Don't forget to listen to the Sony MDR1000 as well if you're looking for that kind of headphone.

Geektastic:

Don't forget to listen to the Sony MDR1000 as well if you're looking for that kind of headphone.

Ruphus: I have a pair of QC35 and use the Bose android app which allow me to switch between sources in the app. The headphones can have dual BT connections and I often switch to my laptop for Skype calls.

I find that the Bose app works pretty well. Your phone needs to always be one of the two connected devices in order for the app to work, but you can toggle between various paired devices for the second connection. 

Bose is way too expensive in NZ. Bose NZ charge us much more than Aussie..approx 20% more.

alasta: I find that the Bose app works pretty well. Your phone needs to always be one of the two connected devices in order for the app to work, but you can toggle between various paired devices for the second connection. 

The lack of a Bose talk feature is annoying. I assume the off switch will do the job to some extent. I searched the manual today didn't see it.

I personally don't see that as a big deal, if someone wants to talk to me, I can either take the headphones off or lift one side up.

The Sony ones were certainly better for killing plane noise when travelling than my previous Bose (wired) QCs.

Also if you have a Sony device with the appropriate hardware and software, you can use LDAC to connect and the sound quality is awesome then. Truly far better than normal BT.

As to switching I can't say. Not something I have ever needed to do.

As somebody who spends a lot of times on planes and won't fly without N/C I'll add my 5c to this.

I own the WH1000XM2 - you'd have to be crazy to buy the MDR1000 now as they're the old model and places like JB are selling them still for significantly more than the WH1000XM2.

My honest opinion here is that neither is better than the other overall. There are pros and cons to both.

N/C is definately better on the Bose and the cup size is better if you have big ears. The MDR1000 was the first headphone from any manufacturer that IMHO came close to getting anywhere near Bose. They're good, but not better (like some reviewers claim).

Sony have a better app with adaptive noise modes that can mix ambient outside noise in and vocals. The gestures on the cup and being able to place you hand over the cup to hear ambient noise and have a conversation are awesome features that Bose don't have.

Sony don't have sidetone support so are pretty much useless for using as a headset or for Bluetooth calling as you'll just end up shouting since you can't hear your own voice. How they could not incorporate this really defies belief.

I have the QC35-II from Bose - I got them just before Christmas. So far, they are great. The longest I've worn them so far is about 2-1/2 hours - and my ears didn't get all sweaty and hot, and I didn't feel cramped. I have a large head, and some headphones can get a bit clampy, making them hot and uncomfortable - not the Bose (so far). Noise Cancellation is really good.

I got the Bose on a nice deal, could have got the Sony a little cheaper, but preferred the comfort of the Bose. 

My advice would be to try them all on.

sbiddle: My honest opinion here is that neither is better than the other overall. There are pros and cons to both.

trig42:

 

My advice would be to try them all on.

 

And try them all out.  

I guess there are some personal hygiene reasons why this isn't so easy -  could get cooties from demo earcans, but Bose seem to be prepared to take the risk with demo stands set up at retailers. When I bought some noise cancelling headphones (not Bose) at Noel Leeming, they didn't have a demo pair of what I wanted to buy (on special) and wouldn't even allow me to open a packet.  I actually bought a pair of Sennheiser 450 BTC sight unseen, which sound excellent, the NC works fine, and they are comfortable for me, but they lack any "talk-through" function.  These were inexpensive on sale (IIRC about $270), very light-weight but somewhat plasticky. They seem to be able to maintain two BT connections, switching between two devices (phone/laptop) seamlessly (ie if you pause media playing on one connected device, then play media on the other connected device, after about one second delay it plays.  Don't need to adjust anything on the headphones for this to work. I don't know how many devices could be connected simultaneously.)