Bose Quietcomfort 35 vs 700: Which Headphones Reign?
Struggling to choose between the Bose QuietComfort 35 and the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700? You’re not alone! Both headphones promise an oasis of tranquility in a noisy world, but they approach noise cancellation and overall performance in distinct ways. Deciding which one is right for you can be tricky.
This comparison dives deep, dissecting the key differences between the Bose QuietComfort 35 and the 700. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation effectiveness to design, comfort, and extra features. Get ready to discover which Bose headphones best suit your needs and listening preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or simply seeking a peaceful commute, this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each model, ensuring you understand the strengths of the Bose QuietComfort 35 and the innovative features of the 700.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | QC35 | 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone System | Dual-mic | 8-mic |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Charging Time | 2.25 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Controls | No | Yes |
| Earcup Design | Swivel | Swivel |
| Weight | 8.3 oz | 8.96 oz |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable EQ | No | Yes |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Comfort
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Over-ear design with a classic, folding design. Known for its lightweight build and comfortable earcups, but some users find the headband clamping force a bit strong. The design is practical but less premium-feeling.
- 700: Sleeker, more modern design with a stainless steel headband and a more refined aesthetic. Offers a comfortable fit with earcups that pivot for a better seal, but some may find them slightly heavier than the QC35.
- Winner: 700
Noise Cancellation
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Excellent noise cancellation, a hallmark of Bose. Effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient sounds, making it ideal for travel and noisy environments. However, the noise cancellation tech is older compared to the 700.
- 700: Industry-leading noise cancellation with 11 levels of adjustability. Offers superior noise reduction, including a more effective blocking of higher-frequency sounds, and can be customized to suit user preferences.
- Winner: 700
Sound Quality
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Delivers balanced sound with a focus on clarity and a pleasant listening experience. Bass response is present but not overpowering. Good for general listening, but audiophiles may find them lacking in detail.
- 700: Offers a more refined and detailed sound profile. Provides a wider soundstage and clearer highs, resulting in a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
- Winner: 700
Microphone Quality & Call Clarity
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Integrated dual-microphone system for calls. Performs reasonably well in quiet environments, but can struggle in noisy settings, with callers reporting more background noise.
- 700: Features an unparalleled eight-microphone system for clear calls. Isolates the user’s voice while effectively blocking out ambient noise. Provides excellent call quality in various environments.
- Winner: 700
Battery Life
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. Provides a solid battery performance, adequate for most daily use cases.
- 700: Delivers up to 20 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on. Offers similar battery life to the QC35, and provides an additional 2.5 hours when noise cancellation is off.
- Winner: Tie
Controls and Connectivity
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Features physical buttons for volume, power, and Bluetooth pairing. Easy to use and reliable, but lack the sophistication of touch controls.
- 700: Touch controls on the earcups for volume, playback, and voice assistant activation. Offers a more modern and intuitive user experience.
- Winner: 700
Voice Assistant Integration
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Compatible with voice assistants, but the integration is not as seamless as in the 700. Requires a button press to activate the assistant.
- 700: Built-in voice assistant access with dedicated button or voice activation (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant). Offers quick and convenient access to voice assistants.
- Winner: 700
Price
- Bose Quietcomfort 35: Often available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. A good value for its features, especially if found on sale.
- 700: Generally more expensive, reflecting its premium design, advanced features, and superior performance.
- Winner: QC35
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | QC35 |
| Design | 700 |
| Noise Cancellation | 700 |
| Call Quality | 700 |
| Features | 700 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both the QC35 and 700 headphones feature Bose’s renowned active noise cancellation technology, effectively blocking out ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. This is a key feature in both models.
- Comfort: Both headphones are known for their comfortable over-ear design, with plush earcups and a lightweight build, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They are both designed to be comfortable.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, allowing for easy pairing with smartphones, tablets, and other devices. This provides freedom of movement.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Both headphones offer voice assistant integration, allowing users to access Siri, Google Assistant, or other voice assistants with a button press. This allows for hands-free control.
- Excellent Audio Quality: Bose is known for its high-quality audio, and both headphones deliver clear, balanced sound with a focus on powerful bass and crisp highs. The sound profiles are similar.
Bose Quietcomfort 35 Vs 700 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) prioritizes a lightweight and comfortable design, ideal for extended wear. Its plush earcups and headband provide a gentle fit, making it suitable for long flights or work sessions. The QC700, while also comfortable, features a sleeker, more modern design. It uses premium materials and offers a slightly more secure fit. The QC700’s headband is stainless steel, and the earcups are angled for a better seal. Both models are comfortable, but the QC35 often gets the edge for its lighter feel.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Both headphones excel in noise cancellation, but the QC700 takes the lead. The QC700 offers 11 levels of noise cancellation, allowing users to customize the level of quietness. The QC35 provides excellent noise cancellation, effectively blocking out ambient sounds like airplane engines and office chatter. However, the QC700’s advanced processing and multiple microphones provide a more refined and adaptable noise-canceling experience. The difference, while noticeable, isn’t always significant in everyday scenarios.
Sound Quality Comparison
The QC700 offers a slightly more balanced and detailed sound profile. It delivers crisp highs, clear mids, and well-defined bass, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. The QC35 produces a pleasant sound, but its audio presentation may lack some of the clarity found in the QC700. The QC35 is still good, offering a warm and enjoyable sound. Music enthusiasts might find the QC700 to be a better choice, given its more refined sound quality.
Microphone Quality for Calls
The QC700 boasts a superior microphone system, making it ideal for phone calls and voice assistants. It features a sophisticated array of microphones that isolate your voice while minimizing background noise. This results in clearer and more natural-sounding conversations, even in noisy environments. The QC35’s microphone is adequate for calls, but the QC700’s performance is noticeably better. The QC700 is a better choice if you frequently take calls.
Battery Life and Charging
The QC35 offers impressive battery life, often lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge. The QC700 offers a similar battery life, so you’re not sacrificing battery life between the two models. Both headphones charge via a USB connection. Quick charging capabilities are available on both models, allowing you to get several hours of playback time with a short charge. The battery life is an important factor for travelers and anyone who uses their headphones frequently.
Features and Controls
The QC700 offers more advanced features and controls. It includes touch controls on the earcups for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and answering calls. It also integrates seamlessly with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The QC35 has physical buttons for basic controls, which are easy to use. Both headphones offer Bluetooth connectivity. The QC700 provides a more modern and intuitive user experience due to its touch controls and voice assistant integration.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy bose quietcomfort 35 If…
- You prioritize a more affordable option.
- You prefer a classic, understated design.
- You want a simple, easy-to-use experience without touch controls.
- You need a reliable, well-established noise-canceling headphone.
Buy 700 If…
- You want the latest features and a more premium design.
- You value superior call quality with a more advanced microphone system.
- You prefer touch controls for easy music navigation.
- You want a more modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Bose QC35 and QC700?
The primary difference lies in the design, noise cancellation, and features. The QC700 has a more modern design, offers 11 levels of noise cancellation, and features touch controls. The QC35 is lighter and has physical buttons for control. The QC700 offers a more premium experience, while the QC35 is still an excellent choice for a lower price point.
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
The Bose QC700 offers superior noise cancellation. It uses a more advanced system with multiple microphones and customizable levels. This allows the QC700 to adapt better to different environments and effectively block out a wider range of noises. The QC35 offers excellent noise cancellation but does not have the same level of adjustability.
Which headphone has better sound quality?
The Bose QC700 has slightly better sound quality, with a more balanced and detailed sound profile. It delivers crisp highs, clear mids, and well-defined bass. The QC35 still provides good sound quality, but the QC700 offers a more immersive and refined listening experience. The differences are not dramatic, but the QC700 edges out the QC35.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
The Bose QC700 is significantly better for phone calls. It features a superior microphone system with multiple microphones that isolate your voice while minimizing background noise. This results in clearer and more natural-sounding conversations, even in noisy environments. The QC35’s microphone is adequate, but the QC700 is a better choice.
What are the battery life differences?
Both headphones offer comparable battery life, with around 20 hours of playback on a single charge. The QC700 and QC35 also support quick charging, providing several hours of playback with a short charging period. So, in terms of battery life, there is not a big difference between the two models.
What are the control differences?
The QC700 features touch controls on the earcups, allowing users to adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls with simple gestures. The QC35 utilizes physical buttons for these controls. While both are effective, the touch controls of the QC700 provide a more modern and intuitive user experience. The QC35 is easier to use.
Which headphone is more expensive?
The Bose QC700 is generally more expensive than the QC35. The QC700’s premium features, advanced technology, and modern design contribute to its higher price point. The QC35 offers excellent value for its price and remains a competitive option for those seeking high-quality noise cancellation at a more affordable cost.
Final Verdict
The Bose QC700 emerges as the superior choice, delivering enhanced noise cancellation, a more refined sound profile, and a more sophisticated design with touch controls. While the QC35 remains a strong contender, the QC700 offers a more premium experience, particularly for those prioritizing call quality and advanced features. Though both are high-quality headphones, the QC700 takes the win.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort 700