Bose QuietComfort 35 Review

Recently, due to my noisy living environment, I couldn't take it anymore and decided to get something to block out the noise. After some research, I settled on the Bose QC35. In the noise-canceling world, it's hard to find a product that can truly compete with the QC35. So how does it actually perform? As an average user, here's my take on it.

Sound Quality

Although the QC35 is primarily known for noise cancellation, it's still a pair of headphones, so its sound quality deserves some attention. In my opinion, the sound is somewhat mediocre compared to other products in the same price range. Bose has never really been known for top-tier sound quality, and if you're evaluating it based on Bluetooth connectivity, audiophiles typically have lower expectations for wireless gear. When using the wired connection, I found that the included cable doesn't do much to improve the sound—there's barely a noticeable difference compared to Bluetooth. I wonder if upgrading to a better cable might provide a better experience. That said, the sound quality of the QC35 isn't bad, it's just not particularly outstanding. Given its price, it's not fair to compare it to high-end headphones designed specifically for music enthusiasts. After all, those seriously into audio likely focus more on speakers and other high-fidelity setups, so there's no need to set the bar too high.

Noise Cancellation

The noise-canceling capability is where the QC35 truly shines. Some reviews suggest that Sony's latest MDR-1000X is a close competitor, but I haven't tried it myself, so I can't say for sure. If any readers have compared the two, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. I recommend trying them out in a store before making a decision. As for the QC35, when I put it on, the world suddenly went silent. To be honest, it felt a bit uncomfortable at first—almost nauseating. I'm not sure why, but maybe it's because I wasn't used to the sudden quiet. However, after a few hours of use, I got accustomed to it. Reviews online indicate that the QC35 can reduce noise by around 20dB, so if you're curious, you can test it out with an equalizer on your computer. One thing to note: active noise cancellation mainly targets external noise, so sounds you make yourself won't be canceled. For example, I can still hear myself walking. Also, it's said that the performance in windy conditions can be quite poor, which is a common issue with active noise-canceling tech. For this reason, I think the QC35 works best in indoor environments.

Comfort

Bose is known for comfort, and the QC35 doesn't disappoint. The headphones don't clamp too tightly, and the ear cushions fit well against the face, enhancing the quiet environment. Although the QC35 is relatively light, after wearing it for a long time, I still feel some weight. Additionally, extended use can cause a bit of warmth, especially in the right ear, but it doesn't get uncomfortably hot. Overall, the QC35 is well-suited for long listening sessions. I suspect that in the summer, the ear cushions might get a bit warm (I might add more thoughts on that later), but since most of its usage is likely indoors, the impact on comfort should be minimal.

Conclusion

In summary, if you treat the QC35 as a noise-canceling "earplug," it's outstanding. As a device for listening to music, it also performs well enough to satisfy most users. So if you're mainly looking for something to listen to music on your phone while enjoying a quiet environment, the QC35 is a solid choice. However, if you're after the ultimate in sound quality, you might need to consider spending more.