G’day mate and Welcome aboard!!
Before we get into the Bose QuietComfort 25 vs. 35, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this comparison
For the purposes of this article, I will give a quick rundown of the QC35, and then compare it with the 25. Recommendation towards the end! 🙂
- Introduction
- Build & Comfort
- Noise Cancelling
- Sound
- Similarities & Differences
- Graph comparisons
- Video Comparisons
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!
Introduction
I got a chance to demo the Bose Quiet Comfort 35, and my impression of them was a very pleasant one. I fully believe Bose makes their money off of comfort a lone. Aside from studio headphones with velour padding, the QC35’s are some of the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn.
Build & Comfort
They’re extremely non intrusive, as their clamping pressure is just right. Although they’re on the lighter side, they feel very sturdy in your hand. I would be okay dropping them, but nothing more. For instance, I can throw my HD 25’s around like it’s nothing, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that with the QC35. However, they are still constructed very well. Learn more: Sennheiser HD 25 Review.
The QC35 is a wireless, bluetooth, noise cancelling affair, and I found the switch to be pretty convenient if a little loose. It doesn’t really click like I was expecting, but that’s a rather minor nitpick. Pairing them with my phone was rather simple: Just scan and pair! They connect quickly and easily.
- To activate: Slide and hold the power switch until the LED flashes blue.
- Range: 33 feet.
Noise Cancelling
Some people complained of a weird vacuum type feeling in their ears after turning the switch on. It definitely feels strange at first, but that’s kind of the point. You’re essentially drowning out the majority of the outside noise around you. Learn more: How do noise cancelling headphones work?
I found them to be excellent in this regard, but they better be considering it’s what they’re marketed for!
Sound
As you’ll see in my official review, the sound is Pleasantville all the way. I found the signature to be very relaxing and detailed. This is a headphone that you’ll definitely want to kick back with. You could take a bubble bath, sip some fine wine, and just close your eyes. It’s that type of experience for sure. Everything about the sound is solid, from the good instrument separation, good balance, and tight bass. That said, I still don’t think they’re as good as some other audiophile type headphones. The bass, while it has impact, can be a bit flabby at times.
The problem with the QC35’s is that they’re a bit overpriced as far as sound is concerned. Yes, you’re getting a lot, but there are headphones under $100 that deliver sound just as good, if not better. A couple of cans that come to mind are the Sony MDR V6 and Sennheiser HD 558.
That said, those cant take calls, aren’t wireless, bluetooth, or noise cancelling. Are these extras worth an extra $250 (or thereabouts depending on price)? You decide. I feel like the average consumer will fall in love with the sound of the QC35, which a long with what you get makes it an easy recommendation.
So at this point you may be wondering how the QC25’s stack up. Let’s find out!
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- The Noise Cancelling on both is about the same, although the QC35’s is said to be a tad better.
- Both include a travel case and both fold up.
- Both have Siri capability.
Differences
- The QC35 will allow you to connect 2 Bose wireless headphones to an iPad or other sound source at once.
- Perhaps the biggest difference between the two is that the QC25 is wired and doesn’t feature bluetooth technology, while the QC35 is wireless and does.
- Weight. The QC35’s are heavier at 309g vs. 196 for the QC25. Like I mentioned before, you’re not going to feel the weight. It strikes a near perfect balance.
- Battery. The QC25’s ran off of a single AAA battery (roughly 35 hours), while the QC35’s have a rechargeable battery that lasts for about 20 hours when used wireless, and 40 with the wire. Charging is done via micro USB port.
- The works. The QC35 has a myriad of features including EQ, built in voice prompts, volume adjustment buttons, playback control that also takes calls and can summon Siri. 😛 I found these to be pretty intuitive and pretty self explanatory while I was demoing them.
- Color. The QC35 comes in plain black or silver vs. the two tone Black/Silver combo of the QC25. You should also note the baby blue inside the ear-cups on the 25.
- Options. The QC35 can be used as wired headphones with or without ANC (Active Noise Cancellation).
- Sound. The overall sound of the QC35’s seems more colored and fun compared to the flatter QC25. There’s more bass on the 35. In comparing the two graphs, you can see there’s some roll off with the QC25 after 20Hz.
Graphs
Video Comparison!!
The fella is a bit of a Bose fanboy, but a good comparison nonetheless. 🙂
Another one
Final Word
If you need Bluetooth, the QC35 is the solution. If I was in the market for something like this, I would probably pay for it considering everything you get in the package.
SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!
AND
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BOSE QUIET COMFORT 35 REVIEW!!
If you don’t need Bluetooth, the QC25 is your boy. It’s almost the same exact headphone.
If you need the bass-head version of the QC35, the Beats Solo 3 is the solution. It’s got a sick sound, with some nice clarity and detail that I was extremely surprised by. Interested?
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
AND
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BEATS SOLO 3 REVIEW!!
Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Bose QuietComfort 25 vs. 35 comparison.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Which of these are you more likely to go with? Are the QC35’s worth it? I would love to hear from you. Until next time..
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
