Bose Qc35 vs 700: Which Bose Headphones Reign Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the iconic Bose QC35 and the sleek 700 headphones? You’re not alone! Both promise exceptional noise cancellation and premium audio quality, but which one truly deserves a spot on your head? This in-depth comparison will break down everything you need to know.
We’ll explore the design, comfort, sound performance, and features of both the Bose QuietComfort 35 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. From daily commutes to long flights, we’ll help you determine which headset is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and preferences. Get ready to discover the ultimate winner in the battle of the Bose headphones.
Prepare to dive deep into the specifications, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to guide you toward making an informed decision. Whether you prioritize classic comfort or cutting-edge technology, we’ve got you covered. Let the comparison begin!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | QC35 | 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Microphone Quality | Good | Exceptional |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Controls | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Ear Cup Material | Synthetic Leather | Synthetic Leather |
| Call Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Earcup Swivel | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Comfort
- Bose Qc35: Over-ear design with a lightweight build and plush earcups. Known for its comfortable fit, suitable for long listening sessions. Some users find the design a bit dated compared to newer models.
- 700: Sleek and modern over-ear design with a stainless steel headband. Offers a comfortable fit, though some users may find the clamping force slightly tighter than the QC35.
- Winner: 700
Noise Cancellation
- Bose Qc35: Excellent noise cancellation, effective at blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. May not be quite as effective as the 700 in very noisy environments.
- 700: Industry-leading noise cancellation with adjustable levels. Offers superior performance, especially in blocking out high-frequency noises.
- Winner: 700
Sound Quality
- Bose Qc35: Balanced sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass. Delivers a pleasant listening experience, but may lack the detail and clarity of higher-end headphones.
- 700: More refined sound quality with improved clarity and detail. Offers a wider soundstage and a more accurate representation of audio.
- Winner: 700
Call Quality
- Bose Qc35: Good call quality, but can struggle in noisy environments. Microphone performance isn’t as advanced as the 700.
- 700: Exceptional call quality with a sophisticated microphone system. Excels at isolating the user’s voice and reducing background noise during calls.
- Winner: 700
Battery Life
- Bose Qc35: Offers a respectable battery life, usually around 20 hours with noise cancellation enabled.
- 700: Similar battery life to the QC35, offering around 20 hours of playback with noise cancellation.
- Winner: Tie
Controls
- Bose Qc35: Physical buttons for volume, power, and Bluetooth pairing. Easy to use, but lack some of the modern features of the 700.
- 700: Touch controls on the earcups for volume, track navigation, and voice assistant activation. Offers a more intuitive and modern control scheme.
- Winner: 700
Voice Assistant Integration
- Bose Qc35: Limited voice assistant integration, primarily supporting Siri and Google Assistant through a dedicated button.
- 700: More advanced voice assistant integration with dedicated buttons and improved microphone performance for voice commands.
- Winner: 700
Price
- Bose Qc35: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- 700: Higher price point reflecting its advanced features and superior performance.
- Winner: QC35
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Call Quality | 700 |
| Design | 700 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Features | 700 |
| Value | QC35 |
What They Have in Common
- Noise Cancellation: Both the QC35 and 700 headphones offer top-tier active noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. This feature is a hallmark of Bose headphones, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
- Comfort: Both models prioritize comfort, featuring plush earcups and lightweight designs that make them suitable for extended listening sessions. They both use similar materials for a comfortable fit.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both headphones utilize Bluetooth technology for wireless audio streaming from various devices. They both support multipoint pairing.
- Voice Assistant Support: Both headphones are compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, allowing users to control music playback, make calls, and access information with voice commands.
- Bose App Integration: Both headphones are compatible with the Bose Music app, which enables users to customize settings, manage connections, and receive software updates.
Bose QC35 vs 700 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Bose QC35 boasts a classic, comfortable design. Its plush earcups and lightweight build make it ideal for extended wear, a key factor for many users. The over-ear design minimizes pressure, and the headband is well-padded. The QC700, while also comfortable, features a more modern aesthetic with a sleek stainless-steel headband. The earcups are also comfortable, but some users may find the clamping force slightly firmer compared to the QC35. The QC700 offers a premium feel.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Both headphones excel in noise cancellation, a hallmark of Bose. The QC35 offers excellent noise reduction, effectively blocking out ambient sounds like airplane engines and office chatter. The QC700 takes it up a notch with even more advanced noise cancellation technology, providing a quieter listening experience. The QC700’s noise cancellation is adaptable, allowing you to adjust the level to suit your environment. This superior performance is a significant selling point.
Sound Quality Comparison
The QC35 delivers a balanced sound profile, suitable for a wide range of music genres. It offers clear highs, a present midrange, and a punchy bass. The QC700 refines the sound quality further, providing a more detailed and immersive listening experience. It features a wider soundstage and enhanced clarity, particularly noticeable in the higher frequencies. The QC700’s sound is generally considered to be more refined and audiophile-friendly.
Call Quality and Microphone
The QC35 offers decent call quality, adequate for phone calls in quieter environments. Its microphone system is functional, but it struggles in noisy surroundings. The QC700 shines in call quality due to its advanced microphone array. It features eight microphones, four of which work together to isolate your voice and cancel out background noise. This results in crystal-clear phone calls even in challenging environments, making it a great choice for professionals.
Battery Life and Charging
The QC35 offers a solid battery life, providing a good amount of listening time on a single charge. It is a reliable option for those who travel frequently or use their headphones daily. The QC700 also boasts excellent battery life, similar to the QC35. Both offer quick charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly top up the battery. The QC700 includes a USB-C charging port, making it more convenient for modern devices.
Connectivity and Features
Both headphones use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The QC35 is simple to pair and use. The QC700 has Bluetooth 5.0 for improved stability and range, and also offers features like touch controls on the earcups. The QC700 integrates with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, providing hands-free control. These added features enhance the user experience and make the QC700 a more technologically advanced option for connectivity.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy bose qc35 If…
- You prioritize a proven, reliable design.
- You’re looking for a slightly more affordable option.
- You prefer a more traditional button-based control scheme.
- You value a lightweight and comfortable design for long listening sessions.
Buy 700 If…
- You need the best possible call quality for professional use.
- You want the sleekest, most modern design.
- You want the latest Bluetooth technology.
- You want touch controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the QC35 and QC700?
The primary difference lies in the noise cancellation and call quality. The QC700 has significantly improved noise cancellation, making it better at blocking out ambient sounds. The QC700 also has a superior microphone system, providing clearer calls in noisy environments. The QC700 has a sleeker design and touch controls, while the QC35 is more focused on simplicity and affordability.
Which headphone is more comfortable?
Both headphones are comfortable, but personal preference plays a role. The QC35 is known for its plush earcups and lightweight design, making it a great choice for long listening sessions. The QC700 is also comfortable, but some may find the clamping force slightly firmer. Try both if possible to determine which fits your ears best and feels more comfortable for you.
Does the QC700 support voice assistants?
Yes, the QC700 fully supports voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can activate your chosen assistant with a dedicated button on the earcup or through voice commands. This integration allows for hands-free control of music playback, calls, and other functions, enhancing convenience and usability.
How is the sound quality different?
The QC700 delivers a more refined sound. It has a wider soundstage and enhanced clarity compared to the QC35. The QC35 offers a balanced sound profile that is good for everyday listening. The QC700 provides a more detailed and immersive listening experience, which is particularly noticeable in the higher frequencies and overall audio clarity.
Which headphone has better battery life?
Both the QC35 and the QC700 offer excellent battery life. You can expect a solid amount of listening time on a single charge from each model. Both headphones also support quick charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. The battery life is roughly equivalent between the two models, ensuring long listening sessions.
Is the QC700 worth the extra cost?
Whether the QC700 is worth the extra cost depends on your needs. If noise cancellation, call quality, and a more modern design are important, the QC700 is a good investment. If you prioritize comfort and simplicity and are on a budget, the QC35 is still an excellent choice. Consider your priorities and budget when making your decision.
What are the charging options for these headphones?
The QC35 uses a Micro-USB charging port, while the QC700 uses a more modern USB-C charging port. Both headphones support quick charging, allowing you to get several hours of listening time with a short charge. The inclusion of USB-C in the QC700 makes it more convenient for use with modern devices and chargers.
Final Verdict
The Bose QC700 emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced noise cancellation, superior call quality, and modern features. While the QC35 remains a strong contender, the QC700’s advancements in sound quality and overall performance make it the more compelling option for most users.
Winner: Bose QC700