06 Oct
Blog

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: More (And Less) Of A Good Thing

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 45

RRP $ 329.00

"The most popular headphones from Bose have a larger battery, but leave out some functions."

advantages

  • Super comfortable

  • Very good noise cancellation

  • Very good sound quality

  • Can be connected to multiple devices

disadvantage

  • No wear detection

  • No EQ settings

When Bose launched its $ 379 Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (NC 700), many wondered if the company had abandoned its time-honored QuietComfort 35 II (QC 35 II) design, which was by the time the NC 700 was released Flagship cans with active noise cancellation.

It turned out those fears were unfounded when Bose unveiled its $ 329 QuietComfort 45 (QC 45) earlier this year. But the QC 45 isn't your typical upgrade. Bose definitely made improvements, but also removed some features.

Has Bose removed too much? Let's check them out.

What's in the box?

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise canceling headphones with case and accessories.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose continues to do a good job with the packaging – the QC 45 box will be very easy to recycle on site thanks to its sleek but sleek cardboard box. The only exception are the foam inserts, with which the headphones cannot be moved during transport. Inside you will find the QC 45, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable, and a zippered carrying case. Once again, Bose has chosen not to include its $ 9 airplane adapter, an odd choice given the loyalty of the QuietComfort line among air travelers.

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Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the QC 45, Bose focused on evolution, not revolution. Because if you want something completely different, that's what the NC 700 is for. Aside from a few minor changes, the QC 45 is indistinguishable from the QC 35 II – you get the same fold-flat hinges and lightweight but sturdy construction – even the physical controls are identical, including the slide switch for power / bluetooth and playback Controls on the right earcup and the action button on the left.

The biggest change concerns the materials. Gone are the suede-like Alcantara material from the inside of the headband, instead the same synthetic leather has been used that Bose uses for its ear pads. The synthetic leather probably wears better than the Alcantara, but it also slides a little more on the head. This is an important consideration if you typically carry full size cans in the gym.

The ear cushions take the perfectly comfortable middle ground between firm and soft.

The ear pads have also been redesigned. They're just as comfortable, but Bose has swapped out the wrinkled pillows on the QC 35 II for a silky-soft set that is more like the pillows on the NC 700. While this has the effect of making the QC 45 look more like the competition from Sony and JBL, I applaud the move as I've never been a fan of the wrinkled look.

Bose has also gone for a slightly more conservative finish on the plastic, which is now almost matte, as it has lost some of the satin sheen of the older model. Even the logos of the ear cups have been highlighted more discreetly, with a discreet silver finish replacing the raised metallic lettering.

For some people, simply switching from MicroUSB to USB-C charging (which Bose should have used on the QC 35 II) is enough to consider the QC 45.

Comfort, controls and connections

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The QuietComfort line of headphones has always been one of the most comfortable over-ears you can buy, and the QC 45 continues that tradition. The ear cushions take that perfectly comfortable midway between firm and soft, while the size and shape of the ear cups make these cans the few that don't put any pressure on my ears. They're comfortable even with glasses on.

The headband exerts just enough clamping force to hold everything where it is needed. It also prevents the tape from creating a pressure point on your head. Oddly enough, the QC 45 is actually a bit heavier than the QC 35 II – 8.5 ounces versus 8.3 ounces – but you would never know. I still think the NC 700s are more comfortable overall (although they're a hair heavier at 8.9 ounces), but the difference is marginal.

I still can't understand why Bose designs its cans to sit flat against your collarbones with the ear pads facing up rather than down (like Sony does) which is much more convenient.

Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors.

There's not much to say about the controls – they are exactly what you need, and they work really well. The three buttons on the right earcup let you control calls, playback, volume and skip tracks, while the action button on the left lets you toggle between Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and transparency mode.

But there are two big differences between the QC 45 and the QC 35 II: First, the action button is no longer configurable to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. In fact, Bose has completely abandoned these two voice AIs, leaving you with everything built into your phone. If you want the extra power from Amazon or Google, you have to go for the NC 700.

And there are no longer multiple ANC levels. You only get the two modes – ANC and Transparency (more on that later).

I'm torn at the slider power button. On the one hand, you never switch it on accidentally, which is easily possible with the NC 700. On the other hand, you always run the risk of using a mechanical slide switch for a function that is as strained as electricity when it wears out, which probably explains why there are several guides on the internet that show you how to fix a broken power switch Replace QC 35.

The sound is really pleasant and suits all genres except the most bass-heavy genres.

The only thing missing is wear detection – the headphones' ability to tell when they're on your head. The Tour One from JBL has this function, as does the WH-1000XM4 from Sony. Even some very affordable noise-canceling models like that Wyze headphones got it. But Bose hasn't yet given its buyers the option to automatically pause music when they take off their headphones.

Connecting the QC 45 is a breeze, whether in Android or iOS, and it's even easier to use the Bluetooth multipoint capability to connect a second device such as a computer at the same time. Just slide the power button a little further and wait for the message that you are ready to pair with a second device. Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors. Do you have a Bose soundbar or wireless speaker? The QC 45's SimpleSync feature allows you to easily connect them to these other devices.

All current Bose headphone products, such as the NC 700, QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose Sport Earbuds and the new QC 45 use the Bose Music App instead of the Bose Connect App. The Music app gives you the same ability to update firmware, adjust settings, and view important information like remaining battery life, but it's not as full. You will no longer be able to access Bose's Music Share feature, which allows two compatible Bose headsets to share a single stream of audio from a phone, and there will be no “Find My Product” option. These features may not matter to you, but it's still strange that they go away.

Sound quality

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

After spending time with many Bose products – speakers, soundbars, headphones, and earbuds – I believe there is a “Bose sound”. At its core, it's a nice balance of frequencies – not quite the "flat" or neutral sound that some audiophiles crave, but close. The bass is never missing in the formula, but neither does it trample its way through the songs like an elephant in combat boots. And at the top end there is that extra boost of energy, a brightness that fluctuates on the verge of sharpness but never makes you flinch. In short, the Bose sound is really enjoyable and suits all genres except the most bass heavy. And the QC 45 embodies the Bose sound.

This is great news if you like the sound of it, but if you don't, the company doesn't understand you very much. There's no way to customize the QC 45's EQ in the Bose Music Companion app, which you can do with the NC 700 and the company's wireless speakers.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose fans already know how good the company's noise-canceling technology is. This is why so many of them bought previous QuietComfort models. The QC 45 does not set a new standard for ANC, but improves your usability, which is arguably more important. You still get the same pleasant silence as the cans filter out unwanted noise, but now you can toggle between full ANC and full transparency (called by Bose Aware mode) almost instantly using the action button on the left earcup.

Neither ANC nor transparency are quite as good as what you get with the Bose NC 700, and the QC 45 lacks the clever bells and whistles of Sony's WH-1000XM4 like speech recognition (which can automatically activate transparency mode when you start talking) . but that doesn't stop them from being a great range of noise-canceling cans.

Call quality

Compared to the QC35 II, the QC 45 should enable superior voice calls thanks to the integrated fourth microphone. That may be true, but they're still not as good as the NC 700 for phone calls.

External noise is effectively canceled, but the algorithm Bose uses to do this can sometimes interfere with your voice, especially when that external noise becomes particularly loud. When it's quieter, your callers will hear you with perfect clarity. However, whether in quiet or noisy environments, the QC 45 will make it sound like you're two or three feet from the microphone, which is unusual. This doesn't affect clarity, but it does tend to take away the low frequencies from your voice that add warmth and resonance.

If calls are a big factor, choose the NC 700 or JBL Tour One instead, which offer the best call quality of any full-size headphone I've tested.

Battery life

Bose headphones have never broken records in battery life, but the QC 45 outperforms both the QC 35 II and the newer NC 700 with 24 hours of continuous use (versus 20 hours). A very good quick charge will give you three hours more if you charge the headphones for 15 minutes.

The remaining battery life is announced when you turn it on, which is especially important if you are about to make a long Zoom call and are unsure whether the battery will last. You can also keep an eye on the battery using the Bose Music app.

Our opinion

The Bose QuietComfort 45 uses a proven formula and makes some much-needed improvements like longer battery life, USB-C charging, and easier / faster control of ANC modes, but some people might be missing the features that Bose left out.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're not stressed about having a MicroUSB charging cable on hand and want to be able to access the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa through your headphones, you can save a few bucks and still get a great set of ANC headphones with the $ 299 QuietComfort 35 II.

If call quality is high on your list, then you should check out the very good ones JBL Tour One. They're not quite as convenient as the QC 45 and don't work as well with ANC, but they do offer hands-free access to voice assistants. They also have better battery life.

If you can afford it Bose noise canceling headphones 700 have many of the same features that the QC 45 left out, such as voice assistants, variable ANC, EQ controls, and great call quality.

How long will they last?

Bose products are very well built and the QuietComfort 45 is no exception. These cans should be used for many years, and even if the ear pads are worn out, you can easily purchase a replacement set. Since they lack any official water resistance rating, avoid getting them wet. Bose backs its powered products like the QC 45 with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The QC 45s are a worthy, albeit small, upgrade to the legendary QuietComfort headphones from Bose, which make them even better travel and music companions.

Editor's recommendations



14 Nov
Blog

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review: Best ANC Buds

Bose quiet comfort earbuds

Bose QuietComfort ear buds

"The best noise-canceling buds we tested with remarkable sound quality."

  • Best noise canceling buds

  • Excellent call quality

  • Exciting audio quality

  • Solid battery life

  • Secure fit

  • No multipoint connection

  • A bit bulky

I kind of doubt Dr. Amar Bose could have foreseen that the active noise-canceling technology he developed in the 1970s would one day be found in what was then considered magical, glorified earplugs. But here we are. The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are here, and they're muscular, a bit bulky, and fashionable late for the party. Besides, I really like her.

Competitors have been releasing ANC earphones since 2018, and over the past year, companies like Sony, Jabra, Sennheiser, 1More, and many others have offered some excellent options. I suppose the reason we had to wait so long to see Bose's answer is because the real Bose way it wasn't going to hit the market with real wireless ANC buds until it was convinced that they were the best.

The good news is that the $ 280 Bose QuietComfort earbuds are excellent in many ways. The bad news is: they are not for everyone. Read on to find out if Bose Buds are a good fit for you.

What's in the box

The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are integrated into the charging case along with a short USB-C charging cable, small and large pairs of earbuds and product literature. Easy.

Bose quiet comfort earbuds in your handsRiley Young / Digital Trends

Structure and battery life

The charging case is large, bulky and not easy to put in the pocket. One would hope the larger case would result in more charging capacity, but the case only offers 12 hours of extra charge as opposed to, for example, the 18 hours that the AirPods Pro case offers. The battery life of the case is indicated by five LEDs on the front of the case. I should also point out that the case also supports Qi wireless charging.

As is the case, the buds are also quite large. Bose claims they'll work for an average of 6 hours, but I've found that I usually get 7 hours or just a little more per charge, which isn't bad considering the buds' ANC is at its highest level and at a reasonably loud volume is for playing music and movies. I love it when products exceed their specifications.

The build quality of both the case and the buds is top notch, if a bit bulky. Besides being bulky, I found it a little difficult to open. The case has a rectangular button that's placed flush enough that a simple press of your thumb won't open it for me. Instead, I have to use my fingernail to push it in enough to open.

Connection and range

After opening, the case reveals a Bluetooth pairing button between the individual buds. If the earphones are not yet paired with a device, they are removed from the case in pairing mode. If the buds have previously been paired with a device, pressing the button will put them into pairing mode. The QC earbuds always try to connect to the last paired device first.

Bose quiet comfort earbuds in handRiley Young / Digital Trends

This would be a good time to mention that the QuietComfort earbuds don't support multipoint connection. That means you can't connect to two devices at the same time and seamlessly switch between them. Although the Buds store up to seven devices in their device list, you must unpair one device in order to pair it with another.

In terms of connection stability and range, I've found the QC earbuds to work very well. With a clear line of sight outdoors, I was approximately 60 feet from a Samsung Galaxy S9 + before it was disconnected. Inside I was about 25 feet away and had started turning a corner before the signal went off. I have never had a signal dropout problem while my phone was put in my pants or jacket pocket.

Fit and comfort

While fit and comfort are subject to the user's ear, I can confidently say that given their size, these buds take a bit of getting used to. When compared to the Jabra Elite 85T or even the Jabra Elite 75T, you'll notice the Bose's larger bud size, although my sensitivity has decreased over time and I think the same applies to others who have medium to large ears.

The QC earbuds not only feel big on the outside, the tips on the inside also make their presence known. Even the medium-sized tips, which almost always work just right for me, felt a little big. Again, over time I got used to the feeling, but that initial feeling can be worrying. Part of this is due to the wide, oval shape of the earbud, and part of that is due to the safety fin attached to the tip and not removable.

Bose quiet comfort earbuds earplugs in handRiley Young / Digital Trends

The non-removable fin may seem strange at first, but when I think back to how clunky optional safety fins have been to me in the past, I think I prefer it, even if it is a more complicated process to put the earbuds in yours Ears in.

I also appreciate that the earbuds are so balanced that I've never had pain or fatigue in the ear canal. I can't say that about most true wireless earbuds.

Overall and with the advantage of extended use at this point, I would rate the Bose QuietComfort earbuds with 8 out of 10 points on the comfort scale. Bulky, safe, but convenient in the long run. It fits what I'm about. I was lucky, but I'm not sure if these buds are suitable for everyone, especially those with dainty ears where aesthetics can also be an issue.

Touch controls and app

I won't dig deep into this section as I honestly almost never use the app and my use of touch controls is limited. All I need to do is adjust the noise canceling levels, play / pause music and take calls. With the touch sensors on each earbud, I can do all of that.

Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds ApplicationEvil

You can customize the touch controls to some extent using the Bose Connect app, which also lets you rename the buds and check the battery level at a glance. That's about all you need the app to do.

Noise canceling quality

Simply put, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds offer the best noise cancellation I've experienced from a true wireless earbud. I haven't made any meaningful comparison of the bud noise cancellation to the Bose NC 700 headphones, but the tests I was able to run showed that the buds block out a wide variety of sounds just as effectively as the flagship noise canceling on Bose rifles . The earplug's solid seal is of great help, but the ANC processing is second to none.

The best noise cancellation I've experienced with a real wireless earbud.

Compared to the AirPods Pro, which have no problem in the noise canceling department themselves, they can't stand up to the Bose QC earbuds. The Bose blocks far more high-frequency noise, which means that it is more effective at blocking road noises such as cars passing by, the hum of air conditioning, and even children screeching. When music is playing, you only hear the music.

I don't know when I'll get on a plane again, but when I do I look forward to putting Bose's Buds on the ultimate noise-canceling test.

Audio quality

I'm not going to get around the bush here: I love the way the Bose QuietComfort earbuds sound. Not because they have an absolutely accurate sound signature, but because they have a fun and engaging sound profile.

Make no mistake, the QC earphones offer a generous dose of detail, lightning-fast transient response and a punchy bass that can be started and stopped in a jiffy – all hallmarks of high-quality headphones and the stuff that audiophiles stumble upon. But Bose designed the sound in the QC earbuds to provide a deep, punchy, and rich bass that's just pushed up enough in the mix to be more than accurate, but only to the extent that it is satisfies those who like a little more deep down.

Bose quiet comfort earbudsRiley Young / Digital Trends

Mid-frequencies stay transparent even with a slight bass boost, while the top end delivers just enough sheen and shine for the highs to sing.

I may have spent too much time listening to both sets of Cory Wong's The Syncopate & Motivate Tour and enjoying every minute of every hour. The interaction between the kick drum of the drummer and the syncopated rhythms of the bassist was a punchy and melodic pleasure for the ears. Wong's insanely tight articulation paired with the iconic guitar tone came through as clear as a bell, with just the right amount of room noise to give an impression of the venue. Meanwhile, the band's horn section was reproduced with remarkably accurate overtones, giving the band all the zeal that a professional trumpeter (that's me) can expect from a live recording.

It's fair to say I really, really enjoy the sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds.

Are there any better sounding buds? I have an affinity with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 and they sound really great. But I have to say between the two, I'd probably buy the Bose for anything they do better than the Momentum 2.

Yes, I think it's fair to say I really, really enjoy the sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds.

Call quality

With such great sound quality, is call quality so important? I would argue these days. I can see these buds being used to get through days at the end of work from home, switching between listening to music, talking on the phone, and zooming in on meetings. Good news folks: you can enjoy all three without ever removing your earbuds.

The call quality of the QC earbuds is excellent. Your voice will always come through clear and with little digital robotic sound created by the compression of audio signals. In addition, noise in the vicinity of callers is suppressed remarkably well, including wind noise.

But perhaps the most important aspect of solid call quality is that you can hear yourself speak without hearing outside noise. Again, Bose manages this trick better than any other competing earphone or headphone I've tested so far.

Our opinion

As bulky as the Bose QuietComfort earbuds are, they are top notch true wireless earbuds. Their noise cancellation is the best among the earbuds we tested, the audio quality is exciting and deeply satisfying, and the call quality is the best we've had outside of Bose's own full-sized headphones. If you can put up with the slightly larger buds and plump case, the QC earphones will reward you well.

Is there a better alternative?

You won't find better noise cancellation anywhere else, but I'll say the Jabra Elite 85T are extremely competitive headphones at a lower price, with effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, good call quality, and solid battery performance. The Elite 85T are also smaller. So when it comes to bud size and budget, they are a great alternative.

How long do they take?

My experience with Bose headphone products makes me believe the QC earbuds will continue to exist in the future. I think the only limiting factor here is the battery, which ultimately dies and makes the buds unusable, but this goes for almost every true wireless earbud out there.

Should you buy it?

Yes. With the best of noise-canceling technology, great call quality and extremely entertaining sound, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds are both a joy and practical.

Editor's recommendations




28 Oct
Blog

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Review: Lost In Translation

bose quietcomfort 35 ii gaming review boseqc35iigaming1

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Play

"Bose is a noob in gaming audio, and it shows."

  • Pleasant, balanced sound

  • Light and comfortable

  • Excellent active noise cancellation

  • Lack of virtual surround sound

  • Lacks audio punch in action games

  • Not wireless when gaming

  • Bad value

I have four headphones. That may sound silly, but I suspect you're not far behind me. Here is my list:

  • Wireless PC gaming headset
  • Sony PlayStation 4 wireless headset
  • Wireless earbuds
  • Wired headphones

I blame this absurd situation with the clutter of audio compatibility that can be found on different devices. My PC gaming headset works great for my PC, but not well with the PlayStation 4, and not at all with something that lacks USB-A. My Sony PS4 headset is only useful for the PS4. My wireless earbuds technically connect to anything I own. However, due to their short battery life, I am reserving them for use with my phone. And my wired headphones, now 12 years old, are still the best choices for music, but they require a 3.5mm headphone jack and are too big to be used from the comfort of a desk.

Obviously, my life would be less cluttered with just one device to get it all done. Enter the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming. Based on the popular QC 35 II wireless noise-canceling headphones, the gaming model has a wired microphone for lag-free PC games. They connect to everything I own and can even connect two devices at the same time.

At $ 330, however, the promise of all-round connectivity doesn't come cheap. Can QC 35 II Gaming keep its promise?

Audio quality

Crystal clear audio is the main goal of this headset. It is a conversion of a wireless headset that is usually aimed at audiophiles. So I was expecting an excellent experience.

I'll start with the bad news. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming begins its life as wireless headphones, so they lack the taste in sound that I expect from a wireless gaming headset. They're balanced and crystal clear, but lack surround sound virtualization, a feature that is now combined with games like butter on toast.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

Simply put, the QC 35 II Gaming is not trying to take your socks off. They're great for Final Fantasy XIV, where the game's amazing soundtrack can take center stage, or Microsoft Flight Simulator, where clear sound makes air traffic control chatter easier to hear and modest bass rewinding an airplane engine drone.

However, in Call of Duty: Warzone, the lack of punch was so noticeable that at first I thought my audio settings were wrong. It wasn't you. The QC 35 II Gaming can't keep up with the impressive virtual surround sound of headsets like the Logitech G733 or the SteelSeries Arctis 7.

The tradeoff for this is the great audio quality everywhere else, which is important. Modern gaming headsets are big bucks, but usually have a muddy sound that strips away details and nuances.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

Switching from a Logitech G733 to the QC 35 II is a day versus night difference – and I really enjoy the G733. The headset from Logitech is flawless in almost every situation. But put them against Bose on my Spotify Rewind playlist, and Bose will train the Logitech.

Your opinion on the sound of the QC 35 II Gaming depends on what you are playing. If all you want to do is gamble and play games that make adequate use of virtual surround mode, a dedicated gaming headset is better for you. If you're looking to listen to a wide variety of media or play games that have great soundtracks and audio design above volume, the Bose QC 35 II might make sense.

Microphone performance

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II games are defined by an additional microphone that is connected to the audio jack on the headset. The microphone is then connected to a puck using a 3.5mm audio jack. And this puck, which also functions as a volume control, is then connected to your PC via USB.

Confused? Here's the real head scratcher. The QC 35 II Gaming already has a built-in microphone. So why another corded microphone?

The answer to that question – which hardcore gamers have already guessed – is lag. Bluetooth is not a perfect solution for gaming due to latency. It is not ideal to hear an opponent's rifle 200 milliseconds after firing. Because of this, wireless gaming headsets come with proprietary wireless dongles instead of using Bluetooth. However, the QC 35 II Gaming already has Bluetooth, so Bose taps on a wired microphone that is also used to connect the headphones.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

It's not a good solution. At $ 330, the QC 35 II Gaming is at the high end of wireless gaming headsets. They're not actually wireless when playing games, however. More precisely, the QC 35 II Gaming are wireless Bluetooth headphones that can be converted into a wired gaming headset.

The company makes this clear in its marketing out of fairness to Bose. The QC 35 II Gaming is designed as a gaming headset that also has a "wireless lifestyle mode". Bose doesn't lead anyone astray. However, that doesn't make the wired microphone any less annoying.

At least the wired microphone is excellent. I compared it back to back to the Logitech G733, the Logitech G533, and the Razer Kraken. The QC 35 II Gaming was the clear winner. All four headsets are sufficient, but the QC 35 II Gaming has a clean, crisp quality that is a step above the norm.

Comfort and design

Alright. I've been banging on this evil for a while now – and rightly so. It's a cumbersome attempt to turn a great pair of wireless headphones into a gaming headset, and it doesn't quite work. The Bose QC 35 II Gaming, however, remains at its core the Bose QC 35 II. You can read our Bose QC 35 II review to get the expert perspective of our A / V editor, but I'll summarize the benefits.

The QC 35 II Gaming are compact, foldable for mobility and come with a travel bag. They are light and comfortable to wear. The ear cups, while still an over-ear design, are smaller than most gaming headsets and breathe well. The processing quality is excellent. The phone app that manages wireless connections (the QC 35 II Gaming can connect to two Bluetooth sources at the same time) is simple, but works well enough.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

It is in the so-called "lifestyle mode" that these advantages are most important to the gaming version, and this is not an unattractive pitch. You can use the QC 35 II Gaming at home with a gaming rig, listen to music on your phone while doing housework, or take them for a walk around the neighborhood.

You can now buy gaming headsets with lag-free wireless connectivity and built-in bluetooth like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. Just like the QC 35 II Gaming, these headsets can also serve as all-in-one audio devices. However, they're bigger, heavier, often don't work as well with mobile devices, and usually have a retractable (rather than detachable) microphone.

Don't forget the QC 35 II Gaming's active noise cancellation either. It's effective, eliminating most repetitive sounds, and making everything else much less loud. This is less useful for gaming than it is for traveling. Bose is the master of ANC and the ANC quality of the QC 35 II Gaming is superior to any gaming headset or wireless headphones I have used.

Battery life

The battery life of the QC 35 II Gaming underlines the cumbersome conversion of the headset. Bose claims up to 40 hours in wired game mode and up to 20 hours in wireless lifestyle mode.

That's right. Battery life is limited in wired mode. Forty hours is a long, long time. I usually don't play more than two hours a day, so the QC 35 II would theoretically last three weeks and I've never compromised its endurance while wiring it. On the other hand, gamblers who gamble a lot will eat through a fee in two or three days.

Bose quotes 20 hours of wireless battery life. They seem close to that number. The QC 35 II QC gaming headphones are so comfortable that I wore them more than usual. That's a good sign, although I charged it once every two to three days – more often than the less comfortable Logitech G533, which is my usual daily driver. Still, I can't knock on Bose for wanting to wear the QC 35 II Gaming.

Additional functions

The QC 35 II Gaming has a customizable button that can be used to control ANC. It can also call Alexa or Google Assistant. This is an important function for the QC 35 II wireless headphones, but irrelevant for a gaming headset. This can be useful when using the QC 35 II Gaming as wireless headphones. The built-in microphone is preferable to telephoning from anywhere in the room.

As already mentioned, the QC 35 II Gaming comes with a volume puck. Inclusion is a wise decision by Bose as it will ease the annoyance of using cables. Without the puck, you'd have to plug the headset directly into your desktop's 3.5mm audio, and that would be a chore. Adjusting the volume by rotating the puck is also more convenient than using the headphones' volume buttons.

However, wire length was still a problem. A short 3-foot 3.5mm audio cable connects the microphone to the puck. It's barely long enough for the job. I usually run the audio cable from my wired headphones on the side of my desk so it doesn't get caught on my keyboard or the HOTAS (Hands on Throttle-and-Stick) I use for Microsoft Flight Simulator. However, this is not possible here.

Our opinion

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming are great wireless headphones that are built into a disappointing gaming headset. They look great, sound great, and have an excellent ANC. The wired implementation of gaming connectivity isn't ideal, however, and it's difficult to balance that with the $ 330 price tag.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, Sennheiser GSP 670 and HyperX Cloud Flight S are examples of great gaming headsets that can connect via WiFi or Bluetooth. If all you want is a gaming headset, solid entries like the Logitech G733 start at $ 130.

The Bose QC 35 II Gaming beat them as everyday headphones. But when you buy a gaming headset, gaming is a priority. Other gaming headsets are easier to use, support wireless gaming, and have 7.1 virtual surround sound.

How long it will take?

The QC 35 II Gaming are exceptionally well built and personally I have never broken a headset or headphones (despite washing my AirPods). Accidents aside, you can assume that the QC 35 II Gaming will last as long as the battery life lasts. Heavy users might want a new pair in three years, but I think most owners will be in use for at least five years.

Should you buy it?

No. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are great wireless headphones, but disappointing as a gaming headset. Gamers should stick to headsets that are designed from the ground up for gaming.

Editor's recommendations