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BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review: Simply Stunning

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BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review: Simply Stunning


Richard Goodwin

03/01/2017 – 1:50pm

The BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones are easily the best headphones I have ever had the pleasure of testing…

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review
£289.00

I’m not an audiophile, in the truest sense of the word. I love music and I like headphones, but the idea of spending almost £300 on a pair of kind of scares the bejesus out of me.

Put simply, that’s a lot of money. And that stings even more when you’re talking about something that, relatively speaking, is as superfluous as a pair of headphones, which are not essential items by any stretch of the imagination.

If I am going to spend £300 on something, whether headphones or some other kind of peripheral technology, the product in question has to be pretty special, perform exceptionally, AND mean that I won’t have to spend any money on headphones for a good five years – at least!

I’ve spent the past two weeks living with the Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones. Initial impressions were very good indeed, but it was only after a week or so of solid use that I discovered just how special these headphones actually are.

Read below to find out how I got on with the BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review: Design

As it happens, I already own a pair of Bose QC25 headphones. These are noise-cancelling over-ear headphones and, throughout the past 12 months, they have followed me everywhere.

I loved these headphones, as they were the first pair of “premium headphones” I’d ever bought. Design-wise the QC25’s are decent looking, well-built headphones. My only complaint about the QC25’s is that they need a battery for the noise-cancelling to function (and the battery does not last very long).

The BOSE QuietComfort 35 headphones, as the name suggests, are a different beast altogether. These ear cans are next-generation – and you can tell almost as soon as you unbox them. The design has been refined and now looks and feels more solid and premium.

Bose has also gotten rid of the requirement for batteries; the noise-cancelling is built into the actual headphones and cannot be deactivated. This means when you use these headphones you will not hear anything around you, so be careful, particularly when out and about, and make especially sure to look out for those sneaky silent bastards; electric cars.

Electric cars aside, I nearly got hit by a regular petrol-powered car and a bus while testing these out! The noise canceling is very powerful and essentially blocks out the outside world, even without any music playing. Crank up the tunes, and you’re more or less in a world of your own.

This makes them great for plane rides, noisy shopping centres and focusing on work in the office but potentially lethal for anyone that is prone to not paying attention to what they’re doing whilst walking around towns and cities.

You can operate the headphones via controls located on the right headphone bin. Features include: call-answer, volume control and an on/off switch. There is also a Bose application for iPhone and Android that you can use to set up the headphones and amend settings and features.

Set-up is very straightforward and takes less than 30 seconds. Simply pair the headphones to your phone and you’re done. It really is that simple. And if you don’t want to use them wirelessly, Bose has thoughtfully added in a wire, so you can run the QC35’s wired as well.

Everything is stored inside an attractive, hard-bodied leather carry case which comes in handy when you’re on the move and want to keep your £300 headphones nick and scratch free!

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review: Performance

Let’s talk about noise-cancelling first – or, active noise cancelling (ANC) as its known in more formal circles. If you haven’t used ANC headphones before you’re in for an experience. Nearly everyone I demonstrated these headphones to was quite freaked out by the effect ANC has on your senses and perceptions.

It’s like having your head underwater, and, because of the ANC, you do feel a slight pressure on your ears. It’s weird, but you quickly get used to it. And with Bose’s new headphones, you have some of the best ANC in the business, most notably when dealing with low frequency sounds.

It is extremely aggressive, though, so be warned. Once you’ve got these headphones on and music is playing you cannot hear much of what’s going on around you.

High-pitched frequencies do break through, but anything low simply disappears, which makes them perfect for plane and train rides, as well as falling asleep when traveling as a passenger by car (at least we hope you’re in the passenger seat!).

Bose incorporates a digital equaliser inside the Q35’s that adjusts the sound on the fly, depending on what you’re listening to. The overall sound is very rich and full of detail – even with the volume very low.

The digital equaliser might not be to everybody’s tastes, but in my experience it worked beautifully, managing to always find the perfect balance and clarity. The Q35’s are never too bass-heavy, nor are they lacking in this department.

If you’re coming from a cheaper pair of headphones you will likely be dazzled by the additional details you can hear. Whether you’re listening to Hank Mobley, Eyehategod, Aphex Twin or Wilco, the Q35’s sound spot on.

Sadly the Bose Q35’s are now aptX compatible, which is a real shame. aptX if you’re not familiar is codec that allows for higher quality streaming over bluetooth and is available on some Android phones like the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7.

Still, the sound you get here is very impressive all the same. It beats the QC25’s by quite a margin and pretty much everything else I have ever tested. But this level of audio is to be expected when you’re talking about a brand as established as Bose; and one of their more expensive, premium grade models to boot.

And what’s most impressive is that the Bose QC35’s do all this over Bluetooth, which, for me, was quite a pleasant surprise as I have avoided wireless headphones like the plague pretty much my entire life.

Bluetooth can be a little iffy at times, though this is more down to the technology itself and the phone you’re running than the headphones. NFC is an option as well, though, which is handy. And, if you’re truly not ready to go completely wireless, you can simply connect the wired-jack.

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review: Battery Life

Battery life is one area where wireless headphones lose a lot of fans. In a world where you have to regularly charge your phone, tablet, laptop, kindle and, in some cases, your watch, adding yet another thing is often off-putting.

This is how I feel about wireless headphones. It is the main reason I have avoided them; I just cannot be bothered to remember to charge them. I’d rather just use a wire and never get caught short. Have the Bose QC25’s converted me?

In a word: yes. These headphones are just wonderful and actually have very impressive battery life – way better than any other wireless headphones I have tested.

Bose says they’ll do around 20 hours of solid-listening. This is about right, though in some cases they’ll go a lot longer. If you remember to turn them off when you’re not using them you can stretch the life even longer.

Case in point: I was back at my family home over Christmas for over a week and I didn’t charge them once, despite using them every day, intermittently.

I gave the Bose QC35 headphones a full charge before leaving and that was it. Now, a week and half later, they’re still going, albeit with about 30% battery life left.

I really, really love these headphones. I tried to find faults with them but save for the aptX and occasional Bluetooth glitch they’re more or less seamless. Battery life is excellent with correct management and the sound is immersive and highly detailed.

They’re also exceptionally comfortable and can be worn for hours on end without getting sore ears. Interestingly, this wasn’t the case with my Bose QC25’s, which always make my ears sore after prolonged listening sessions.

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review: Verdict

Excellent sound, brilliant ANC technology and beautiful design combine to make the BOSE QuietComfort 35 headphones one of the most compelling propositions inside the wireless headphone market right now.

If you’re looking to spend around £300 on a pair of quality headphones and you, ideally, want wireless ones that will last you the next five or so years, do yourself a favour and check out the Bose QC35’s. You will not be disappointed.

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review: Best Prices From Around The Web

I’m so upset I have to return my review unit to Bose! 🙁

Richard Goodwin 03/01/2017 - 1:50pm

The BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones are simply the most productive headphones I've ever had the excitement of checking out…

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Review
£289.00

I’m now not an audiophile, within the truest sense of the phrase. I really like track and I love headphones, however the concept of spending virtually £300 on a couple of more or less scares the bejesus out of me.

Put merely, that is some huge cash. And that stings much more while you’re speaking about one thing that, quite talking, is as superfluous as a couple of headphones, which don't seem to be very important pieces by way of any stretch of the creativeness.

If I'm going to spend £300 on one thing, whether or not headphones or another more or less peripheral generation, the product in query needs to be lovely particular, carry out exceptionally, AND imply that I gained’t need to spend any cash on headphones for a just right 5 years - no less than!

I’ve spent the previous two weeks living with the Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones. Preliminary impressions have been excellent certainly, nevertheless it used to be most effective after every week or so of strong use that I found out simply how particular those headphones in fact are.

Learn under to learn how I were given on with the BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Evaluate: Design

Because it occurs, I already personal a couple of Bose QC25 headphones. Those are noise-cancelling over-ear headphones and, right through the previous 12 months, they have got adopted me far and wide.

I beloved those headphones, as they have been the primary pair of “top class headphones” I would ever purchased. Design-wise the QC25’s are respectable taking a look, well-built headphones. My handiest grievance concerning the QC25's is that they want a battery for the noise-cancelling to serve as (and the battery does now not final very lengthy).

The BOSE QuietComfort 35 headphones, because the identify suggests, are a special beast altogether. Those ear cans are next-generation – and you'll be able to inform virtually once you unbox them. The design has been subtle and now appears and feels extra strong and top class.

Bose has additionally gotten rid of the requirement for batteries; the noise-cancelling is constructed into the real headphones and can't be deactivated. This implies while you use those headphones you are going to now not listen anything else round you, so watch out, in particular when out and about, and make particularly positive to seem out for the ones sneaky silent bastards; electrical automobiles.

Electrical automobiles apart, I just about were given hit through an ordinary petrol-powered automotive and a bus whilst checking out those out! The noise canceling could be very tough and necessarily blocks out the out of doors global, even with none track enjoying. Crank up the tunes, and also you’re kind of in an international of your personal.

This makes them nice for aircraft rides, noisy buying groceries centres and that specialize in paintings within the workplace however probably deadly for somebody this is vulnerable to now not being attentive to what they’re doing while strolling round cities and towns.

You'll be able to function the headphones by means of controls situated at the proper headphone bin. Options come with: call-answer, quantity keep an eye on and an on/off transfer. There could also be a Bose software for iPhone and Android that you'll be able to use to arrange the headphones and amend settings and lines.

Set-up could be very simple and takes not up to 30 seconds. Simply pair the headphones on your phone and also you’re executed. It in reality is that straightforward. And should you don’t need to use them wirelessly, Bose has thoughtfully added in a cord, so you'll be able to run the QC35’s stressed out as properly.

The whole thing is saved inside of an exquisite, hard-bodied leather-based raise case which is useful while you’re at the transfer and need to stay your £300 headphones nick and scratch loose!

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Assessment: Efficiency

Let’s speak about noise-cancelling first – or, lively noise cancelling (ANC) as its recognized in additional formal circles. Should you haven’t used ANC headphones sooner than you’re in for an revel in. Just about everybody I demonstrated those headphones to used to be somewhat freaked out via the impact ANC has for your senses and perceptions.

It’s like having your head underwater, and, as a result of the ANC, you do really feel a slight force for your ears. It’s bizarre, however you temporarily get used to it. And with Bose’s new headphones, you've one of the crucial easiest ANC within the industry, maximum particularly when coping with low frequency sounds.

This can be very competitive, despite the fact that, so be warned. Whenever you’ve were given those headphones on and track is enjoying you can not listen a lot of what’s happening round you.

Top-pitched frequencies do damage thru, however anything else low merely disappears, which makes them absolute best for aircraft and teach rides, in addition to falling asleep when touring as a passenger by way of automotive (no less than we are hoping you are within the passenger seat!).

Bose accommodates a virtual equaliser within the Q35’s that adjusts the sound at the fly, relying on what you’re taking note of. The entire sound could be very wealthy and stuffed with element – even with the quantity very low.

The virtual equaliser is probably not to everyone’s tastes, however in my revel in it labored superbly, managing to all the time in finding the very best stability and readability. The Q35’s are by no means too bass-heavy, nor are they missing on this division.

When you’re coming from a less expensive pair of headphones you are going to most probably be dazzled by way of the extra main points you'll be able to listen. Whether or not you’re taking note of Hank Mobley, Eyehategod, Aphex Dual or Wilco, the Q35’s sound spot on.

Unfortunately the Bose Q35’s at the moment are aptX suitable, which is an actual disgrace. aptX in the event you’re now not acquainted is codec that permits for upper high quality streaming over bluetooth and is to be had on some Android telephones just like the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7.

Nonetheless, the sound you get right here could be very spectacular all of the similar. It beats the QC25’s by way of rather a margin and just about the whole thing else I've ever examined. However this degree of audio is to be anticipated while you’re speaking a few logo as established as Bose; and one among their costlier, top class grade fashions in addition.

And what’s maximum spectacular is that the Bose QC35’s do all this over Bluetooth, which, for me, used to be moderately a pleasing wonder as I've have shyed away from wireless headphones just like the plague just about my whole lifestyles.

Bluetooth is usually a little iffy now and then, although that is extra right down to the generation itself and the phone you’re operating than the headphones. NFC is an choice as properly, despite the fact that, which is to hand. And, when you’re in point of fact now not in a position to head utterly wireless, you'll be able to merely attach the wired-jack.

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Evaluate: Battery Lifestyles

Battery lifestyles is one space the place wireless headphones lose a large number of enthusiasts. In an international the place you need to ceaselessly rate your phone, tablet, pc, kindle and, in some instances, your watch, including but any other factor is regularly off-putting.

That is how I think about wireless headphones. It's the primary explanation why I've have shyed away from them; I simply can't be afflicted to keep in mind to price them. I’d fairly simply use a cord and not get stuck brief. Have the Bose QC25’s transformed me?

In a phrase: sure. Those headphones are simply glorious and in reality have very spectacular battery lifestyles – means higher than another wireless headphones I've examined.

Bose says they’ll do round 20 hours of solid-listening. That is about proper, although in some instances they’ll move so much longer. For those who bear in mind to show them off while you’re now not the use of them you'll be able to stretch the lifestyles even longer.

Working example: I used to be again at my circle of relatives house over Christmas for over every week and I didn’t rate them as soon as, in spite of the use of them on a daily basis, intermittently.

I gave the Bose QC35 headphones a complete price prior to leaving and that used to be it. Now, every week and part later, they’re nonetheless going, albeit with about 30% battery lifestyles left.

I in point of fact, actually love those headphones. I attempted to seek out faults with them however save for the aptX and coffee Bluetooth glitch they’re kind of seamless. Battery lifestyles is very good with right kind control and the sound is immersive and extremely detailed.

They’re additionally exceptionally comfy and may also be worn for hours on finish with out getting sore ears. Apparently, this wasn’t the case with my Bose QC25’s, which all the time make my ears sore after extended listening periods.

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Evaluation: Verdict

Very good sound, sensible ANC generation and lovely design mix to make the BOSE QuietComfort 35 headphones probably the most compelling propositions within the wireless headphone marketplace at this time.

In case you’re taking a look to spend round £300 on a couple of high quality headphones and also you, preferably, need wireless ones that may remaining you the following 5 or so years, do your self a favour and take a look at the Bose QC35’s. You'll now not be disenchanted.

BOSE QuietComfort 35 Headphones Evaluate: Highest Costs From Round The Internet

I’m so disenchanted I've to go back my evaluate unit to Bose! :(

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