Bose Qc35 2 Vs Sony 1000xm3

If you're shopping around for active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, y'all've probably come across two brands: Sony and Bose. Each brand is a household name and sits atop the list of the best dissonance cancelling headphones. While both are objectively strong performers, there are nuanced differences that matter to the mobile user. Today, we're going to break down those differences and run into how the Sony WH-1000XM3 stack up against the Bose QC 35 Ii headphones.

About this versus article: This Sony WH-1000XM3 vs. Bose QuietComfort 35 II versus article comes from the audio experts at our sis site SoundGuys. Bank check out their in-depth take here .

Update, March 23, 2021:This commodity was updated to include technical information, add together a microphone poll, and address alternatives.

Both are well-designed headsets

Bose QuietComfort 35 II image on a grey couch arm.

Whether you're commuting a few blocks or across the land, both headphones are travel-friendly. The ear cups of each headset rotate and fold upwards for storage inside their respective carrying cases. If you're a one-bagger looking for the lightest headset, consider the QuietComfort 35 II. They're lighter and championed past many for their comfortable qualities. That said, SoundGuys Executive Editor Chris Thomas prefers the Sony WH-1000XM3, so preferences vary hither.

Read: Bose QuietComfort 35 II review | Sony WH-1000XM3 review

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Ii employ the archaic microUSB input for charging, while Sony uses a contemporary USB-C charging input. If you have an Android phone and don't want to finagle multiple cablevision types into your purse, USB-C input on the Sony cans may exist more appealing.

Additionally, both headsets have intuitive on-board controls. The Bose QC 35 2 uses physical buttons and a slider, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM3 uses the right ear cup every bit a capacitive impact panel. You can use a slew of gestures to skip tracks, adjust volume, access your voice assistant, or permit background dissonance in so you lot can have a quick conversation without removing the headphones.

Both the Sony and Bose racket-cancelling headphones afford more than than 24 hours of playback on a single charge. They also both back up full integration of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. To iPhone users' dismay, neither support Siri integration. If you want that, get the AirPods or Beats Powerbeats Pro. That said, both allow Siri access via the multifunction button (Bose) or holding the touchpad (Sony).

Sony'due south dissonance-cancelling is best

Simply a few years ago, Bose had a agree on the ANC headphones market, merely Sony has clawed its way into becoming a worthy adversary.

The Serenity Comfort headphones effectively attenuate noises across the frequency spectrum. This performance is one of the many reasons they're beloved by frequent flyers and subway riders alike. However, Sony outdoes Bose in this department equally its WH-1000XM3 combats much more dissonance overall.

Read on: All-time noise-cancelling headphones

While the QuietComfort 35 Two cancels more than sound beneath the 100Hz marker, Sony's headphones practice a significantly better job at combating racket above 100Hz. This ways conversations and rustling papers are hushed more past Sony than Bose. In all fairness, if mitigating low rumbling noises or automobile engines is a top priority, the Bose edges the Sony out.

Which headphones audio amend?

Bose QuietComfort II headphones resting against an open notebook.

Adam Molina / Android Authority

If you've visited SoundGuys, you know audio is both an objective and subjective science. Certain, the frequency output of something is quantifiable, but personal preference matters just as well. Some may prefer a bass-heavy sound while others swear by a "flat" response. Any you happen to prefer is what's right for you.

If you're to approximate sound quality on which headset has the most accurate frequency response, Bose wins here. Its headphones don't grossly exaggerate whatever range of notes, which makes it easy to EQ the sound without running into harmonic baloney. Carry in heed, though, these only support SBC and AAC, which could result in compression artifacts with louder music. What'due south more, Android doesn't play nicely with AAC as information technology's a ability-hungry codec, which Android has even so to universally manage. This means AAC performance will vary widely depending on which smartphone you use. It's a adept option for iPhone users though.

Alternatively, the Sony WH-1000XM3 boost bass notes and yet this subtle emphasis isn't overdone. Since plenty of popular headphones emphasize depression notes, this gives the Sony cans a more familiar, consumer-friendly sound. Yous can EQ the sound signature via Sony's app only doing so drops streaming downwards to SBC, rendering high-quality codec back up goose egg.

Bluetooth codec support

If you don't tinker with the WH-1000XM3 sound profile, yous get the added benefit of aptX, aptX Hd, and LDAC Bluetooth codec support, significant information technology volition be able to support higher-quality music streaming. That'due south a big advantage over Bose'south QC35 Ii.

Sony uses more future-proofed hardware than the older Bose QC 35 2.

Additionally, a pair of wireless headphones is only as good every bit its connection quality. Information technology's difficult to go a deep understanding of this unless you've had direct feel with a product or have taken the fourth dimension to read comprehensive reviews. When it comes to specifications, Bose's Bluetooth codec back up is limited to SBC and AAC. On the other paw, Sony supports five codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Hard disk, and LDAC. Android users who value audio quality should stick to Sony.

Which headset is best for phone calls?

Chris Thomas / Android Dominance

Bose's functioning leaves a lot to be desired. The QuietComfort 35 II struggle with sounds below 200Hz, which is where many people's vocal registers prevarication, or at least the fundamental frequencies of their voices. Low-pitched voices are relayed anywhere from half to ane-quarter equally loud during calls because those lower notes aren't emphasized at the same level equally sounds above 200Hz.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Two microphone demo:

Voices receive minimal alteration with the Sony ANC headphones. Vocals are relayed clearly and the mic has no problem registering voices for hands-free commands, also. This is an excellent microphone for voice quality. The merely downside is it as well picks up external noise, which can be distracting if yous're speaking from a crowded infinite.

Sony WH-1000XM3 microphone demo:

Which microphone do you recall sound better?

209 votes

Should you purchase the Sony WH-1000XM3 or the Bose QC35 Two?

There's no wrong option hither. As with anything, each pair of headphones has its pros and cons. While both originally retailed for $349, it's like shooting fish in a barrel to find either on sale at any given time.

Objectively, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the clear winner: it supports more loftier-quality Bluetooth codecs, has meliorate mic quality, and more modern hardware. Still, if you demand tactile controls and neutral frequency response, Bose will make more sense for y'all. Alternatively, y'all might want to save for the Bose Racket Cancelling Headphones 700, which concord up well against the new Sony WH-1000XM4.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

What should you get instead?

For the accented best low-frequency noise cancellation, you lot may desire to save upward even more for the Shure Aonic 50. The microphone system isn't quite as good as Sony's but information technology's shut, and improving with firmware updates. Information technology'due south a great option for bespectacled listeners and anyone who wants the absolute best wireless audio quality; the Aonic 50 supports even more high-quality Bluetooth codecs than the Sony WH-1000XM3. No thing what, yous'll exist protecting your hearing by investing in a premium pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

Adam Molina / Android Authority

If you own an iPhone, the AirPods Max might be on your radar: this is an excellent headset, just it comes at an unreasonably high price. That said, if y'all're life is embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the investment may be worth it. Yous can read all about how the AirPods Max compare to the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones here.