Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2017
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black lands at 84 and Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) at 88. That puts Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)Tuning, detail, and staging
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) leads on sound (88 vs 84).
Noise cancelling
Bose QC 35 II · Midnight BlackANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black leads on anc (82 vs 70).
Comfort
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)Long-session wearability
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (86 vs 83).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black | Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2017 | 2024 |
| Variant | — | PS5 Edition |
Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black vs Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)
Which is better, Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)? +
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $349, Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in sound.
Is Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +
At $379, Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) 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, Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)? +
Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)? +
Bose QC 35 II · Midnight Black — leads on anc (82 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.