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Bose QC 35 II — Over-ear · 2017
Bose

Bose QC 35 II

Over-ear · 2017

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Focal Celestee wins by 4
Focal Celestee — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Focal Celestee takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC 35 II lands at 84 and Focal Celestee at 88. That puts Focal Celestee 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 Focal Celestee 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

Focal Celestee

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Celestee leads on sound (88 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

Focal Celestee

Long-session wearability

Focal Celestee 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 $999).

Bose QC 35 II 84
vs
88 Focal Celestee

Score breakdown

Bose QC 35 II
84
anc 82
sound 84
comfort 83
battery 82
features 80
Focal Celestee
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC 35 II versus Focal Celestee — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC 35 II Focal Celestee
Type
Over-ear
Closed-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

Focal Celestee

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 Focal Celestee

Which is better, Bose QC 35 II or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee 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 Focal Celestee worth the price? +

At $999, Focal Celestee delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC 35 II or Focal Celestee 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 Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC 35 II or Focal Celestee? +

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