Bose QC 35 II
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 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 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 IIANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QC 35 II 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 | Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2017 | 2024 |
| Variant | — | PS5 Edition |
Bose QC 35 II
- +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 vs Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)
Which is better, Bose QC 35 II 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 worth the price? +
At $349, Bose QC 35 II 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 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 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 or Astro A50 X (PS5 Edition)? +
Bose QC 35 II — leads on anc (82 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.