The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are great Bluetooth over-ear headphones for commuting and traveling with a few improvements over the previous model. The redesign doesn't change much, but adds a bit more functionality and a dedicated button for Google Assistant/Alexa, or to switch between noise cancelling modes, which is a welcome addition. They're still extremely comfortable headphones with a very well-balanced sound profile and a versatile, easy-to-use design. Unfortunately, their dedicated companion app doesn't have any EQ settings, and they leak quite a bit at higher volumes.

Our Verdict

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How do the Bose QuietComfort 35 II sound?

So first things first, nothing with the sound quality has changed here when compared to the first version. Even though as of Android Oreo, Android has LDAC, aptX, and aptX HD support for higher-quality streaming via Bluetooth, you won’t find any of those in the QC 35 II headphones. You need two to tango with these codecs so when one side of a connection doesn’t support a codec, they default down to the standard SBC. The QC 35 II do support AAC thankfully, so iOS users will benefit, and you won’t be stuck out in the rain when it comes to latency at least. Lack of high quality codecs doesn’t mean these headphones are bad, the average person will probably find them more than great.

How do the QC35's Look?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II look identical to the original Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 Wireless 2016 but with an additional button on the left ear cup. They have the same aesthetics, design, and button layout (for the rest of the controls) and come in the same color schemes at launch. Our all-black model has a high-end yet understated appeal, but they're also available in silver or rose gold. You can also fully customize a pair with your own colors through the Bose website, but it costs a bit more.

How Comfortable are Bose QC35 II? 

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are one of the most comfortable over-ears that we've tested so far and are a bit more comfortable than the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless, and the more recent Bose 700 Headphones Wireless. They're not too tight on the head, the headband and ear cups are well-padded, and they're very lightweight. They have the same fit and weight as the original QuietComfort 35, which are comfortable enough to wear for hours without any fatigue.

Controls	Breathability
The Bose QC35 II have a slightly improved control scheme over the original QC35. They have an additional button on the left ear cup that activates Google Assitant/Alexa or switches between noise cancelling modes. The rest of the buttons are pretty much the same as the previous model and give you access to most common commands. Their physical controls deliver great tactile feedback, especially compared to touch-sensitive buttons on headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. Unfortunately, the buttons feel a little cramped on the bottom of the right ear cup, but they're easy-to-use and you get accustomed to them fairly quickly.	Avg Temp. Difference 6.2 C   Like the previous model, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II don't have the most breathable design. They create a good seal around your ears which prevents a lot of air flow and makes you sweat a bit more when exercising, so they may not be the best choice for more intense workout routines. On the upside, they should be fine for more casual listening sessions, only making your ears warm after hours of use.
Build Quality	Stability
The build quality the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the same as the original model and is quite good overall. The plastic used for the ear cups is dense and should be able to handle a few drops without sustaining damage. The headband is decently flexible and has a metal frame to reinforce the build, though they still have a lot of plastic in their design, which feels a bit cheap for their price range. They don't look and feel quite as premium as some other headphones at this price point, like the Parrot Zik 3/Zik 3.0 Wireless, the Oppo PM-3, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i Wireless, or the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless.	The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are decently stable but not tight enough on the head to be suitable for more intense exercises. The ear cups sway a little when exercising, but thanks to the wireless design, you don't have to worry about the audio cable getting caught on something and yanking the headphones off your head.