Bose Quietcomfort 25 vs 35: Which Headphones Reign?
Tired of noisy commutes and distracting environments? You’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into a classic headphone showdown, pitting two titans against each other to help you find your perfect listening companion. Get ready to explore the world of premium audio!
Today’s contenders are the Bose QuietComfort 25 and the Bose QuietComfort 35. These headphones have earned a reputation for exceptional noise cancellation and comfortable designs. Both promise a superior audio experience, but which one truly delivers the best value for your money?
We’ll unpack the key differences, from sound quality and comfort to features and price. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just looking for an upgrade, this comparison of the quietcomfort 25 vs 35 will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | QC25 | QC35 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wireless (Bluetooth) & Wired |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Battery Type | AAA Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life (per charge) | Up to 35 hours | Up to 20 hours (Wireless), 40 hours (Wired) |
| Microphone | In-line | Built-in |
| Weight | 193 g | 235 g |
| Ear Cup Design | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | In-line remote | On-ear controls |
| Voice Assistant | No | Yes |
| Case | Included | Included |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Quietcomfort 25: Over-ear headphones with a classic, foldable design. They are primarily made of plastic, offering a lightweight feel but potentially less durability compared to higher-end models. They are comfortable for extended wear.
- 35: Over-ear headphones with a modern, sleeker design. They feature a similar build to the 25’s but with a refined aesthetic and slightly improved materials. They maintain the comfort level of the 25.
- Winner: 35
Noise Cancellation
- Quietcomfort 25: Excellent noise cancellation for its time, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise, making them ideal for travel and noisy environments. However, it is an older generation of noise cancellation.
- 35: Improved noise cancellation performance compared to the 25, offering a more refined and effective experience. It generally blocks out more noise, especially at lower frequencies.
- Winner: 35
Sound Quality
- Quietcomfort 25: Delivers a balanced sound signature with a focus on clarity and detail, suitable for various music genres. Some users may find the bass slightly lacking.
- 35: Offers a similar sound profile to the 25, with refined audio quality. The sound is clear and detailed, and the bass is better balanced.
- Winner: 35
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Quietcomfort 25: Primarily a wired headphone, though some versions offered a wireless adapter. Relies on a 3.5mm audio cable for connectivity.
- 35: Offers Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless audio streaming from various devices. This provides greater freedom of movement and eliminates the need for a physical cable.
- Winner: 35
Battery Life
- Quietcomfort 25: Requires a AAA battery. Battery life depends on the battery used, but it can provide a good amount of listening time.
- 35: Has a rechargeable internal battery that offers a significant battery life, and USB charging.
- Winner: 35
Controls
- Quietcomfort 25: Features in-line controls on the audio cable for basic functions like play/pause and volume control.
- 35: Features on-ear controls for power, volume, and playback control.
- Winner: 35
Microphone Quality
- Quietcomfort 25: The microphone quality is adequate for phone calls, but not the best.
- 35: The microphone quality is improved for clearer calls.
- Winner: 35
Price and Availability
- Quietcomfort 25: Generally available at a lower price point now, as it is an older model.
- 35: Typically priced higher due to its newer features and improved performance.
- Winner: 35
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | QC35 |
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Battery Life (Wired) | QC35 |
| Portability | Tie |
| Features | QC35 |
| Value | QC25 |
What They Have in Common
- Exceptional Noise Cancellation: Both the QC25 and QC35 are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation technology, effectively blocking out ambient sounds for an immersive listening experience.
- Comfortable Design: Both headphones are designed with plush earcups and a comfortable headband, allowing for extended listening sessions without significant discomfort.
- High-Quality Audio: Both models deliver clear and balanced audio, making them suitable for various music genres and audio content.
- Foldable Design: Both headphones feature a foldable design, making them easy to store and transport in their included carrying cases.
- Included Carrying Case: Both come with a protective carrying case to safeguard the headphones during travel and storage.
QuietComfort 25 Vs 35 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The QuietComfort 25 (QC25) features a classic over-ear design with plush earcups and a lightweight build, making it comfortable for extended wear. Its circumaural design fully encompasses the ears, providing a good seal for noise isolation. The QC25 is known for its comfortable fit, even during long listening sessions. The QuietComfort 35 (QC35) builds upon this with a slightly more refined design, using premium materials. The QC35 offers a similar level of comfort with improved earcups and headband padding. Both headphones are comfortable, but the QC35 often gets a slight edge due to its more modern design.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Both the QC25 and QC35 excel at noise cancellation, a hallmark of the QuietComfort series. The QC25 utilizes an analog noise cancellation system, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds, such as airplane engines and office chatter. The QC35 improves on this with digital noise cancellation, resulting in slightly better performance, especially at higher frequencies. The QC35 also offers multiple noise cancellation modes. Both headphones are excellent at noise isolation, but the QC35 has a slight advantage in overall noise reduction.
Sound Quality Comparison
The QC25 delivers clear and balanced audio, with a focus on a natural sound signature. While it isn’t the most audiophile-grade headphone, it provides a pleasant listening experience across various music genres. The QC35 maintains a similar sound profile to its predecessor, but with subtle improvements in clarity and detail. The QC35 also offers a more refined soundstage. Both headphones sound great, but the QC35 presents a slightly more polished and enjoyable listening experience with a slight edge in detail.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The QC25 operates using a AAA battery, offering up to 35 hours of playback. This is an advantage for users who don’t want to worry about charging. The QC35, on the other hand, boasts a rechargeable battery with up to 20 hours of wireless playback. The QC35 also includes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening, a feature absent in the QC25 (which requires a wired connection). The QC35’s Bluetooth is convenient, but the QC25’s battery life can be appealing for some.
Features and Controls
The QC25 has a basic set of controls on the inline remote for answering calls, adjusting volume, and pausing/playing music. The QC35 offers more advanced controls via its built-in buttons on the earcups. These controls include power, Bluetooth pairing, and volume adjustment. The QC35 also has a companion app for customizing noise cancellation settings and accessing other features. The QC35 has modern features and controls, while the QC25 focuses on simplicity.
Price and Value
The QC25 is often available at a lower price point compared to the QC35, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Its excellent noise cancellation performance at a reduced cost provides good value. The QC35, while pricier, offers wireless functionality, improved noise cancellation, and a more modern feature set. The QC35’s features justify its higher price for those seeking a premium experience. Both products offer good value for their respective price ranges.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy quietcomfort 25 If…
- You prefer a wired connection for consistent and reliable audio quality.
- You want to avoid the need to charge a battery.
- You prioritize a slightly lighter design.
- You want a more affordable option.
Buy 35 If…
- You prefer the convenience of wireless connectivity via Bluetooth.
- You want the flexibility of both wireless and wired options.
- You value the integrated microphone for calls and voice assistants.
- You want the latest features and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the QC25 and QC35?
The main difference lies in connectivity. The QC25 is a wired headphone that uses a 3.5mm audio cable. The QC35 offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for a cable-free experience. The QC35 also includes a rechargeable battery, while the QC25 uses a replaceable AAA battery, impacting battery life and ease of use. The QC35 also provides digital noise cancellation.
Does the QC25 have Bluetooth?
No, the QuietComfort 25 does not have Bluetooth. It connects to devices via a 3.5mm audio cable. This means you cannot use it wirelessly like the QC35. To use the QC25, you must plug the cable into your device, limiting its mobility. The absence of Bluetooth simplifies the design and operation of the QC25.
How long does the QC35 battery last?
The QC35 has a battery life of up to 20 hours when used wirelessly with noise cancellation enabled. When connected via cable and with noise cancellation on, it can last even longer. This provides ample listening time for most users. The quick charging feature allows for several hours of playback with just a short charge.
Can I use the QC25 without batteries?
Yes, you can still listen to audio with the QC25 even if the battery is depleted. However, the noise cancellation feature will not work. Without a battery, the QC25 functions as a standard, passive noise-isolating headphone. This means the earcup design will still help block out ambient sounds, but not to the same degree as with active noise cancellation.
Are the QC25 and QC35 comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes, both the QC25 and QC35 are designed for comfort. They feature soft earcups and lightweight designs. The QC35 has a slightly improved design with premium materials, and it provides a similar level of comfort to the QC25. The over-ear design on both contributes to comfort even during extended use. You should be able to wear either one for hours.
Does the QC35 sound better than the QC25?
The QC35 delivers a slightly improved sound quality compared to the QC25. It boasts a more refined soundstage, and subtle improvements in clarity and detail. The overall sound signature is similar. The QC35 offers a more polished listening experience. Both headphones are very good sounding. The difference is subtle, but noticeable for some users.
Which headphone is better for travel?
Both headphones are excellent for travel due to their noise cancellation capabilities. However, the QC35 is generally better for travel due to its wireless design and longer battery life. The QC35’s ability to easily connect to devices via Bluetooth and its quick charging feature make it more convenient. The QC25 is still a great travel companion, but requires a wired connection.
Final Verdict
Both the QuietComfort 25 and QuietComfort 35 are excellent noise-canceling headphones. The QC25 provides a great value with its effective noise cancellation and comfortable design. The QC35 offers improved features, including wireless Bluetooth connectivity, digital noise cancellation, and a more refined audio experience. The choice depends on your priorities: if you prioritize value and don’t mind a wired connection, the QC25 is a solid choice. If you value wireless convenience and enhanced features, the QC35 is worth the investment.
Winner: QuietComfort 35