Like most people, I go through a ton of headphones. From lost ones and those with one-sided sound to pairs with shorted-out wires and the ones that simply give up, I’m always in need of a new set. That’s why, when I discovered Bose had a new pair of headphones coming out, I jumped on grabbing the QuietComfort 35s.
I’d previously owned Bose noise-cancelling headphones, but the wires got stuck in the door of a train in Marrakech and, well, let’s just say it didn’t end well. Fortunately, the new QC35s are wireless, connecting to your mobile device via Bluetooth, but they still manage to provide you with the same sound clarity and noise cancelling you’re used to with the brand’s traditional headphones.
The noise cancelling is legit. Seriously, I can’t hear a thing, even on the lowest volume setting. And the snug yet adjustable fit does a really good job of ensuring you hear only what you want to. It’s a feature I love when traveling—especially when surrounded by cranky babies on five-hour flights—but I wouldn’t recommend wearing the headphones while walking on the streets at night. Speaking of traveling, the headphones get up to 20 hours of use via a rechargeable battery. Simply stick the USB cord into the headrest of your seat on the plane, in your computer or even into your suitcase (I connect mine to my Away carry-on) and stay connected to your favorite tunes.
Another great feature of the QC35 is the ability to allow for hands-free calls. Simply press the intuitive buttons on the bottom of the headphones to answer calls, control the volume and even end calls. You can also get information on how much battery power you have left directly from the headset.
If you’re connected to a music streaming service such as Spotify, Pandora or Apple Music, have no fear; with the Bluetooth connectivity, you can go from listening on your computer or Sonos speaker to your headphones with a simple push of a button on the Bose Connect app. The app also allows you to customize the setting on your headphones for a more personalized music experience.
Although the QC35 sound quality is great, it was rather frustrating to determine just the right touch for the button controls (I ended up skipping songs I wanted to replay and hanging up on people); how to best use the app (other than settings, it doesn’t really add to the experience); and don’t get me started on how I still haven’t figured out how to fold them into the carrying case (I gave up). The slight learning curve didn’t deter me from using them, but just know that if you’re used to wired headphones, these may take some getting used to in the beginning.
Another sticking point may be the hefty price tag. At a whopping $349.95, they aren’t exactly the best bang for your buck if you’re on a budget.
Overall, though, I’d have to say the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones are an amazing addition to the brand’s family. The sound clarity is unmatched, they are lightweight, perfect for travelers and a stylish yet functional way to keep jamming on the go.
Danielle T. Pointdujour is a Senior Editor for EBONY and JET. You can follow her writing, musings and global adventures on her blog Hotel Whisperer and on Twitter and Instagram.
