which headphone triumphs in this critical part.

Control System

Sony uses a modern touch sensor control panel, but the Bose QC 35 II uses the series’ standard control system, which is located on the right ear cup.

The Bose headset has a power or pairing button that has a noticeable recoil when pressed. Volume and play/pause controls are located on the bottom of the right ear cup, while the left ear cup houses a novel dedicated Action button for noise-canceling modes, which is programmable for Google Assistant access.

In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM3’s touch touchscreen is incredibly responsive to swipe gestures, performing commands flawlessly. 

It supports tapping for call and playback control, swiping up and down for volume adjustments, and swiping left and right for track navigation. Two physical buttons are neatly located beneath the touch display for listening modes and power control, creating a practical and user-friendly arrangement.

While the Bose button layout emphasizes utility, the Sony 1000XM3’s touch controls are remarkably impressive. When making a purchase decision, it is also important to evaluate the Bluetooth connectivity of wireless headphones. Stay tuned for additional information on this critical subject.

Connectivity

My dismay intensified when I discovered that neither of the headphones supports Bluetooth 5.0 technology.

The Bose QC 35 II, as shown in the table, has Bluetooth 4.1, but the Sony 1000XM3 has Bluetooth 4.2. Despite this minor difference in Bluetooth versions, their functional ranges remain comparable.

When it comes to pairing simplicity and reliability, though, the Bose QC 35 II comes out on top. When you turn on the Bose headphones, they go into pairing mode and quickly connect to your last synchronized device.

The Bose model additionally allows for multi-pairing, which the Sony 1000XM3 does not. At times, the Bose headphones connect beyond the usual range, reaching up to 35 feet without interruption. 

The WH-1000XM3 maintains consistent connectivity but occasionally encounters range decreases, with considerable interference at the 25-foot mark. Latency difficulties may also develop when using the 1000XM3.

However, it is crucial to note that connection is only one factor to consider; audio quality is greatly dependent on the Bluetooth headphone’s codec capabilities. Stay tuned to find out which headset has greater audio quality thanks to its codec capabilities.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones have the added benefit of supporting AptX, AptX HD, LDAC, SBC, and AAC Bluetooth codecs.

In comparison, the Bose QC 35 II only supports SBC and AAC codecs. Sony’s headphone stands out for its ability to support high-quality music streaming, giving it a substantial advantage over the QC 35 II.

Sony is the way to choose if audio quality is important to you. Both headphones come with their own companion applications to enhance the listening experience. In the following section, I will compare the features of these two applications.

App Feature

Both the Bose Connect app and the Sony Headphones Connect app let you to customize active noise cancellation, playback controls, and auto-off timings. However, Sony’s software has a variety of complex capabilities, such as room effects and different sound modification settings.

Because of features like Adaptive Sound Control and NC Optimizer, which change noise neutralization based on your motions and settings, adjusting noise cancellation via the Sony Headphones Connect app is noticeably easier. The Sound Position Control provides even more flexibility by accentuating sound in different positions. 

The Bose Connect app, on the other hand, lacks an equalizer, which is a significant downside. Despite this, the app contains unique features such as Music Share, which allows simultaneous music streaming on two pairs of Bose headphones, as well as firmware upgrades.

Bose’s app features fall short in comparison to Sony’s comprehensive and feature-rich software, putting it at a competitive disadvantage.

Support for Digital Assistants

Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the Bose QC35 II have adopted the digital assistant trend by integrating with Google Assistant. While Google’s AI bot works more smoothly on the Sony device, the Bose model offers broader compatibility by supporting alternative platforms such as Alexa.

With the Bose QC35 II, launching Google Assistant is as simple as pressing the dedicated Action button. Bose’s built-in microphones aid in capturing orders and vocals even in noisy environments. To use Alexa, you must update your firmware to version 6.2.2. 

The Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose QC35 II have both embraced the digital assistant trend by integrating with Google Assistant. While Google’s AI bot works more smoothly on the Sony device, the Bose equivalent offers broader compatibility by supporting alternative platforms such as Alexa.

The Bose QC35 II makes it simple to launch Google Assistant by just pressing the dedicated Action button. Bose’s built-in microphones assist in capturing commands and vocals even in noisy environments. To use Alexa, the firmware must be updated to version 6.2.2. 

Immersion and Soundstage

Sound quality and immersion are crucial for audiophiles and music fans. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a balanced sound profile with clear vocals and well-defined instrumentals. Its noise cancellation technology improves immersion by filtering out exterior disturbances.

The Sony WH-1000XM3, noted for its amazing sound quality, has a wider soundstage, creating a more immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the song.

Aesthetics & style

Style and aesthetics are crucial considerations, especially for people who want headphones that match their unique taste. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a classic design that emphasizes comfort and simplicity.

Sony’s WH-1000XM3, on the other hand, has a sleek and modern design with subtle touches that give it a classy appearance. Both headphones are available in a variety of colors to complement your personal taste.

Price & Value

When deciding between luxury headphones, price is often a deciding factor. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is normally priced in the mid-range luxury category, providing outstanding value for its features and performance.

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is typically priced similarly, making it a competitive option in terms of value for money. Finally, your budget and the characteristics that are most important to you will affect your choice.

Warranty & Support

Warranty and customer support are critical components of any purchase, particularly high-end gadgets. Bose and Sony are well-known for providing exceptional customer service and support.

Both versions normally come with a one-year limited guarantee, providing peace of mind in the event of any manufacturing flaws.

Extra Advantages

Both headphones have additional features that improve the overall user experience. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is Bose AR-compatible, enabling audio-augmented reality experiences via compatible apps.

The Sony WH-1000XM3 has an adaptive sound control technology that adjusts the degree of noise cancellation based on your activities and location, enhancing your listening experience.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Pros And Cons

When comparing the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, consider the following pros and cons:

Which is the Winner?

As we can see from the pros and disadvantages list, both options have their advantages. However, after attentively analyzing these two headphones, the moment has come to proclaim a winner. Without hesitation, I recommend the Sony WH-1000XM3 over the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.

Sony wins in crucial areas like sound quality, noise cancellation, app functionality, and streaming quality. With its industry-leading battery life and updated hardware, the WH-1000XM3 not only performs better but also shines in its whole offering. 

Look no further than Sony’s masterpiece if you want a well-balanced headset with superb sound quality and top-tier noise-canceling capabilities. You should have a good understanding of these noise-canceling headphones by now. If you’re still undecided, the following section offers alternatives to consider.

Alternative Options

Consider these options for the Bose QuietComfort and Sony WH-1000XM3:

Shure AONIC 50 ANC Headphones: The Shure AONIC 50 wireless noise-canceling headphones offer excellent studio-quality sound as well as extensive codec support via Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology. These headphones have excellent ANC performance and a sophisticated leather-wrapped appearance.

Sennheiser PXC 550-II: The Sennheiser PXC 550-II noise-canceling headphones have a comfortable design and excel in low-frequency noise cancellation.

These headphones provide improved audio quality thanks to compatibility with AptX and AptX Low Latency codecs. A phenomenal battery life of up to 30 hours and touch-sensitive controls further enhance the user experience.

As our study concludes, these alternatives offer compelling options for consumers looking for great sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and ergonomic designs. This brings us to the end of today’s insights.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Who Is Better – FAQs

Which headphones have the best noise cancellation?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM3 are both well-known for their outstanding noise-canceling capabilities.

Bose employs Acoustic Noise Cancellation technology, whilst Sony employs adaptive noise cancellation that adapts to your surroundings. Both versions efficiently block out extraneous noise, resulting in an immersive listening experience.

Are these headphones comfy to wear for an extended period of time?

Yes, both models promote comfort during extended use. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has comfortable ear cushions and a lightweight design that makes it ideal for lengthy trips or extended listening sessions. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has wider ear cups and plush padding, resulting in a snug fit that reduces discomfort.

Do these headphones have a long battery life?

Yes, both headphones have outstanding battery life. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers up to 20 hours of playback time on a single charge, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 offers up to 30 hours. This ensures undisturbed listening throughout the day, even on long travels.

Which headphones produce the best sound?

Both models produce high-quality sound, although their sound characteristics differ. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a balanced sound profile with clear vocals and well-defined instrumentals. Sony’s WH-1000XM3 has a more bass-heavy sound, which creates a powerful and immersive audio experience, especially for genres like electronic and hip-hop.

Are these headphones suitable for travel?

Both headphones are fantastic choices for travelers. Their noise-canceling technology contributes to the creation of a serene environment in the midst of noisy surroundings. Furthermore, their folding forms and protective cases make them portable. The greater battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM3 might be especially useful on lengthy travels.

Final Thoughts

Personal preferences determine whether you choose timeless comfort or current immersion. Whichever model you choose, both ensure an upgraded audio experience that is tailored to your own tastes and requirements. 

In the ultimate duel between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Sony WH-1000XM3, it’s evident that both headphones provide great features and performance. The Bose model excels in comfort and balanced sound, whilst Sony’s competitor has an immersive soundstage and superior noise cancellation.

After seeing the full comparison between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Sony WH-1000XM3, I believe you can now make an informed decision based on your tastes. Enjoy your headphone experience, and thank you for reading this essay. I wish you a pleasant time ahead.