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Bose QC 35 II — Over-ear · 2017
Bose

Bose QC 35 II

Over-ear · 2017

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Truthear Zero Red — IEM
Truthear

Truthear Zero Red

IEM

84
/ 100
From $55
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC 35 II lands at 84 and Truthear Zero Red 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 Truthear Zero Red 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

Truthear Zero Red

Long-session wearability

Truthear Zero Red leads on comfort (88 vs 83).

Value for money

Truthear Zero Red

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Truthear Zero Red more score per dollar ($55 vs $349).

Bose QC 35 II 84
vs
84 Truthear Zero Red

Score breakdown

Bose QC 35 II
84
anc 82
sound 84
comfort 83
battery 82
features 80
Truthear Zero Red
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC 35 II versus Truthear Zero Red — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC 35 II Truthear Zero Red
Type
Over-ear
IEM
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

Truthear Zero Red

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 Truthear Zero Red

Which is better, Bose QC 35 II or Truthear Zero Red? +

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 Truthear Zero Red worth the price? +

At $55, Truthear Zero Red delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC 35 II or Truthear Zero Red 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 Truthear Zero Red? +

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 Truthear Zero Red? +

Truthear Zero Red — leads on comfort (88 vs 83). Long-session wearability.