If you're looking for the perfect noise cancelling headphones, Bose Singapore has just released the all new QuietComfort 35. This product is ideal. However, unlike most, this wireless pair of headphones gives you freedom to move about. Not only that, but it's design and sound quality have been revamped since it's last model, the immensely popular QuietComfort 25, was released. Let's take a moment to discuss what makes this headphones stand out from the rest as well as the features that come up a little short.
The Design
If you're the type of person who prefers a more minimalist look in your design, then you're in luck. The Quiet Comfort 35 comes in two neutral colors - silver and black. This means that they can blend in to whatever activity you're doing at the moment, rather at the gym or in a work environment.
Another great thing about this model is how easy it is to control. For instance, all of the controls are positioned on the right ear cup. It not only gives you access to the off an on switch, you can also control your Bluetooth from it. You can connect the headset to other electronic devices such as your phone ans stereo. You may also adjust the volume with these controls. So essentially, all functions can be done with your right hand. No switching back and forth.
The Quiet Comfort 35 headset also has a multifunction button. This enables the users to seamlessly switch from one activity to the next. For example, if you're listening to music and notice that you have an incoming call, you can touch a button and accept it. You can also initiate voice commands if you prefer a hands-free experience.
One of the most interesting and convenient parts of this particular design is it's wireless feature. Not only does this allow you to travel around freely, but it also ensures that your headphones are lightweight. At only 234g, you will easily use your QuietComfort 35s for hours at a time, because they don't feel like a weight.
Speaking of travel, this model has taken into account that you may use your headphones on business trips or vacation. This set is supplied in a hard case so that you don't have to worry about damaging them. Your set also comes with an aeroplane adapter and a 3.5mm cable so you never have to worry about your set running out of battery.
Noise Canceling Abilities
When it comes to the noise cancelling feature, this model is incomparable. If you need a little peace and quiet, then these headsets are perfect because they feature a close-fitting over-ear design which makes all other external noises disappear. However, they work best when you are surrounded by low frequency sounds. High frequency sounds such as ambulances or whistling winds do have a tendency to cut through and possibly cause a little crackling noise.
While this is an ideal product for noise cancelling, some might even say that your environment may even become too quiet. This means that if you are a new parent are listening for a crying baby, you may want to only use one earphone instead of both, because it can mute this sound. This is especially the case if you're listening to audio.
Another side effect of the noise cancelling feature is the effect that it has on the ears. Though it blocks out all of the noise, it tends to make your ears feel a sensation of pressure. Though this is ideal if you are looking for complete silence, you should be aware of what comes along with the silence.
One of the biggest inconveniences of this particular model is that you have zero options when it comes to controlling how much of your surroundings you're able to take in. You are not able to turn off noise cancelling feature when you don't need it. What this means is that you're either listening to outside noises or you are not. There is no happy medium.
The Sound Experience
If you're looking for headphones that has a wide soundstage, then this headset will be perfect for you. Even though this device is based on Bluetooth, you don't have to worry about getting any background hiss or extra white noise while listening to audio. The sound always comes through crystal clear.
It's awesome sound quality is in part due to it's digital equalizer. This feature is able to automatically identify problems in the sound and then tweak it. This helps to ensure that you never become overwhelmed with the volume.
There are many headsets on the market today that experience trouble with the bass. Either there is too much of it or you hardly get any at all. This is not the case with the Quiet Comfort 35. The bass remains under control and you don't have to worry about it being too forceful or cutting out all of the treble.
Though the headset offers great quality, one could easily assume that it is not great. And this is due to the fact that it is not compatible with aptX. You see, aptX would give the audio a better quality as it streams over Bluetooth. If you're looking for a completely smooth audio experience then you may come up a little short because you can hear the rough edges as well as the mid-range peaks.
Also, another change that the manufacturers may have considered with this model is the fact that it is not waterproof. Sure, not all headset need to travel underwater, but there are certain activities that may make this product a little sketchy to use. For instance, sure you could use this device in the gym, but when you start to sweat it becomes somewhat of a concern. Even a little perspiration while walking around in the park makes you feel as if these headphones could possible be shorted out.
Voice Calls and Quality
Not only are these headphones great for listening to audio, but you can also use them as a communication device. This model is able to act as a headset. This means that you can send and receive calls without ever having to pick up an actual phone.
So why should you use your noise cancelling headphones on your phone calls? Well, because they create more of intimate environment. You're able to isolate outside noises and hear the caller more clearly. Not only that, but your caller will be able to hear you more clearly as well. The model has a noise rejecting dual mic which is built in for your calls and Siri.
Battery Life
If you tend to use your headsets all throughout the day or you always seem to forget your charger than this product is great for you. Bose boosts that this product can remain charged for 20 hours. It only takes a single charge and you can use it for most of the day without worrying about how much juice you have left.
However, that does not mean that you will be able to forget to power you device down after using it. You see, the QC35 does not automatically turn off whenever you stop listening to your audio. What this means is that if you leave it on overnight, the battery will just continue to drain until the next charge. However the company does offer an alternative. You can always choose to connect your device the boss app which will give you the ability to select a range of times in which you would like to power the device down. These times range from 5 minutes to 3 hours.
When you do charge your device, be prepared for it to take around 2 hours to charge completely. And it uses a micro USB port instead of batteries. This not only saves on costs, but it is also very beneficial to the environment. This product takes lithium ion batteries so you will be able to charge it for a countless amount of times before having to replace it.
Would you like a backup plan for when the battery does go dead? Well, you will be well prepared with this model. It can also be wired for this sort of situation. However, keep in mind that the sound quality will not remain the same as when wireless. In fact, it completely loses its active equalizer abilities. It is also important to not that these particular headphones are faster on Android. This means that if you're using an iOS device, it may take a few extra seconds to start up or react to commands.
The great thing about this device is that you will always be able to keep track of how much battery life you have left. You will also be able to hear some voice feedback whenever you turn your device on which will alert you to how much battery percentage you have. This gives you the ability to plan out your trips or make the proper plans and provisions. You're never taken off guard.
The Takeaway
So now we come down to the real question: is the Quiet Comfort 35 the right fit for you? Well, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a noise cancelling headset. It's also a matter of what inconveniences you're willing to live with.
For instance, if you are someone who is always on the go and likes to travel from place to place, then you'll take comfort in the fact that the design of this device can fit in anywhere. It comes in a sturdy case which allows you to move about without worrying about damage. And you never have to fumble with the controls as all of them are situated in one convenient place which you can control seamlessly with your right hand.
However, if you are someone who would like a little peace and quiet without being cut off entirely from the outside world, then you may want to reconsider your purchase. This device is extremely proficient at cancelling out noise to the point that all low frequency sounds are practically non-existent. So new parents and baby sitters should definitely give pause before making their final purchase. This headset may be a little too good at its job.
On the other hand, if you are an audio file who gets a thrill out of perfect quality, then this is a great option. Though it has no aptX, it still features an equalizer which guarantees a smooth experience. Never struggle with the bass and treble again. And if you're always on your phones, you'll definitely notice a difference in the sound quality when speaking to a friend.
As far as battery life goes, you'll always be reminded of how much life your headset has left. There is no guessing game. And in the cases that you do forget to charge it or are in a situation when you have no adapter, you can always connect an emergency wire to it.
The Quiet Comfort seems like the perfect headset for those who are willing to make small compromises here and there. It may not be perfect, but it seems pretty close when you take all of it's major features into consideration. If you're looking for the perfect noise cancelling, the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 is the pair of wireless headphones that's going to deliver you an exceptional listening experience.