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Most people picture some version of Bose’s headphones when they think of active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones. Its products were among the most well-liked on the market for a considerable amount of time, renowned for their efficiency and relative simplicity of use.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have been available for two years, and the original QuietComfort 35 has been available for five years. With the Bose QuietComfort 45, do we require a new headset? In order to learn everything you need to know before purchasing, we spent a week with the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones Specifications

The black or off-white circumaural (over-ear) QuietComfort 45 headphones are remarkably similar to the QuietComfort 35 II in terms of their uncomplicated, practical design and prominently visible Bose branding on the sides. The fit is exceptionally comfortable thanks to velvet earpads and a headband that is similarly cushioned. While wearing them for hours of testing, I never experienced any uncomfortable pressure on the top of my head. The headphones do not have an IP classification and are not water resistant, but that is to be expected.

Bose decides against using capacitive touch controls in favor of physical buttons, placing three of them near to one another on the back edge of the right earcup. With discrete volume up/down buttons on either side, the central button controls playback, call management, track navigation, and voice assistants (depending on how many times you tap it).

On the left earcup is a button for ANC/ambient mode, sometimes referred to as Bose’s Quiet and Aware modes. Bose only allows listening in the Quiet or Aware modes; you cannot disable both features to conserve battery life. You can use the headphones in passive mode with the 3.5mm audio connection that is provided, but due to the fact that so many modern phones lack a headphone port, this isn’t particularly useful these days.

The rounded rectangular zip-up container is remarkably shallow and compact for a pair of headphones this size when the earcups and hinges are collapsed to fit inside it. The USB-A to USB-C charging cable that is included has a connector on the bottom edge of the right earcup. The cable feels a little bit short, albeit this is a small complaint.

Simple connection is made possible by the Bose Music app for iOS and Android, and the headphones are Bluetooth 5.1 compliant with support for both the AAC and SBC codecs. Simply turn on the headphones, open the app, and your headphones will automatically pair with your smartphone without the need for you to visit the Bluetooth settings. Even if it isn’t nearly as seamless as how the AirPods Max instantaneously connect to iOS devices, it is still simple and useful.

After pairing, you may already use the app to choose between the headphones’ Quiet and Aware modes. To make it easier for you to obtain audio from your phone, laptop, or other device, you can also connect to additional sound sources that you are concurrently connected to. The settings menu only provides a few basic options beyond that, such as adjusting the duration of automatic power-downs and the level of microphone monitoring (how much of your own voice you hear on calls).

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones now has adjustable EQ, allowing you to customize the bass, midrange, and treble to your preferences or choose from a variety of preset selections. The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which both feature granular ANC adjustments, vary significantly in that the QC45 lacks the ability to modify ANC levels. It would be good to have the same feature here, although it should be noted that the NC 700 headphones cost $50 more and offer only somewhat less noise cancelling than the QC 45. 

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones Essential Information

Dimensions/weight	Headphones:7.25″ H x 6″ W x 3″ D (8.5 oz)Carrying case:8.3″ H x 5.7″ W x 2″ D (6.64 oz)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth range: up to 30 ft (9 m)Bluetooth version: 5.1
Battery	Battery life: Up to 24 hours*Battery charging time: Up to 2.5 hoursQuick 15-minute charge: For up to 3 hoursBattery charge method: USB-C
Microphones	Microphone array for voice pick-up built-in
Colors	BlackWhite Smoke
Compatible app	Bose Music app

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones Sound 

A set of wireless headphones is always made or broken by the quality of their sound, regardless of their features or noise-cancelling capabilities. And we’re happy to inform that the Bose QC45 isn’t about to die on its own.

On Tidal, we play Safari by J Balvin, Pharrell Williams, BIA, and Sky, and the upbeat reggaeton song is broadcast across the frequencies with passion and energy. It never seems bloated thanks to a tight bassline.

The next song on our playlist is Gasolina by Daddy Yankee, and the leading edges of the notes are clear, impactful, and present throughout the track’s pounding bassline. However, there is a timing issue with Don Omar and Beenie Man’s outstanding song Belly Danza, which fuses reggaeton, dancehall, and Jamaican and Spanish vocals into a wild, head-nodding rap.

Beenie Man’s particularly meaty lower registers provide bite and resonance to the mix, along with the numerous hype guys and Cuban salsa riffs, but the result is more of a disjointed mess than a seamless, foot-tapping one.

In Billy Joel’s Piano Man, the harmonica is given weight and detail by the bass injection, and the keys are dazzling and three-dimensional through the treble. The quiet drums in our left ear and the beautiful mandolin in our right ear, however, are just two of the musical strands that are better controlled when played through the class-leading Sony WH-1000XM4. Although Joel’s moving vocal can still be heard in the QC45’s presentation, we believe the vocals on the Sonys have a greater sense of dynamic development.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones Conclusion

With superior performance than the $349 Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose’s own $379 Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, the QuietComfort 45 headphones solidify Bose as the industry leader in active noise cancellation. However, none of the competitors sound better than the QC 45, and each has its own advantages.

The AirPods Max includes Apple’s exclusive Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio technologies in addition to providing unmatched connectivity with Apple devices. The greatest option for audiophiles are Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones. Additionally, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 let you adjust the noise cancellation to your preferences.

These couples all offer something unique and should be given some thought.The QuietComfort 45 headphones, however, which are our Editors’ Choice winner for noise cancellation that is among the finest in its class, are the ones to buy if the best ANC is what you’re looking.

Are Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones good?

If you’re looking for headphones with exceptional sound quality, comfortable fit, and outstanding noise cancellation, many customers choose the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones. Reviews of them have been largely positive from a variety of sites.

However, several reviewers have also brought up various shortcomings, like the preset sound signature that might not be to everyone’s taste in music, the restricted ANC adjustment, and the lack of support for aptX. Ultimately, your needs and preferences will determine whether or not these headphones are a good fit for you. 

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones are well-liked, particularly for their ability to filter out background noise. The following are some salient features of the review that accentuate their advantages:

Best-in-Class Active Noise Cancellation: Among over-ear headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones are reputed to have the best active noise cancellation. They are good at cutting down on a variety of background noises, such as human talk, low-frequency rumble, and high-frequency noises like glasses clinking.

Rich bass and clear highs are included in the well-sculpted sounds produced by the headphones. They provide a satisfying auditory experience, especially for those who value a well-balanced sound profile.

Pleasant Design: With their supple earpads and padded headband, the headphones have an incredibly pleasant design. Throughout the test, the reviewer wore them for extended periods of time without experiencing any uncomfortable head pressure.

Bluetooth Connectivity: Supporting both AAC and SBC codecs, the headphones have Bluetooth 5.1 installed. Easy pairing and other features like switching between Quiet and Aware modes are offered by the Bose Music app for iOS and Android.

Convenient Physical Controls: The headphones have physical buttons for track navigation, call management, playing, and voice assistants rather than capacitive touch controls. The controls are characterized as being sensible and easy to use.

The review notes that the sound signature might not be optimal for serious audiophiles and that the ANC cannot be modified, but altogether, it is a very positive rating.

Are Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones Still worth it in 2024?

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones are still an excellent option for noise cancelling headphones in 2024, according to some reviews. They provide excellent noise cancellation, a long battery life, a snug fit, and USB-C charging. They do have several shortcomings, though, such the default sound signature, which may not be to the taste of audiophiles, and the lack of support for aptX.

Check out the new Bose QuietComfort headphones, which have taken the position of the QC 45 in certain areas, if you’re searching for a more modern model. They are more ANC-performing and have better sound quality, but otherwise have comparable features and designs. But they’re also more costly, and they might not be accessible in your area yet. 

Headphone prices are subject to fluctuate, with newer models potentially having varying price points. Take into account your spending limit and determine whether the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones characteristics are worth the current cost.

High praise is given to the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones for their superb noise reduction and all-around audio quality. But whether they’re still worthwhile in 2024 will rely on a number of variables, such as your own demands and preferences as well as the state of the market.

How long do Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones last?

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones are four hours longer than the previous model, with a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, according to web search results. They can also be charged via a USB-C connector, and a simple 15-minute charge can provide them with up to three hours of playback time. These headphones have an adjustable EQ and active noise cancellation technology to provide the ideal blend of comfort, music quality, and quietness.

Bose estimates that the QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth headphones have a 24-hour battery life. It’s crucial to remember that a variety of factors, including volume levels, usage patterns, and environmental conditions, might affect the actual battery life. The manufacturer provides a broad guideline, which is the 24-hour estimate.

Furthermore, bear in mind that any electronic device’s battery life will eventually diminish with repeated use, so keep that in mind if you intend to use the headphones for an extended amount of time.

How far can Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones reach?

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones Bluetooth range is affected by a number of variables, such as the Bluetooth version, environmental interference, and obstructions. Supporting Bluetooth 5.1, which typically provides better range and stability over previous Bluetooth versions, allows the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones.

Under normal circumstances, the typical range of a Bluetooth device is about 30 feet, or roughly 10 meters. However, obstructions like walls and interference from other electronics can have an impact on its range. You may get the finest range in a wide area free of obstructions.

Remember that real-world performance may vary depending on the particular conditions under which you use the headphones, and that the effective range may also vary. For additional information on the Bluetooth range in different situations, it’s usually a good idea to consult user reviews or the product manual.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones can experience smooth, dependable wireless communication up to 30 feet away from your linked device, according to the official Bose website. But this could change based on the surroundings, interference, and other elements.

Do Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones have noise cancellation?

Indeed, noise cancellation is a feature of the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones. They measure, compare, and respond to external noise using tiny microphones by canceling it out with opposing signals. Additionally, you have the option of using Aware Mode to simultaneously hear your surroundings and your music, or Quiet Mode for complete noise cancellation.

Great for noise cancellation, these headphones fit comfortably and have a long battery life. But they also have certain shortcomings, including not supporting aptX, having little ANC adjustability, and having a preset sound signature that might not be to audiophiles’ taste.