Truthear Zero Red
IEM
Bose QC 35 II
Over-ear · 2017
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Truthear Zero Red lands at 84 and Bose QC 35 II at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Truthear Zero Red if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Bose QC 35 II if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
Bose QC 35 IIANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QC 35 II leads on anc (82 vs 0).
Comfort
Truthear Zero RedLong-session wearability
Truthear Zero Red leads on comfort (88 vs 83).
Value for money
Truthear Zero RedSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Truthear Zero Red more score per dollar ($55 vs $349).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Truthear Zero Red | Bose QC 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Type | IEM | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2017 |
Truthear Zero Red
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
Bose QC 35 II
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Truthear Zero Red vs Bose QC 35 II
Which is better, Truthear Zero Red or Bose QC 35 II? +
Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Truthear Zero Red worth the price? +
At $55, Truthear Zero Red delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.
Is Bose QC 35 II worth the price? +
At $349, Bose QC 35 II delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in sound.
Does Truthear Zero Red or Bose QC 35 II 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, Truthear Zero Red or Bose QC 35 II? +
Bose QC 35 II — leads on anc (82 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is better for comfort, Truthear Zero Red or Bose QC 35 II? +
Truthear Zero Red — leads on comfort (88 vs 83). Long-session wearability.