Bose Qc 25 vs 35: Which Noise-Canceling Headphones Reign?
Struggling to choose between the Bose QuietComfort 25 and the QuietComfort 35 II? You’re not alone. Both headphones are renowned for their exceptional noise cancellation, but they come with distinct features and advantages. This comparison will help you navigate the differences and find the perfect pair for your needs.
The Bose QC25 has long been a favorite for its wired, reliable performance. The QC35 II, on the other hand, brings the convenience of wireless Bluetooth connectivity and some extra smart features. We’ll delve into the specifics, comparing sound quality, comfort, and features to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you prioritize a classic wired experience or the freedom of wireless, understanding the nuances of the Bose QC 25 vs 35 is key. Let’s explore the strengths of each model, helping you determine which noise-canceling headphones best suit your lifestyle and preferences. Get ready to discover which Bose headphone deserves a spot in your audio arsenal!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | QC25 | QC35 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wireless Connectivity | No | Yes (Bluetooth) |
| Battery Type | AAA Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Life (per charge/pair) | Up to 35 hours | Up to 20 hours (wireless), 40 hours (wired) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Cup Design | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Folding Design | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 195 g | 235 g |
| Audio Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Controls | In-line remote | On-earcup buttons |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | No | Yes (Google Assistant/Alexa) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Bose Qc 25: Excellent noise cancellation, particularly effective at blocking out low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and ambient noise. Requires a AAA battery for power.
- 35: Offers advanced noise cancellation with multiple modes, allowing users to adjust the level of noise reduction. Features a rechargeable battery and a longer battery life.
- Winner: 35
Sound Quality
- Bose Qc 25: Delivers clear and balanced sound with good detail. Some users may find the sound signature slightly less dynamic compared to newer models.
- 35: Provides a refined sound profile with improved clarity and a wider soundstage. Offers a more balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
- Winner: 35
Comfort
- Bose Qc 25: Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear, with plush earcups and a comfortable headband. Some users may find the on-ear design less comfortable than over-ear designs.
- 35: Features a more ergonomic over-ear design, with soft earcups and a lightweight build for long-lasting comfort. Considered to be one of the most comfortable headphones available.
- Winner: 35
Design & Build Quality
- Bose Qc 25: Durable construction with a focus on simplicity. Features a foldable design for easy storage and portability.
- 35: Modern design with premium materials and a sleek aesthetic. Offers a more refined look and feel, and is also foldable.
- Winner: 35
Battery Life
- Bose Qc 25: Runs on a single AAA battery, providing up to 35 hours of battery life. Requires the user to keep batteries on hand.
- 35: Offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. Provides a convenient rechargeable battery with quick-charging capabilities.
- Winner: 35
Connectivity
- Bose Qc 25: Wired connection only, which may be a disadvantage for some users who prefer wireless.
- 35: Wireless Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy pairing with devices. Also includes a wired option for use without Bluetooth.
- Winner: 35
Portability
- Bose Qc 25: Compact and foldable design with a included carrying case, making it easy to store and transport.
- 35: Similar compact and foldable design with a included carrying case, offering excellent portability.
- Winner: Tie
Microphone Performance
- Bose Qc 25: Includes an in-line microphone for phone calls, but the quality is not as good as the 35.
- 35: Features a built-in microphone for clear calls, and is designed for use in noisy environments.
- Winner: 35
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Wireless Connectivity | QC35 |
| Battery Life (Wireless) | QC35 |
| Portability | QC35 |
| Features | QC35 |
| Wired Battery Life | QC35 |
| Value | QC25 |
What They Have in Common
- Noise Cancellation: Both the QC25 and QC35 offer Bose’s renowned noise cancellation technology, effectively blocking out distracting ambient sounds, making them ideal for travel and focused work.
- Comfort: Both headphones are designed for comfort, featuring plush earcups and a lightweight design suitable for extended listening sessions.
- Audio Quality: Both models deliver high-quality audio with a balanced sound profile, providing a pleasant listening experience for various music genres.
- Built-in Microphone: Both headphones include a built-in microphone for making calls and using voice assistants.
- Over-Ear Design: Both models feature an over-ear design, which contributes to noise isolation and comfort.
- Folding Design: Both headphones can be folded for compact storage and portability, making them convenient for travel.
Bose QC 25 vs 35 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Bose QC25 and QC35 prioritize comfort, but they differ in design. The QC25 features a classic, over-ear design with a replaceable cable, offering a secure fit. Its earcups are typically made of soft materials, providing a comfortable experience for extended use. The QC35, on the other hand, boasts a wireless design with Bluetooth connectivity, eliminating the need for a cable. It also features a slightly more modern aesthetic, often with premium materials like Alcantara on the headband, enhancing the overall feel. Both are lightweight and designed for comfort during travel and daily use. The QC35’s wireless design may be preferable for those seeking convenience, while the QC25’s wired design offers simplicity and battery-free operation when the battery dies.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Bose is renowned for its noise cancellation technology, and both the QC25 and QC35 deliver excellent performance. The QC25 utilizes active noise cancellation, effectively reducing ambient noise such as airplane engines and office chatter. This makes it ideal for focused listening in noisy environments. The QC35 builds upon this, offering comparable noise cancellation capabilities with improvements in certain areas, potentially like handling higher frequencies. Both headphones excel at blocking out low-frequency sounds. The QC35, with its improved digital processing, might provide a slight edge in overall noise reduction, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing this feature.
Sound Quality Comparison
Both headphones aim for a balanced sound signature, but there are subtle differences. The QC25 delivers clear audio with a focus on a more neutral sound profile. It provides a pleasing listening experience across various music genres. The QC35, often considered to have a slightly improved sound, may offer enhanced clarity and a wider soundstage. This can lead to a more immersive listening experience. However, the differences in sound quality are generally subtle, and both headphones offer a high-quality audio experience. Preferences may vary based on individual listening tastes and the type of music being listened to.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The QC25 operates on a single AAA battery, offering a long battery life, but requiring occasional battery replacements. It’s a convenient option for those who prefer not to worry about charging. The QC35, being wireless, has a rechargeable battery that provides a substantial listening time per charge. It offers the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy pairing with smartphones, tablets, and other devices. This eliminates the need for a wired connection, enhancing portability. The QC35’s battery life is generally sufficient for long flights or extended listening sessions. Battery life of the QC25 depends on the quality of the AAA battery.
Portability and Build Quality
Both headphones are designed with portability in mind. The QC25 features a foldable design and comes with a carrying case, making it easy to store and transport. Its build quality is generally robust, although the replaceable cable might be a point of concern for some. The QC35 also folds and includes a carrying case. It often incorporates premium materials in its construction, contributing to a more durable feel. The wireless design further enhances portability, as there are no cables to tangle. The build quality of both headphones is generally good, ensuring they can withstand everyday use and travel.
Price and Value
The price of the QC25 and QC35 can vary depending on the retailer and any sales or promotions. The QC25 is typically the more affordable option, making it an excellent value for its performance. It’s a great choice for those seeking high-quality noise cancellation without breaking the bank. The QC35 often comes at a higher price due to its wireless features and updated design. While more expensive, it offers additional convenience and features that may justify the cost for some users. Both headphones represent good value in their respective categories, offering a premium listening experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy QC25 If…
- You prefer the simplicity of a wired connection and don’t need Bluetooth.
- You want the convenience of easily replaceable batteries (AAA).
- You prioritize a slightly lighter design.
- You are looking for a cheaper option.
Buy QC35 If…
- You want the convenience of wireless connectivity via Bluetooth.
- You prefer a rechargeable battery and longer battery life when wired.
- You want the latest features like on-earcup controls and voice assistant integration.
- You value the added convenience of Bluetooth multipoint pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Bose QC25 and QC35?
The primary differences lie in their design and connectivity. The QC25 is a wired headphone that uses a AAA battery for noise cancellation, while the QC35 is wireless and rechargeable via a built-in battery. The QC35 also features Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, a more modern design, and potentially improved noise cancellation and sound quality, though the difference is subtle. The QC35 comes at a higher price point.
Does the Bose QC25 have Bluetooth?
No, the Bose QC25 does not have built-in Bluetooth connectivity. It relies on a wired connection to your audio source. This also means it does not need to be charged to work. The QC25 uses a standard 3.5mm audio cable. This can be an advantage for users who prefer wired connections or want to avoid the need to charge a battery.
How is the noise cancellation in the QC25 compared to the QC35?
Both offer exceptional noise cancellation, a hallmark of Bose headphones. The QC35 often provides a slight edge, potentially improving the handling of higher frequencies and offering marginally better performance. However, the QC25 still delivers excellent noise reduction and is more than adequate for most users. The difference is subtle and might not be noticeable to all listeners.
What is the battery life of the Bose QC35?
The Bose QC35 offers a substantial battery life, typically providing up to 20 hours of wireless listening on a single charge. This can vary depending on the volume level and usage. It also features a quick-charge function, providing several hours of listening time from a short charging session. This makes them ideal for travel.
Are the Bose QC25 and QC35 comfortable to wear for long periods?
Yes, both headphones are designed with comfort in mind. Both headphones are lightweight and feature soft earcups and headbands. The QC25 is known for its plush earcups and secure fit, while the QC35 often uses premium materials like Alcantara for added comfort. They are suitable for extended listening sessions, making them a great choice for travel or work.
Does the QC25 come with a carrying case?
Yes, the Bose QC25 includes a carrying case to protect the headphones during storage and travel. The case is designed to be compact and easy to carry. This is an important consideration for travelers or anyone who wants to ensure their headphones are kept safe when not in use. This helps to prevent damage.
Is the QC35 worth the extra cost over the QC25?
That depends on your priorities. The QC35 offers wireless convenience, a potentially improved design, and slight upgrades in sound quality. If Bluetooth connectivity and a more modern design are important, the QC35 might be worth the investment. However, if you prioritize affordability and are satisfied with a wired connection, the QC25 is still an excellent choice and offers significant value.
Final Verdict
Both the Bose QC25 and QC35 are excellent noise-canceling headphones, each with its strengths. The QC25 offers great value with reliable performance and a wired connection. The QC35 ups the ante with wireless convenience, a sleek design, and potential enhancements. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences, and budget. For those prioritizing wireless freedom, the QC35 is the winner.
Winner: Bose QC35