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Bose QC 35 II — Over-ear · 2017
Bose

Bose QC 35 II

Over-ear · 2017

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 12
Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC 35 II lands at 84 and Audeze LCD-5 at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 12 points — a decisive 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 Audeze LCD-5 if…

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

Bose QC 35 II 84
vs
96 Audeze LCD-5

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

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

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

FAQ: Bose QC 35 II vs Audeze LCD-5

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

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. 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 Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +

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

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

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

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

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