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Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 12
Bose QC 35 II — Over-ear · 2017
Bose

Bose QC 35 II

Over-ear · 2017

84
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and Bose QC 35 II at 84. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 12 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Bose QC 35 II if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Audeze LCD-5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

Bose QC 35 II

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QC 35 II leads on anc (82 vs 0).

Comfort

Audeze LCD-5

Long-session wearability

Audeze LCD-5 leads on comfort (88 vs 83).

Value for money

Bose QC 35 II

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QC 35 II more score per dollar ($349 vs $4,500).

Audeze LCD-5 96
vs
84 Bose QC 35 II

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Bose QC 35 II
84
anc 82
sound 84
comfort 83
battery 82
features 80

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-5 versus Bose QC 35 II — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-5 Bose QC 35 II
Type
Planar magnetic
Over-ear
Release year
—
2017

Audeze LCD-5

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Bose QC 35 II

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 vs Bose QC 35 II

Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or Bose QC 35 II? +

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +

At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Is Bose QC 35 II worth the price? +

At $349, Bose QC 35 II delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in sound.

Does Audeze LCD-5 or Bose QC 35 II last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Audeze LCD-5 or Bose QC 35 II? +

Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze LCD-5 or Bose QC 35 II? +

Bose QC 35 II — leads on anc (82 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.