Bose 700 vs QuietComfort 35 II - Where are the differences?

After the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, the manufacturer has launched the Bose Noise Cancelling 700 on the market. The price of the new headphones is slightly higher. This leads to the questions where the differences between the models are and which headphones are better. Another interesting question is of course whether an upgrade from the Bose QC35 II to the Bose 700 is worthwhile.

Comparison table

Differences - Bose 700 and QuietComfort 35 II in comparison

Noise cancelling

With noise cancelling headphones, the noise reduction function is one of the most important. This is where Bose has added to the list. The QuietComfort 35 II had 3 levels here. The newer Bose 700 has 11 levels of noise reduction, which can be freely selected.

Microphones

The Bose 700 has also been upgraded in terms of microphones. Four microphones are now used here. This results in better speech quality. So better handling for phone calls. The QuietComfort 35 II has only two built-in microphones.

Material & quality

A small disadvantage of the Bose 700 is that the headphones cannot be folded. This was and still is possible with the QuietComfort 35 II. Now only the earcups can be turned. This makes the Bose 700 somewhat less practical for transport and use when travelling. 

But the Bose 700 is no longer made of plastic, but of metal. This makes for an optically much more elegant picture. A small advantage in terms of stability, too.

It doesn't really affect the weight. The new headphones weigh 250 grams instead of 240.

Operation

The headphones on the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are controlled by physical buttons. Here's another difference to the Bose 700, which has gesture control similar to Sony.

Optically, this also has small effects, as the headphones without buttons look a bit narrower overall.

Battery life

In terms of battery life, both models are no fools. Both the new Bose 700 and the QuietComfort 35 II have a battery life of 20 hours. Depending on the application, the duration can of course vary greatly.

Range - Bluetooth

Within range, Bose's made up some ground. But only one meter. The Bose 700 now has a range of 10 meters. The QuietComfort 35 II has only 9 meters here. Of course walls and disturbing factors are still problems of Bluetooth.

USB

In contrast to the QuietComfort 35 II, Bose has equipped the 700 with USB-C. The predecessor is equipped with MicroUSB. According to the current state of the art, this is a large and practical upgrade. MicroUSB disappears so slowly and is exchanged everywhere against USB-C. This also applies to smartphones.

Which headphones are better?

Technically, the Bose 700 is the better model. The standards have been slightly raised. Keypad control has been replaced with gesture control.

A big advantage is certainly the 11 levels of noise reduction. The QuietComfort 35 II also does a very good job here.

In terms of design, the Bose 700 makes a somewhat more chic picture. This is due to the slimmer appearance and the higher quality material - metal instead of plastic.

If you don't have too much money left, the cheaper Bose QuietComfort 35 II* will definitely do. If you're willing to invest a little more, you'll get a little more luxury and quality with the Bose 700*. You could also say that the Bose 700 is the elite model and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the model for everyone.

Should you upgrade from QuietComfort 35 II to the Bose 700?

Basically, the question of an upgrade has already been answered in advance. The new functions are good and practical. Nevertheless, the Bose 700 is no better than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II*.

Looking at the price and scope of the upgrades, I'd say an upgrade to the new Bose 700* is not necessary. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II remains a very good noise cancelling headphone.