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Bose QuietComfort 35 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BoseQuietComfort 35BoseQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Overview
ReleasedJune 2016June 2025
Sound
TypeOver-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency mode–Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
Bluetooth codecs–SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive
BackClosed–
Noise cancelling detailNoise cancellation can run without audio; microphones inside and outside the earcups feed two Bose processing chipsQuiet Mode (full noise cancelling) and Aware Mode with an updated ActiveSense that smooths sudden noise spikes; noise cancelling adjustable in the Bose app; CustomTune tailors sound and noise cancelling to your ears
Audio featuresVolume-optimised EQ adjusts the balance with listening levelBose Immersive Audio (Still keeps the virtual speakers in place as you turn your head; Motion lets them follow) and Cinema Mode; up to seven custom modes; adjustable EQ in the Bose app; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, which Bose says adapts to lossless audio and low latency
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the case–Up to 24 hours
Wireless charging–Yes
Battery life detailUp to 20 hours over Bluetooth or 40 hours with the audio cable and power on; passive wired audio remains available when the battery is depletedUp to 4 hours per charge with Immersive Audio on; the case holds three full charges, for 24 hours in total with Immersive Audio off; tested by Bose at 75 dB SPL in Quiet Mode
Charging case–USB-C (5 V, 1 A) and wireless charging; 680 mAh output capacity; the case charges in up to 3 hours and the earbuds in up to 2 hours
Fast charging–20 minutes in the case gives up to 2 hours of playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)–7.3 g
Water and sweat resistance–IPX4
Bluetooth–5.3
Two devices at onceYesYes
Headphone cableYes–
ControlsPower/Bluetooth slider, volume and multi-function buttons on the right earcup; NFC touchpoint for pairingTouch surface on each earbud (tap to play, pause or answer calls; double-tap to skip forwards; triple-tap to skip back; swipe up or down for volume; touch and hold for a shortcut to modes, Immersive Audio settings, Spotify Tap or the voice assistant); touch controls can be turned off in the app; in-ear detection pauses audio when an earbud is taken out
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphones for calls; the launch announcement describes a dual-microphone system for voice pickupEight microphones in total; AI-based SpeechClarity noise suppression for calls
Fit and ear tipsAround-ear cushions and folding headband with rotating earcupsSilicone eartips in S, M and L (M fitted) with a guard against earwax build-up; stability bands in sizes 1, 2 and 3 (size 1 fitted)
Case weight–59.9 g (Bose lists 0.132 lb)
Water resistance detail–IPX4 for the earbuds only
Works withBose Connect app for iOS and Android; stores eight Bluetooth pairings and can connect to two devices at once, with one audio stream playingBose app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; Google Fast Pair on Android; Spotify Tap
ColoursBlack and Silver at launch; Midnight Blue was sold laterBlack, White Smoke and Deep Plum at launch; Bose UK now also sells Midnight Violet and Desert Gold
In the boxHeadphones, carry case, USB charging cable, back-up audio cable and airline adapterEarbuds, wireless charging case, eartips (S, M, L), stability bands (1, 2, 3), 30 cm USB-C (A to C) cable, safety sheet

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