Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Silver) Expired

I have a big head as well and disagree. I used the Sonys and the Bose each for months, and I actually kept the Bose for one of the main reasons being comfort.

Since every thread w/ the XM3s and QB35IIs gets questions to compare them, I'll post my 2cents on both.

Here's my background:
- Big head
- Used these for flights, NYC commuter so daily use on buses, subways, walking around the city
- Use these at the office (open seating setup)

Music preferences: All kinds - pop, hip-hop, acoustic, vocals, instrumental study music.

What I liked better about the Sony's
- Better battery life. Can go an extra day or two of regular use without charging (both can go for days without charging depending on use levels)
- Touch controls that are actually worth using and saves you effort
- Sound is a much fuller, and energetic signature. If you love bass, these thump and have great bass extension.
- Faster charging via USB-C
- Better noise cancellation. I estimate around 10-20% better than the Bose (my estimation, this isn't scientific)

What I liked better about the Bose
- More comfortable - Sony's are still wearable, but do feel hotter around the ears and tight after a while whereas Bose I can go on all day. It's a 5/5 Bose comfort rating vs a 4/5 Sony comfort rating to help you keep perspective
- Can connect to 2 bluetooth devices at once. Sony's can't. This is extremely convenient at work when you want to be connected via your phone and your work machine. You can watch videos, take Skype calls, and seamlessly transition with playing audio or calls between your two devices. Don't underestimate this function for work.
- Some people prefer the sound signature. It's more flat, with clearer-mid-range, but overall objectively def not as great sounding for bass and highs. The sound ultimately sounds 'thinner' when you're comparing them side by side, and it took me longer to adjust to this. *BUT*, and this is subjective, I also keep the use case in mind. When you're on the road, focusing on work, or doing chores, sound isn't always the #1 priority for me. in fact, I would almost say that the sound quality is inferior, but it uses a sound signature that's less distracting and in your face as the Sony's rich, bass heavy sound. And yes I know you can use EQs to tweak the sound, but I like to keep things simple, and hate tweaking the settings cuz I get anal about picking optimal settings. Ultimately I prefer using the Bose at work (which is the majority of my time using it), because the sound is less fatiguing and less distracting.

I kept the Bose
Yes, on paper the Sony's are arguably superior in every tech feature - better battery, better sound, better NC, cool touch controls. I would have no problem at all using the Sony's. HOWEVER, and recall what I said about keeping use-case in mind - I picked the Bose because I use it mostly at work. I enjoy the improved comfort, the less distracting sound signature, and the ability to connect to two devices. I also use these for the commute and they're fine. I'm sure Sony's perform better in the commuting setting, but I'm not missing that upgrade when I use Bose on the subway or bus home. They' work well on planes as well. Sony's enhanced NC is actually not a great thing during the commute since you want to keep some awareness of your surroundings or you risk missing your stop or getting hit by a car. This is NYC after all.

Hope that breakdown helps you with your purchasing decision.

Best,

This question comes all the time:
Bose Positives: comfort,Music
Sony Positives: better ANC, bass
To me Bose wins as comfort is essential for long flight travels

As someone who actually owns both of these, I find the Sony more comfortable... And it's not even close. If I'm wearing them for long enough I forget that they're there honestly. And yes, I have a big head.