Bose 700 vs Qc35: Which Bose Headphones Reign Supreme?
Tired of the world intruding on your music? Looking for the ultimate escape through sound? You’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into the world of premium noise-canceling headphones, pitting two titans against each other: the Bose 700 and the QC35.
Bose has long been a leader in audio technology, and both of these headphones showcase their dedication to quality. The Bose 700 represents a newer generation of design and features, while the QC35 is a beloved classic, known for its comfort and performance.
This comparison will help you decide which pair is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. We’ll explore their design, sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and overall value. Get ready to discover which Bose headphone will become your new go-to for immersive listening experiences.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Bose 700 | QC35 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | 11 levels | 3 levels |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Microphone System | 8-microphone system | Dual-microphone system |
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Music Playback) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 2.25 hours |
| Weight | 8.96 ounces | 8.3 ounces |
| Earcup Material | Synthetic leather | Synthetic leather |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Comfort
- Bose 700: Features a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel headband and minimalist aesthetic. Offers comfortable earcups but some users find the clamping force a bit tight.
- Qc35: Boasts a classic, lightweight design with plush earcups and a comfortable fit, ideal for long listening sessions. Some users may find the design a bit dated compared to the 700.
- Winner: 700
Noise Cancellation
- Bose 700: Offers exceptional noise cancellation with 11 levels of adjustable noise control, allowing users to customize their listening experience. Some users report a slight “pressure” sensation with the highest setting.
- Qc35: Provides effective noise cancellation, ideal for blocking out ambient noise on commutes or in the office. The noise cancellation isn’t quite as adjustable or as powerful as the 700.
- Winner: 700
Sound Quality
- Bose 700: Delivers a balanced sound profile with clear highs, present mids, and a controlled bass response. Some audiophiles may prefer a more pronounced bass.
- Qc35: Presents a pleasing sound signature with a slightly warmer tone and a focus on clarity. Bass can be a bit lacking for some.
- Winner: 700
Microphone Quality
- Bose 700: Features an advanced microphone system with eight microphones for superior voice pickup and noise reduction during calls, making it ideal for phone calls.
- Qc35: Equipped with a decent microphone, but the call quality isn’t as clear or effective at noise cancellation as the 700.
- Winner: 700
Controls
- Bose 700: Utilizes touch controls on the earcups for volume, track navigation, and call management, offering a modern and intuitive user experience.
- Qc35: Employs physical buttons for controls, which may be preferred by some users for ease of use.
- Winner: 700
Battery Life
- Bose 700: Offers up to 20 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, and a quick charge feature that provides several hours of playback.
- Qc35: Boasts impressive battery life, often exceeding 20 hours, and can be used wired when the battery runs out.
- Winner: QC35
Voice Assistant Integration
- Bose 700: Supports voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, allowing for hands-free control and access to information.
- Qc35: Lacks direct voice assistant integration, although it can be activated through the phone.
- Winner: 700
Price
- Bose 700: Generally more expensive than the QC35, reflecting its advanced features and design.
- Qc35: Offers a more budget-friendly option, providing excellent value for its performance.
- Winner: QC35
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Bose 700 |
| Call Quality | Bose 700 |
| Design | Bose 700 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Value | QC35 |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Comfort: Both the Bose 700 and QC35 are known for their comfortable over-ear design, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The plush earcups and lightweight build contribute to their overall comfort.
- Noise Cancellation: Both headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, a signature feature of Bose headphones, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audio and block out distractions.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models support Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless audio streaming from your devices. This provides flexibility and freedom of movement.
- Voice Assistant Support: Both headphones are compatible with voice assistants, allowing you to control music playback, make calls, and access other features using voice commands.
- Battery Life: Both headphones provide a similar battery life, offering around 20 hours of playback on a single charge, ensuring long-lasting listening enjoyment.
- Multipoint Pairing: Both support multipoint pairing, enabling you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly.
Bose 700 Vs Qc35 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Bose 700 boasts a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel headband and smooth earcups. Its refined aesthetic is a significant departure from the more traditional look of the QC35. The QC35 prioritizes comfort with its plush earcups and lightweight build, making it ideal for extended wear. The 700’s clamping force can be slightly more noticeable initially, while the QC35 offers a looser fit. Ultimately, personal preference plays a key role in which design wins out, but the 700 offers a more premium feel, while QC35 excels in long-term comfort.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Both headphones excel at noise cancellation, a hallmark of Bose products. The Bose 700, however, features a more advanced system with 11 levels of noise cancellation, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience, and even have a conversation without removing the headphones. The QC35 provides excellent noise reduction, particularly at lower frequencies, ideal for airplane travel and office environments. While the QC35 is still effective, the 700’s superior noise cancellation gives it an edge, offering greater flexibility in different environments.
Sound Quality Comparison
The Bose 700 offers a balanced sound signature, with clear highs, present mids, and a controlled bass response. This sound profile makes it suitable for various music genres. The QC35 has a more relaxed sound, with a slightly warmer tone and more emphasis on the bass. This emphasis on the low end may appeal to some listeners. The 700’s sound quality is generally considered to be more detailed and refined. The 700 is slightly better than QC35 in terms of sound, offering a wider soundstage.
Microphone and Call Quality
The Bose 700 features an exceptional microphone system, with eight microphones working together to isolate your voice and eliminate background noise. This results in clear calls, even in noisy environments. The QC35’s microphone is adequate for calls but doesn’t perform as well in challenging conditions. The 700’s microphone system is a significant advantage for those who frequently make calls, especially outdoors or in busy locations. The 700 is the clear winner when considering microphone performance.
Controls and Features
The Bose 700 offers intuitive touch controls on the earcups, allowing for easy control of music playback and volume. It also integrates with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The QC35 features physical buttons for controls, which are simple to use. While reliable, the controls are not as advanced as those on the 700. The 700’s integration with voice assistants is a convenient feature for hands-free operation. The 700 has more advanced features.
Price and Value
The Bose 700 typically comes at a higher price point than the QC35. While the QC35 offers excellent value for its performance, the 700’s advanced features, superior noise cancellation, and premium design justify its higher cost for some users. The QC35 is often available at discounted prices, making it a more budget-friendly option. Consider your budget and desired features when making your decision. Both headphones offer good value, but the 700 is a premium experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Bose 700 If…
- You prioritize superior noise cancellation with adjustable levels.
- You want a more modern and stylish design.
- You frequently make calls and need excellent call quality.
- You value touch controls for easy music management.
Buy QC35 If…
- You prefer a more classic and understated design.
- You’re looking for a slightly more affordable option.
- You prioritize a proven and reliable noise-canceling experience.
- You want a lightweight and foldable design for easy portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Bose 700 and the QC35?
The primary difference lies in design, noise cancellation, and microphone quality. The Bose 700 boasts a more modern and premium design, offering more advanced noise cancellation with 11 levels and a superior microphone system for calls. The QC35, on the other hand, prioritizes comfort and offers excellent noise cancellation in a more traditional design. The QC35 is also generally available at a lower price point.
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
The Bose 700 offers superior noise cancellation. It features an advanced system with 11 levels, allowing you to fine-tune your listening experience and adjust the amount of environmental sound allowed. While the QC35 offers very effective noise cancellation, the 700 provides greater flexibility and a more customizable experience, making it better at blocking out noise in a broader range of environments.
Which headphone sounds better?
The Bose 700 generally has a more balanced and detailed sound signature. It presents clear highs, present mids, and a controlled bass response, making it suitable for a wider variety of music genres. The QC35 has a warmer tone with a more significant bass presence. The 700 provides a more refined sound experience for most listeners. The soundstage is also wider.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
The Bose 700 is significantly better for phone calls. It features an advanced microphone system with eight microphones that work together to isolate your voice and eliminate background noise. The QC35’s microphone is adequate, but it doesn’t perform as well in noisy environments. This makes the 700 ideal for making calls in any environment.
Which headphone is more comfortable?
The QC35 is generally considered to be more comfortable, especially for long listening sessions. Its lightweight build and plush earcups provide a comfortable fit without excessive clamping force. The Bose 700 can feel slightly tighter initially, but its comfort is still good. The QC35 is better for users who prioritise all-day comfort.
Are there any differences in battery life?
Both headphones offer excellent battery life. The QC35 typically provides around 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Bose 700 also provides around 20 hours. Both headphones have similar battery life, but the 700 offers a faster charging time. Both headphones have enough battery life for most people.
Which headphone is the better value?
The QC35 often provides better value, particularly if you can find it at a discounted price. It offers excellent performance at a more affordable price point. The Bose 700 is more expensive, but its advanced features, superior noise cancellation, and premium design justify the higher cost for some users. The best value depends on your budget and desired features.
Final Verdict
The Bose 700 emerges as the superior headphone, offering advanced noise cancellation, a refined design, and a premium experience. While the QC35 remains a comfortable and capable option, the 700’s improved call quality, more balanced sound, and versatile features give it the edge for most users. The enhanced technology and premium feel of the 700 makes it the winner.
Winner: Bose 700