READ ME! RE: SOUND QUALITY. Bose 700 and QC 35 II BOTH excel with well-rounded sound. Bose tends to focus on the clarity of mids and highs. The 700s bring a tad more bass than Bose has typically done in the past. Sony’s 1000XM3s bring a fuller sound with stronger mids and stronger bass, but it’s not overwhelming. You can also adjust a lot of the sound in their app. But it always comes down to your preference of music that you listen too. I’m big on Hip-Hop and R&B so I prefer the Sony 1000XM3 sound honestly. Classical music, acoustic music, and Classic Rock sound better on Bose. In comparison, Beats have always been way too heavy-handed with the bass. The mids and highs lose a lot of details because of this. Sony is in that really nice spot between Bose and Beats. Sony and Bose sound great but it comes down to the genres of music you listen to and the sound quality that your ears prefer.

Brian - thanks for your thorough, detailed, balanced and overall excellent review. As a person who travels 45 - 48 weeks a year and uses his iPad and iPhone extensively, the ability to pair to two devices at the same time is a game-changer. I have the original QC-35’s (not the II’s) and they are still going strong. I love the ability to seamlessly bounce back and forth between the iPad and iPhone without the need to fuss with any settings. I use these for long business calls and often deliver webinars to hundreds of participants, and nobody can tell I’m on a headset. The folding ability is a deal-breaker for me. The QC-35’s are already one of the biggest bits in my bag, and I couldn’t imagine going any bigger. When you are on the road this much, space and weight become very, very important. As is the tremendous battery life. I have never run out of battery, even on 40 hour international travel days. The reality of ultra-long distance travel is that you sleep, you walk through terminals that require situational awareness, you interact with others, etc. 20 hours of battery is more than enough to watch movies, podcasts, etc. Finally, the QC-35’s are super comfortable and ultra reliable. I don’t find them hot, and I’ve never felt discomfort wearing them, even for very long periods of time. After about 3 years, I had to replace the worn out ear cups which seems reasonable given the amount of use and travel they have seen. It was both easy and affordable at under $30. I do like the idea of enhanced controls on the 700’s, and I am super glad to see Bose move to USB-C. I wish my QC-35’s had those features, but not enough to upgrade.

Hi Brian, nice review. You missed the one deciding factor that made me buy the Bose 700 and sell my WH-1000XM3 afterwards. The voice quality of the Bose 700 is so good that I can run my business calls while walking in Stockholm (when not too windy), in most cafes (when not too noisy), at the airport and in an open office environment. I did like the comfort of the Sonys better and I perceived a slightly better Sony noise cancelation/audio quality but so close to my Bose 700s that it is not significant.

You have to go with Bose 700 when 1) you have long phone calls 2) you like jazz / classical music / podcasts 3) you want to switch fluently between your notebook and your smartphone. (I think, Bose 700 were constructed for this type of usage and they outperform other headsets in these areas)

I'm the type of person who watches reviews before buying, also watches reviews post buying. Bose 700

Great review and thanks using our music 🎶

I absolutely love my Bose NC700s with the Charging Case!! It is a great way to enjoy music, but also to drown out all of the unwanted background noise. Although Sony is reaching towards Bose's Podium spot, I don't think they'll quite take on the NC giant.

5:31 "sometimes social cues win" - ditto. i'm surprised more reviewers haven't mentioned how awkward this is in practice despite being a creative "solution" to switching between ambient sound modes. liked and subscribed! :)

I went with the Bose 700. I love the look of them, and love that they can connect to multiple devices at once. I use these at work and this lets me connect to my laptop and my phone at once. Thanks for the tip on the noise cancellation setting!

You can't go wrong with either...competition is good!

BT - I love your content. But how did this review not cover which SOUNDS the best? To me, that is the most important factor.

The hand on the ear is useful only when you want to eavesdrop.

Broo that level 0 to level 10 quick switch tip!!!!! Thank you good sir for making my life soo much easier. The level 5 in the middle was SOO annoying to cycle thru!... Subscribed!

FWIW, I bought the Bose 700's in July and am happy with them. But if I already owned some QC35's then I'm sure I would have just stayed with them. In my case I'm wearing them while I work, so I might wear them 8-12 hours per day.

Definitely worth to get it, I’m very happy with them, sound has improved. Love them

I bought the Bose nc700 and my ears are always super picky with comfort. I am truly happy with my choice. The calling mic is what won me over. and then to top it of it can connect with two devices so I can switch between my phone and my computer with no hassle.

Great review! I just picked up a set of Bose 700s with the charging case. I absolutely love them! I would recommend them to everyone. I haven't had a set of Sony noise cancelling headphones since they required a battery as well. So I can't make a comparison. I'm very happy with my purchase though. Thank you for your thoughts. I feel like I made the right choice.

The uneven hinges Brian has set on the XM-3s triggers my OCD 😂

All valid points raised 👍🏼 Multiple connect is the reason to go with Bose. Just bought QC35 II, though Bose 700 looks dope but its little pricey for me (regular user)

Awesome review as always!! I will add that I own the Sennheiser Momentum 3 that came out a month or two ago, $400, which sound amazing and are worth considering if you’re looking to spend $350-400.

Decided to go to the Bose 700 because of the voice call quality. I am using these at home for music, at work for music/ANC/calls. Considering I will be working home for the next months I really needed it to work well on calls! Coming in the mail tomorrow, can't wait.

I like how you think (e.g. the cover-your-ear function on the Sony), thanks for the thorough review!

I do like what they did with the update. Now the 700s have the EQ.

Just got a pair of 700’s as a gift from Bose Sound Sanctuary. They are great! Love the sound, noise cancelling and looks

The problem I have read is that the Sony WH1000XM3 start malfunctioning in cold like even in the 40's Farenheit. Bose doesn't post on their website the operating temp for Quiet Comfort 35 II, but a Bose technician answered the operating temp is -4F to 140F. The storage temp range is -22 to 158F, but Bose goes on to advise not using them at their storage temp extremes on a regular basis. I ride bike on trails in MN winter so operating temp range is important to me. Maybe the Sonys would work if one wears them under a big hood or under an extra insulated stocking cap.

10000 reviews after. I still cant decide if I should get 700 lol this’ll be my first ANC headphone lol

Amazing in-depth review and it shows that you actually used them. Appreciate it.

Listening now with the XM3s. I actually forgot they were on my head I had to reach up to make sure they were there to be sure. Absolutely no regrets

Just got these on cc points. Sound great, love the options to set NC levels and having Bluetooth 5.0. My only gripe is. They get little hot and feel a bit heavy after prolonged use. I couldn't wait for the XM 4's any longer so made the jump to Bose. Hope they last me till the XM 5's get released

NC 700 is the best from the selection today. Mainly because of the great comfort, BT multi-device features, best microphone for phone calls, good sound, best NC on the market, great service from Bose if something goes wrong with them. While design probably serve its purpose (I find them more comfortable than QC35II), I don't like that they cannot be folded and they stick out from head. The QC35II seems more compact and follow the shape of the head.

Oh shit. It's Brian Tong. Miss those cnet videos.

Great review! Brian. Unfortunately I didn't come cross it before I made my purchase for 700. Otherwise I would have went for QC 45 that's also on sale. My first wireless headphone was the Beats and it was great sound but so tight even my head is not big. I couldn't return it since it's a gift without a receipt. At the time, I tried a Bose, and it was incredibly comfortable to wear, but of course I wouldn't go for it since I just got a Beats. Now 5 years later, I had barely used the Beats, so I finally treated myself a Sony 1000XM3. I returned it after a week's use. The sound was great, and it was more comfortable than Beats, but not at Bose level. Now, will wait for the 700 to see if the comfortable level is acceptable. I have a feeling I might switch to QC45 after watching your detailed review. Anyways, thanks for the wonderful detailed review.

I'm hanging onto my original Quiet Comfort earphones. The AAA batteries last longer than a charge on the rechargeable batteries and are easily replaced on the fly. Plus I understand that most earphones with rechargeable batteries can only be thrown out when the batteries no longer take a charge where as I can keep plopping in AAA batteries. If I want to use my earphones as bluetooth, I just connect them to a receiver.

I’m sticking to my QC35II. The new headphones Bose Has creates doesn’t appeal to me at all on design.

Sony won an award for the 1000XM3's... I own both.... While the Bose are nice... I'll stick with the Sony's.

the interchangeable batteries on the QC15/25 is absolutely fantastic. the cons with having a built-in battery is just like we have built-in batteries in phones, they become bad after a few years and batterylife suffers significantly. battery replacements can become pricey the older the device gets due to it getting harder to source a correct battery. With an interchangeable battery...well.. you keep that battery performance, forever basically. And as AAA batteries evolve they pack more and more juice, in other words if anything you will increase your batterylife over time.

The ability to make calls and to clearly hear and be heard is a priority for me. Here the 700 excels over the Sony.

Bose QC15 FTW. Have had my pair for 7 years and they're still class, including the battery that you can exchange at any time you want! If only they had BT, I wouldn't have to be here looking for new ones :)

I know I'm late but I just discovered you're doing videos again. Instant subscribe.

I dont get it. How most find the mx3s comforting and sounded better for them? I used xm3, and felt that it was horrible. Returned it. Used the qc 35 ii. Even worst. Returned it after two days. Terrible products. NC 700s are a whole new breed. How can anyone dislike them. Its the best in the category around this price range. Most comfortable headphones ever. Crisp, sharp, natural, ambient, comfy, exceptional acoustics, come on. NC 700s are the best.

Nice. Wearing them right now. Killer noise cancellation

Tried all 3 side by side. The Sony are great but a bit plasticky and made my ears feel quite warm very quickly. Also a bit too bassy sound. The 700 sound amazing but not too comfortable. The 35 II are noticeably more comfy and that’s my priority here you go. If Bose kept the same form factor of the 35 with touch controls they’d have a winner

You discussed everything about these headphones except the most important thing.. the sound.

Thanks for the review. I was going to upgrade from my quiet comfort II. But think I’ll save my money.

First reviewer Ive seen that prefers the Bose

I bought the Bose 700s and returned them immediately. I’m by no means a bass head, but the 700s effectively had none. I personally felt it also lacked the comfort that made the QC series appealing to me and the battery life still left a lot to be desire. Classic case of design over function and not a ton of reasons to upgrade. Went with the Sony XM3s instead and were just blown away by how good they were. If you’re on the fence between these, go with the Sonys.

Another great review! I already own the Sonys. I guess I will wait for the next generation.

Expecting to land these as a free preorder gift with my pixel 6 😁

Great review, and quite honest in comparison with some other reviews that I've heard.

I have purchased all of them but ultimately kept the Bose 700's because they look better but the main reason is because the call quality is better and have 2 things that are going for it that are MUCH better than the Sony's....the Sony's DO NOT work seamlessly between multiple devices, you have to continually reconnect to the device you want to listen too. The 700's reconnect after calls to whatever device you were previous listening too, its ROCK SOLID! Also the 700's have a feature that NO OTHER HEADSET OFFERS, while on a call, the 700's pipe YOUR voice through the speakers so you hear your own voice during the call! This is amazing and you don't even realize you need this feature till you use it! -- Great review...keep up the good work! Ed

I used the hand cup feature on flights to hear announcements

These bose headphones are great for US consumers but here in Australia or NZ not so much. They have a feature named multipoint, it means they can connect to two devices at the same time and switch between them, in the real life they don't play from any of them. To make them play you need to reconnect them several times or just manually disconnect from one of the devices. In very rare lucky situations when they are connected to 2 devices and I was able to make them play it still wasn't ok, for example they were connected to my iPhone and MacBook, played music from MacBook, when I unlocked iPhone they started stammering, made some strange noise and so on. iOS app works 1 out of 10 times, permanently loses them and try to find, asks to connect to wifi even if you already connected. Nose cancellation is ok if you make them play. Also, it seems the Australian activation servers have either not been commissioned or more likely the app has a hard-coded URL that is invalid (probably DNS issue). This would explain why an update may fix the problem. A workaround to activate your product is to use a VPN client on your phone and connect to the US. Then launch the app, and it will use the US activation servers. The activation email sent from Bose is also incomplete. It was just an empty email with no subject or body. This is an example of a poor global roll-out of IT infrastructure or lack of QA.

Right on the money, as always! I too have personally owned several BOSE...I like how the QC35 II's fold up. I love the multi-bluetooth input. My wife uses the Beats Studio3 because we got them free as she works with special needs kids (education). But then she is always having to switch them on the Apple TV or her iPhone. So her Studio3's look good, but do not sound as good as the QC 35 II's, nor are they as comfortable either.

Good review! Brian, would you please review the Skullcandy Crusher ANC?

I used to be a bose fanboy but the sonys are only 250€ on a sale so im going to get the 1000xm3's tomorrow!

Great review! Loved the quiz too

Have just bought the sennheiser momentum wireless 3 and love it. Works seamlessly.

I have the sony WH-1000XM3 and they are great in many aspects but the one thing that most bother me is not being able to connect to multiple devices and easy switch between them, the other thing that bothers but less is the subpar mic quality (which I heard is pretty good on the 700) but other than two of those, the headset are great.

I’m loving my new B&W PX5 headphones.

I just bought Sony xm3 as it was $100 off...making it $350 Canadian plus tax Bose 700 would cost me 500 plus tax Now, I absolutely loved Bose's design and I think it looks good on bigger/longer faces compared to Sony's bigger ear cuffs. The only other notable advantage is the microphone on Bose 700, while the sony has better app and generally is said to have more comfort The decision comes down to, do you want to spend 150 bucks more for style and microphone? I decided no, it's too expensive for the minor advantage it brings Also, everyone I showed both Sony/Bose have liked the Sony's design more I don't know why, not a single person has said Bose...even though I would disagree

Nice Review..What is the brand and model name that you used to test the headphones in the airplane please?which do you prefer for this 2023 Bose 700/ Sony XM4-XM5/Sennheiser Momentum 4/Bowers & Wilkins PX8 PLease?

After testing Bose and XM3 noise cancellation, Sony is waaaay better

I love Bose, have no interest in anyone else. I am tempted to get the new 700s, they look great and feel amazing, but my QCs I have right now are still amazing. That being said, I love my AirPods so much I barely use my Bose now, just so small and unintrusive that I only need my Bose if it's somewhere really noisy.

I have the 1000XM3's and I absolutely Love them. Cant deny Bose has stepped up and has a great headphone.

Hello, thanks for a great video. Question is which one of these are more comfortable on a long flight for more than 5 to 6 hours of watching movies ? Thanks.

No folding and no physical controls. I see no reason to "upgrade" from my QC35s.

The app is the worst part of these headphones. I stopped trying to connect them to the app. Also, with the QCII's, the audio lag is so bad that nothing I do and tired from others from the net have worked to fix it. Bose needs help, bad.

Hey there. Thanks for the information. Helps a lot for me to make a decision. Can you answer this though - how does noise cancelling address wind noise or lots of vehicle noise when walking outside ?

Nice Review. Very helpful.

Sir I love ur video's watching you since apple bite on cnet. Just a curiosity why u left cnet?

Would have got the Sennheiser but these had better microphone by a longshot I heard

Great video! Can you post more videos of product reviews instead of just Apple products?

hey, Brian what apple watch band/ strap you currently put on now? looks, great man

Great review Absolutely my go to for flights. Amazon has the the 700 at $350 A no brainer now. Don't care about the extra whistles and bells on the Sonys Like the Bose design and the case is the best.

3:40 Make sure you don’t step in between the platform and the actual subway concrete because it can wedge your foot in there and it can cause major issues if the train leaves with your foot wedged in there. Also don’t leave the train when it has not stopped moving because you can lose your balance and fall between the train and the tracks and get ran over.

I own Qc35 for four years, now I’m looking to dye my hair. What do you think? Will it help me?

I don't know what the ANC is like on the Sony X4, but it's okay with the X3, but not as outstanding as the Bose 700. Sony would definitely have to work on its always get very fast very hota with the Sony over ears. They just have to create more space for the ears in the earcup and this plush in the earcup doesn't exactly ensure that the top stay cool. And although e.g. With the Bose 700 there is a lot of space for the ears in the earpiece, the ears will still be warm. That is then due to the upholstery. Well, I guess. That has changed a lot from the Bose qc35, but to the worse

Great video. Can you do one on true wireless earbuds?

Is the audio well synchronized with video sources? Some other bose headphones have problems with that

I have both the new model Bose 700 and the last model. The reason for me upgrading to the new model is the new bluetooth 5.0 giving addition connection strength with almost no skips or drops, the outgoing model constantly would cut in and out, I wear headsets for several hours most days while working and walking around and the new model has resolved the constant connection issues with bluetooth cutting in and out. I returned several pairs of quiet comfort trying to resolve this issue to find out it is just a design issue. I however dislike the touch controls, I think this is more of a trend and is actually more annoying than convenient and would much prefer buttons like the 35II. The new materials on the arm connecting the two ear pieces although tighter to fit on your head don't stay on very well due to the slick material and I find the head brace constantly sliding off, but the ear cups stay in place. Charging time is slightly longer and doesn't last as long which I expected wit the new bluetooth 5.0. Trying to adjust volume is not as accurate as the last model with buttons. My opinion, the Quiet Comfort 35 is a much more user friendly design, more comfortable, stays on your head better with less pressure, sound quality is pretty much the same better control functions, where they lack is the Bluetooth strength. The only reason I can see that would justify switching to the new model is if you have had issues with the Bluetooth 4.O and are active while listening to your headset, I'm surprised you didn't mention the constant connection drop when mobile or active. Bottom line, the biggest difference between new and old in my book is much better bluetooth, better phone conversation audio with less background noise, other than that there is no major improvements other than aesthetic changes. If you listen to your music in a static position and are looking for a headset or a reason to upgrade your Bose headset, I would recommend sticking with Quiet Comfort 35. M

I have the sony's and take them off to briefly talk too as it seems rude to cover your ear to talk

I tried on the Bose noise cancelling 700 headphones and I found them to tired and uncomfortable and they are too overpriced for what they are I preferred my Bose QC 35 II 😎

I’ve recently tried to do some research on ANC headphones and which to buy for school and home use . A lot of reviews I’ve read for this particular one were that it was made horribly . It’s buggy , and a lot of people are returning them for the XM4’s .

Xm3 has better voice cancellation when working in open space i think

Why did Bose eliminated a replacement battery for theirQC35ll headphones? & how long will these headphones last, before they become obsolete?

Still waiting for the Sony XM4

Do the 1000XM3s have loud startup and shutdown sounds that you cannot lower or disable? Because that ruins the experience of the 700 headphones for me which I mostly use for calls and noise cancellation.

Please review professional open back and closed headphones for mixing monitoring, mastering, and audiophile hi resolution listening, with more metal than plastic.

I really think like sony is the company which is good at creating nice cameras, not the things make sounds. Aside form that, bose is always gives us brilliant audio tools like headphones or speakers. I trust bose!

I experimented with some headaches using the QC35 i, my question or comment is, the NC affects the quality of music? Nowadays the trends are Bluetooth, but nobody is talking about the quality, 🤔🤔🤔 my 5yr MSR7 are solid as a rock!

Hi! Is it me or the headband is a bit decolored? I read this was a problem silver Bose 700 had. Thanks!

But for $400?! You can get the Quiet Comfort 35 II for $279 in December. I tried the 700 in store and I really could not tell much difference in the music sound quality. Not enough to spend an extra $100+. Or maybe you are paying for touch controls, which i am not really fond of based on my Sony 900. Amazon did have the Bose 700 for $50 off earlier today. Not sure how long that deal is going to last.

Can you make a measurement of the ear cups about the bose 700? Expecially the space of the interior because I have large ears and I tried the sony and feels too small. Please let me know! Thanks

the point of the 5 is to save battery in less noisy environments.

I haven’t used the Bose but own and love the Sennheiser Momentum 3.

I have the Sony's and they are sick, but I got the Hinge creaking so I have to return them, but Sony will replace them free of charge. Definitely recommend them, I use the Arena Feature the most

Being a Bose fan I bought the Bose 700's especially coz I got a REALLY NICE DEAL from Bose and on top of that a free charging case for it. However I believe Sony has got a better sound stage. I cannot unnotice that. BOSE BEAT EM WITH THE SOUND QUALITY NEXT TIME. YOU GOT EVERYTHING ELSE RIGHT. Cheers!

I have a pair of LE- Bose QC35 ll. Can I wear these headphones to the shooting range to cancel out the noise?

I had the Sony 1000s, but I did want to use them in an office for video conference calls, and they were garbage for that and for phone calls, even the Sony rep couldn't hear me when I called. Went through the warranty process, second pair had the same issues, so they just didn't focus enough on mic quality, and for $300, I think that's inexcusable. I've got some 700s coming (my first ever pair of Bose), and I expect those to be good, but at the same time I also find it very hard to excuse the fact that they've got 30% less battery life, don't let you change the EQ, and are $50 more, so you get the sense of "We're Bose, people will pay" which is annoying. If the 1000XM3s just had a decent mic, I wouldn't have sold those because I liked the sound, NC was great, and I could wear them all day comfortably. Seems like Sony could fix that in the next generation, and then Bose wouldn't have any leg up besides style.

I tried these on at the shops and yeah compared to the others they do seem to clamp your head rather than rest on them softly. Not a problem if you like wearing tight hats I guess?