Living with Bose Wireless: QC35 and/or Bose SoundSport Wireless

[Unprocessed1]

The Airpods appeal to me because of the seamless connection to the iPhone and all other Mac products (I have a MBP too), but I've never been a huge fan of the earpods sound quality.

For those who own a Bose QC35, Soundsport Wireless or any other Bose wireless headphones - how seamless and easy is the connection of the Bose, especially if you were to switch from say, your iPhone to your MacBook?

 

[EDH667]

The Airpods appeal to me because of the seamless connection to the iPhone and all other Mac products (I have a MBP too), but I've never been a huge fan of the earpods sound quality.

For those who own a Bose QC35, Soundsport Wireless or any other Bose wireless headphones - how seamless and easy is the connection of the Bose, especially if you were to switch from say, your iPhone to your MacBook?

I own the Bose QC35, Bose QC30 and the Bose SoundSport Wireless. Since all of these can connect to two devices at the same time you can be connected to your MacBook and iPhone at the same time. If a call comes into the iPhone while you are listening to something on the MacBook, a touch of a button lets you connect to the call on the iPhone. Switching between devices is very simple with either a touch of the switch or by using the Bose Connect app.

 

[ProphetX]

The Airpods appeal to me because of the seamless connection to the iPhone and all other Mac products (I have a MBP too), but I've never been a huge fan of the earpods sound quality.

For those who own a Bose QC35, Soundsport Wireless or any other Bose wireless headphones - how seamless and easy is the connection of the Bose, especially if you were to switch from say, your iPhone to your MacBook?

Outside of apple products that include the w1 chip. Don’t expect the same seamless integration. With the AirPods. Im connected to about 15 devices across 2 separate apple ids.

 

[nivekr11]

I have both AirPods and QC35’s. I prefer the AirPods. They switch devices easier. Plus they are more portable.

 

[bigenius]

I got both the QC35 and the Soundsport Wireless.
When using the QC35 it's connected to my iPhone and my Macbook Pro. When listening to music on my iPhone and for example want to hear the sound of a video on my MBP, I just simply pause the music with the button on the QC35 and the sound of the video is starting automatically. Works like a charm .
When using the Soundsport it's connected to my iPhone and my Apple Watch. I can just play/pause whatever of the devices I like as they are connected at the same time.

Very happy with my setup.

 

[Unprocessed1]

That sounds pretty intuitive. I was just concerned if you had to constantly pair/repair device if you use more than just a phone.

What happens if you're playing audio from both devices at the same time?

I got both the QC35 and the Soundsport Wireless.
When using the QC35 it's connected to my iPhone and my Macbook Pro. When listening to music on my iPhone and for example want to hear the sound of a video on my MBP, I just simply pause the music with the button on the QC35 and the sound of the video is starting automatically. Works like a charm .
When using the Soundsport it's connected to my iPhone and my Apple Watch. I can just play/pause whatever of the devices I like as they are connected at the same time.

Very happy with my setup.

 

[bigenius]

That sounds pretty intuitive. I was just concerned if you had to constantly pair/repair device if you use more than just a phone.

What happens if you're playing audio from both devices at the same time?

You can have them connected to two devices simultaneously.

You will only hear one of the devices at a time. I think it's the one you started first, not sure though (really not an issue imo).

 

[jamin00]

Bose QC35 here to and the sound is great. Switching is very easy between devices. I gave my AirPods away as they were a pain in the ass lol. Always feeling like they going to fall out was my main issue with them. They need the little bit on the back of the in ear bit like the Bose in ear systems as they get held in the ear.

 

[AustinIllini]

If you're going to try the QC35, try the Sennheiser pxc 550 and the Sony WH1000XM2 also and go with the one you like best

 

[OBirder]

I have both the QC35 and the AirPods.
As mentioned the QC35 does switch seamless between two devices and picks up the device which plays first. But if you stop the sound on one and play on the other, there is no button to press.
You can pair to more than two. It just connects to the last two used. If you want to use a different source, just use the Bose connect App, select the source and you are done. No new pairing required.

I use the QC35 especially for travel e.g. airplane or at times with TV at home.

However I use the AirPods much more often: Phone calls and Music. If I walk along the streets, with the AirPods I can still my environment, which I prefer. You have to select them in the AirPlay menu which takes at time 10 to 20 seconds and especially with 11.03 at times it didn't want to connect. It's more seamless between watch and iPhone, but not between e.g. Apple TV and iPhone or Mac and Phone. The Bose handles this better.
BTW: I never loved the earpods, but the AirPods was the best invest and innovation in the last year.

Summary:
Both are great and have a different purpose.

 

[Unprocessed1]

I do like the convenience factor of the Airpods, but based on the feedback of the relatively seamless switching between the iPhone and MBP for Bose products, I'm leaning towards the Bose SoundSport Wireless - just wish they came with a charging case!

 

[ProphetX]

I do like the convenience factor of the Airpods, but based on the feedback of the relatively seamless handoffs for Bose products, I'm leaning towards the Bose SoundSport Wireless - just wish they came with a charging case!

Non apple brands are not seamless at all. It requires you to enter the setting-bluetooth app in order to connect or disconnect for use on a different device. Seamless is what i described in my first post.

 

[Unprocessed1]

Does the Soundsport Wireless hold its own in terms of audio quality? I love the QC35 but price and portability made it tough to justify for me.

I got both the QC35 and the Soundsport Wireless.
When using the QC35 it's connected to my iPhone and my Macbook Pro. When listening to music on my iPhone and for example want to hear the sound of a video on my MBP, I just simply pause the music with the button on the QC35 and the sound of the video is starting automatically. Works like a charm .
When using the Soundsport it's connected to my iPhone and my Apple Watch. I can just play/pause whatever of the devices I like as they are connected at the same time.

Very happy with my setup.

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Non apple brands are not seamless at all. It requires you to enter the setting-bluetooth app in order to connect or disconnect for use on a different device. Seamless is what i described in my first post.

Based on the feedback of folks with Bose products, it seems that it is a seamless experience after the initial BT setup.

 

[AustinIllini]

Non apple brands are not seamless at all. It requires you to enter the setting-bluetooth app in order to connect or disconnect for use on a different device. Seamless is what i described in my first post.

Okay, you do that like one time. The sound gains from trying all different brands is so much better. I have owned Studio 3s. They're fine, but they're not good. Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony are doing incredible things with bluetooth speakers right now.

 

[ProphetX]

Does the Soundsport Wireless hold its own in terms of audio quality? I love the QC35 but price and portability made it tough to justify for me.


[doublepost=1509499488][/doublepost]

Based on the feedback of folks with Bose products, it seems that it is a seamless experience after the initial BT setup.

Im not saying the other cans arent good. Im just telling you that you’re misunderstanding the word seamless

Seamless is, when you pair on 1 single device and have the cans work on ALL of your devices without having to re-pair. Furthermore, if you decide you want to most the music from your computer to your phone. All you do is pick up your phone and go. Theres no need to disconnect from your macbook and open the settings app on your phone and click connect.

 

[Unprocessed1]

Im not saying the other cans arent good. Im just telling you that you’re misunderstanding the word seamless

Seamless is, when you pair on 1 single device and have the cans work on ALL of your devices without having to re-pair. Furthermore, if you decide you want to most the music from your computer to your phone. All you do is pick up your phone and go. Theres no need to disconnect from your macbook and open the settings app on your phone and click connect.

Um, I don't think most people would expect this from a non-Apple pair of buds and I wouldn't consider this to be my definition of "seamless.

Setting up BT once and then being able to switch between devices without even thinking about is what I would call seamless for a non-proprietary pair of buds. Also, based on feedback of people with the Bose sets, they do not have to connect/disconnect when switching between devices. That was my original concern about being "seamless."

 

[ProphetX]

Um, I don't think most people would expect this from a non-Apple pair of buds and I wouldn't consider this to be my definition of "seamless.

Setting up BT once and then being able to switch between devices without even thinking about is what I would call seamless for a non-proprietary pair of buds. Also, based on feedback of people with the Bose sets, they do not have to connect/disconnect when switching between devices. That was my original concern about being "seamless."

Well no ****. But you’re the one that ask this specific question. Im just answering. The word definition of seamless changes slightly when considering context. The context here is airpods vs bose. Youre the OP. You should know this...smh.

I personally have experience with the AirPods. So i answered. If you had asked about Sonys or jaybirds, i would have answered as well as i own several models from both brands next time do what i do. Check youtube. You dont seem to know what your looking for anyways

 

[bigenius]

Theres no need to disconnect from your macbook and open the settings app on your phone and click connect.

You don't have to do this with the Bose either.
Have you actually used them?

 

[robotrootbeer]

Pass on the QC35. Get the Sony WH1000XM2.

The QC35 earcups are NOT comfortable after an hour or two of using them.

The WHM1000XM2 has like 10+ more hours better battery life and better noise cancelling.

BOSE use to have the best noise cancelling which is why I went for them (at the cost of less good audio fidelity). Now that that's not the case, I'd never look back.

Also - for MY needs the airpods are the single greatest thing since slice bread.

I use the QC35 when I'm on a plane, train, or really trying to get work done.
I use the airpods on walks, when I'm out by myself, at the gym, and to talk on the phone. The only thing I'd want is better battery life. Other than that they're fuggin AMAZINGGGG

 

[bigenius]

The QC35 earcups are NOT comfortable after an hour or two of using them.

This is of course very subjective. I use mine all day long without issues.
The Earpods (and I assume Airpods as well) on the other hand simply falls out of my ears when I move

 

[jamin00]

Yea I could wear them on London - San Fran flights without issue. Well towards the end of the flights they are getting a bit on the on comfy side but thats a 10.5hr flight :O

As I said, AirPods want to fall out all the time, its a tad annoying.

 

[AustinIllini]

This is of course very subjective. I use mine all day long without issues.
The Earpods (and I assume Airpods as well) on the other hand simply falls out of my ears when I move

I have tried all the big wireless noise cancelling headphones out there right now and the QC 35 II is by far the most comfortable with the 1000XM2 not close behind. Beats and Sennheiser fall a bit behind
[doublepost=1509568495][/doublepost]

Pass on the QC35. Get the Sony WH1000XM2.

The QC35 earcups are NOT comfortable after an hour or two of using them.

The WHM1000XM2 has like 10+ more hours better battery life and better noise cancelling.

BOSE use to have the best noise cancelling which is why I went for them (at the cost of less good audio fidelity). Now that that's not the case, I'd never look back.

Also - for MY needs the airpods are the single greatest thing since slice bread.

I use the QC35 when I'm on a plane, train, or really trying to get work done.
I use the airpods on walks, when I'm out by myself, at the gym, and to talk on the phone. The only thing I'd want is better battery life. Other than that they're fuggin AMAZINGGGG

Really nice assessment. the WH1000XM2 is incredible. The 35 are second. PXC 5500 are good but more expensive and are similar to the Bose.

 

[Unprocessed1]

For those who have tried both: does the Soundsport Wireless hold its own in terms of audio quality compared to the QC35? The QC35 is a bit out of my price range.

 

[robotrootbeer]

Yea I could wear them on London - San Fran flights without issue. Well towards the end of the flights they are getting a bit on the on comfy side but thats a 10.5hr flight :O

As I said, AirPods want to fall out all the time, its a tad annoying.

Crazy maybe my ears are just made differently? My airpods never fall out unless they're touched. I work out in them run dance etc.

My qc35's will hurt my ears with punching and their cups are not comfortable for me. I need to readjust them so they're not pinching.

 

[bigenius]

For those who have tried both: does the Soundsport Wireless hold its own in terms of audio quality compared to the QC35? The QC35 is a bit out of my price range.

I think the Soundsport are great.
The qc35 though play in another league. I don't think any non NC can compare with any NC - period.

It is also a matter of how you are planning to use them. I use my qc35 from when I leave the house when going to work, during work all day (almost), and until I return home. There are however exceptions.
If it's raining I can't use the qc35 as they aren't water resistant.
If it's hot outside they are too warm.
I can't workout with them, too warm and bulky.

For all those occasions I use the Soundsport, but that's the only times I use them.

If you can't afford the qc35, get the Soundsport - I think you'll like them. Remember though that the battery won't last an entire day, only about 5-6 hours (I only charge my qc35 about twice per week). As I said, it's a matter of how you are planning to use them.

My recommendation though is to save some money and get the qc35, you won't regret it (for me they are perfect).