Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Bose QC 35 II — Over-ear · 2017
Bose

Bose QC 35 II

Over-ear · 2017

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 12
Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
Focal

Focal Utopia 2022

Open-back

96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict

Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC 35 II lands at 84 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Utopia 2022

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Utopia 2022 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

Focal Utopia 2022

Long-session wearability

Focal Utopia 2022 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 $4,999).

Bose QC 35 II 84
vs
96 Focal Utopia 2022

Score breakdown

Bose QC 35 II
84
anc 82
sound 84
comfort 83
battery 82
features 80
Focal Utopia 2022
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC 35 II versus Focal Utopia 2022 — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC 35 II Focal Utopia 2022
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

Focal Utopia 2022

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 Utopia 2022

Which is better, Bose QC 35 II or Focal Utopia 2022? +

Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +

At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC 35 II or Focal Utopia 2022 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 Utopia 2022? +

Focal Utopia 2022 — leads on sound (96 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC 35 II or Focal Utopia 2022? +

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