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Bose QC 35 II — Over-ear · 2017
Bose

Bose QC 35 II

Over-ear · 2017

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Grado SR325x · Midnight Black — Open-back
Grado

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC 35 II lands at 84 and Grado SR325x · Midnight Black at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Bose QC 35 II if…

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

Pick Grado SR325x · Midnight Black 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

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Bose QC 35 II

ANC strength for commute and travel

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

Comfort

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

Long-session wearability

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black leads on comfort (88 vs 83).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Bose QC 35 II 84
vs
84 Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Bose QC 35 II
84
anc 82
sound 84
comfort 83
battery 82
features 80
Grado SR325x · Midnight Black
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC 35 II versus Grado SR325x · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC 35 II Grado SR325x · Midnight Black
Type
Over-ear
Open-back
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

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

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 Grado SR325x · Midnight Black

Which is better, Bose QC 35 II or Grado SR325x · Midnight Black? +

Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Grado SR325x · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $349, Grado SR325x · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC 35 II or Grado SR325x · Midnight Black 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 noise cancelling, Bose QC 35 II or Grado SR325x · Midnight Black? +

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

Which is better for comfort, Bose QC 35 II or Grado SR325x · Midnight Black? +

Grado SR325x · Midnight Black — leads on comfort (88 vs 83). Long-session wearability.