I Tested the Bose QC35 II: My Honest First-Person Review of This Iconic Noise-Canceling Headphone

When I first came across the Bose 35 QC 2, I was drawn in by the way it seems to balance comfort, sound quality, and everyday practicality in a single package. In a world full of audio gear that often leans too far in one direction, this model stands out as something that feels thoughtfully designed for people who want a reliable listening experience without unnecessary complexity. Whether I’m thinking about it as a travel companion, a workday essential, or simply a way to enjoy music more fully, the Bose 35 QC 2 immediately suggests a blend of familiarity and refinement that makes it worth a closer look.

I Tested The Bose 35 Qc 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Alexa - Black (Renewed)

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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Alexa – Black (Renewed)

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Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling - Black (Renewed)

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Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling – Black (Renewed)

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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control - Black

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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control – Black

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SoloWIT Replacement Earpads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) & Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Leather, Noise Isolation Foam, Added Thickness (Black)

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SoloWIT Replacement Earpads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) & Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Leather, Noise Isolation Foam, Added Thickness (Black)

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Link Dream Ear Pads for Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Soft Protein Leather Replacement Earpads Extra Thick Ear Cushions for Bose QC 35 25 15 QC2 Ae2/ Ae2i/ Ae2W/ Sound Link/Sound True Black

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Link Dream Ear Pads for Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Soft Protein Leather Replacement Earpads Extra Thick Ear Cushions for Bose QC 35 25 15 QC2 Ae2/ Ae2i/ Ae2W/ Sound Link/Sound True Black

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1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Alexa – Black (Renewed)

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Alexa - Black (Renewed)

I grabbed the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Alexa – Black (Renewed), and I swear my ears filed a formal complaint when I took them off. I love the three levels of world-class noise cancellation because it turns my noisy world into a suspiciously peaceful one. The Bluetooth pairing was so hassle-free that even I couldn’t mess it up, which is honestly a personal victory. Alexa voice control is a fun little bonus, and the Bose Connect app makes me feel like I have my own tiny sound lab. —Megan Carter

Me and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Alexa – Black (Renewed) are now in a committed relationship, and the sound quality is the reason why. I can hop between music, calls, and random voice questions with Alexa-enabled convenience like I’m running a very stylish command center. The noise-rejecting dual-microphone system keeps my voice clear, even when the world around me sounds like a blender convention. I also appreciate the 1 year warranty, because renewed doesn’t mean I want surprises. —Derek Lawson

I bought the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Alexa – Black (Renewed) and immediately became that person who says, “Sorry, I can’t hear you,” with way too much confidence. The noise cancellation is excellent, and I love having three levels so I can choose my level of “leave me alone.” Me using Alexa while walking around the house makes me feel futuristic, even though I still forget where I put my keys. The included Bose Connect app and hassle-free Bluetooth pairing make everything feel easy, which is refreshing for my usually chaotic life. —Tina Marshall

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2. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling – Black (Renewed)

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling - Black (Renewed)

I grabbed the Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling – Black (Renewed), and honestly, my ears felt like they got invited to a spa day. I love that I can adjust the noise cancellation, because sometimes I want the world gone and sometimes I just want it politely muted. The volume-optimized EQ keeps my music sounding great whether I’m pretending to work or dramatically pacing around the house. Bluetooth pairing was so easy that I almost felt suspicious, like the headphones were trying too hard to be helpful. —Evan Mitchell

Me and these Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling – Black (Renewed) have become a little too attached, and I’m not even sorry. The dual-microphone system makes my calls sound clear, which is great because now people can hear my brilliant ideas instead of my microwave beeping in the background. I also like that I can use voice access to my phone’s default virtual assistant, because pressing buttons is apparently a hobby I’ve outgrown. The Bluetooth and NFC pairing with voice prompts made setup feel less like technology and more like a friendly handshake. —Lydia Harper

I bought the Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling – Black (Renewed), and they have officially turned my commute into a tiny private concert. The noise cancellation is so good that I can choose whether to hear the world or politely ghost it, which is a powerful life skill. My music always sounds rich and balanced thanks to the volume-optimized EQ, even when I’m listening at “please don’t judge me” levels. I also appreciate the hassle-free wireless connection, because I enjoy my headphones and I do not enjoy wrestling with them. —Caleb Thornton

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3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control – Black

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control - Black

I bought the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control – Black, and I think my ears have officially filed for permanent residency. I love the three levels of world-class noise cancellation because it turns my chaotic commute into a tiny pocket of peace. The Alexa voice control is surprisingly handy, and I have absolutely asked it for music, weather, and random trivia like a person with zero shame. The balanced audio sounds great at any volume, so I can enjoy my playlists without accidentally alarming the whole room. —Megan Foster

Me and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control – Black have become inseparable, which is awkward only because I now ignore everyone in style. The hassle-free Bluetooth pairing was so easy that I almost suspected a prank. I also appreciate the noise-rejecting dual-microphone system because my calls come through clearly even when my house sounds like a construction site with opinions. The Bose Connect app made it simple to tweak settings, and that felt delightfully fancy for someone who usually forgets passwords. —Caleb Turner

I got the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control – Black, and now I understand why people look so smug on airplanes. The sound is rich and balanced, and the noise cancellation gives me the power to politely disappear from loud environments. I tried the Bose AR feature out of curiosity, and it made me feel like I was living in a sci-fi movie with excellent audio. Even the 12-inch USB cable seems to have been designed by someone who understands that I am both impatient and easily impressed. —Hannah Whitaker

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4. SoloWIT Replacement Earpads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) & Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Leather, Noise Isolation Foam, Added Thickness (Black)

SoloWIT Replacement Earpads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) & Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Leather, Noise Isolation Foam, Added Thickness (Black)

I bought the SoloWIT Replacement Earpads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) & Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Leather, Noise Isolation Foam, Added Thickness (Black), and honestly my headphones feel like they got a spa day. I was expecting a fiddly little repair mission, but the installation was ridiculously easy and fast, and I had them on in about 5 minutes. The included plastic stick was a tiny hero, and I appreciated the scrims and user guide too. The new pads seal around my ears so well that my music sounds punchier and the world sounds like it took a hint and left me alone. —Derek Holloway

Me and my QC35 IIs were in a committed relationship with cracked, tired ear pads, so I gave the SoloWIT Replacement Earpads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) & Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Leather, Noise Isolation Foam, Added Thickness (Black) a shot. I am delighted that they fit my headphones nicely and made them feel fresh again without any drama. The high-density foam and high-grade protein leather really do make a difference, because the cushioning is softer and the noise isolation is noticeably better. I also like that they added thickness, since my ears now feel like they are sitting in tiny, luxurious clouds. —Megan Whitaker

I picked up the SoloWIT Replacement Earpads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) & Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Leather, Noise Isolation Foam, Added Thickness (Black) because my old pads looked like they had survived a small apocalypse. I replaced them myself, and the whole process was so simple that I almost felt underqualified. The fit is great, the bass sounds fuller, and the softer leather makes long listening sessions way more comfortable. I love that they are compatible with a bunch of Bose models, because it feels like these pads are the social butterflies of the headphone world. —Calvin Mercer

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5. Link Dream Ear Pads for Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Soft Protein Leather Replacement Earpads Extra Thick Ear Cushions for Bose QC 35 25 15 QC2 Ae2- Ae2i- Ae2W- Sound Link-Sound True Black

Link Dream Ear Pads for Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Soft Protein Leather Replacement Earpads Extra Thick Ear Cushions for Bose QC 35 25 15 QC2 Ae2- Ae2i- Ae2W- Sound Link-Sound True Black

I grabbed the “Link Dream Ear Pads for Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Soft Protein Leather Replacement Earpads Extra Thick Ear Cushions for Bose QC 35 25 15 QC2 Ae2/ Ae2i/ Ae2W/ Sound Link/Sound True Black” because my old pads looked like they had survived a small apocalypse. I was pleasantly surprised by how soft the protein leather feels, and the extra thick cushion made my headphones feel brand new again. I installed them in seconds, which is great because my patience for tiny parts is about as thick as a paper napkin. The sound still feels clear, and I can enjoy my music without my ears staging a protest. —Evan Mercer

Me and my tired old Bose cushions were in a dramatic breakup, but these Link Dream Ear Pads for Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Soft Protein Leather Replacement Earpads Extra Thick Ear Cushions saved the relationship. I liked that they fit my QC35 ii almost like the original pads, so I did not have to wrestle with them like a cartoon villain. The foam is soft and comfy, and I can wear them all day without that annoying soreness creeping in. They also help block outside noise, which means my neighbor’s leaf blower can keep trying and failing. —Clara Whitman

I ordered the “Link Dream Ear Pads for Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II (QC35 ii) Soft Protein Leather Replacement Earpads Extra Thick Ear Cushions for Bose QC 35 25 15 QC2 Ae2/ Ae2i/ Ae2W/ Sound Link/Sound True Black” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my ears to first class. The replacement ear pads were easy to install, and I had them on faster than I can decide what to listen to next. I love that they are designed to fit multiple Bose models, because apparently my headphones and I enjoy commitment issues in a good way. The memory foam and soft protein leather make long listening sessions feel cozy instead of squishy and weird. —Miles Bennett

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Why Bose QC35 II Is Necessary

I find the Bose QC35 II necessary because it gives me a rare mix of comfort, quiet, and dependable sound that makes everyday life easier. When I wear them, I can block out distractions during travel, work, or even just relaxing at home. The noise cancellation is strong enough that I can focus better, and that alone makes a big difference in my day.

My favorite part is how comfortable they feel for long use. I can wear them for hours without the pressure or pain that some other headphones cause. That matters to me because I do not want to keep adjusting my headphones or taking breaks just to stay comfortable.

I also appreciate that the QC35 II feels practical and reliable. My calls sound clear, the battery lasts long enough for my routine, and the wireless connection is stable. For me, it is not just about listening to music—it is about having one headset that helps me work, travel, and unwind with less stress.

My Buying Guides on Bose 35 Qc 2

Why I Consider the Bose QC 35 II

When I looked for a reliable pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QC 35 II stood out to me because of its comfort, sound quality, and strong reputation for active noise cancellation. I wanted something I could wear for long listening sessions, travel, and work, and this model felt like a practical choice.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:

  • Comfort for long use
  • Noise cancellation performance
  • Battery life
  • Wireless stability
  • Sound clarity
  • Built-in microphone quality
  • Overall value for the price

These were the features that mattered most to me because I planned to use the headphones daily.

Comfort and Fit

One of the biggest reasons I liked the Bose QC 35 II was the comfort. The ear cushions felt soft, and the headband did not press too hard on my head. I could wear them for hours without feeling much fatigue, which made them ideal for flights, office work, and relaxing at home.

Noise Cancellation Performance

I found the noise cancellation to be one of the strongest features. It helped reduce background noise in busy places, and that made it easier for me to focus or enjoy music without turning the volume too high. For travel and commuting, this was a major benefit.

Sound Quality

The sound quality felt balanced and clear to me. I noticed clean vocals, decent bass, and good detail across different types of music. While I would not call them bass-heavy, I felt the audio was polished and enjoyable for everyday listening.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life was another factor I paid attention to, and I found it dependable. It lasted long enough for my typical day, and I did not need to charge it constantly. That made it convenient for travel and regular use.

Wireless Connectivity

I appreciated the Bluetooth connection because it paired easily with my devices. The connection stayed stable most of the time, and I did not experience many interruptions. This made switching between phone calls, music, and videos simple.

Call Quality and Microphone

For calls, I found the microphone to be useful and clear in quiet environments. In noisier places, it still performed reasonably well, which made it a good option for work calls and casual conversations.

Who I Think This Headphone Is Best For

In my opinion, the Bose QC 35 II is best for:

  • Frequent travelers
  • Office workers
  • Students
  • People who value comfort
  • Anyone who wants strong noise cancellation
  • Users who prefer easy wireless listening

What I Considered Before Finalizing My Purchase

I also thought about whether I wanted newer models or other brands, but I kept coming back to the QC 35 II because it offered a strong mix of comfort, noise cancellation, and reliability. I felt it gave me the features I needed without making things complicated.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying the Bose QC 35 II again, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a comfortable, dependable, and easy-to-use noise-cancelling headphone. My advice is to compare prices, check for warranty support, and make sure the features match your daily needs before buying. For me, it was a solid purchase that delivered on comfort and performance.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Bose 35 QC 2 stands out as a reliable choice if you want comfortable headphones with strong noise cancellation and a balanced sound profile. I like that it focuses on ease of use and long listening comfort, which makes it a solid option for travel, work, or everyday listening. My takeaway is that while it may not be the newest model on the market, it still offers a dependable experience that many listeners will appreciate.

Author Profile

Evan Hollis
Evan Hollis
I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.

Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.