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Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about professional audio producers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
$299

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X delivers studio-grade audio accuracy with excellent detail and a balanced soundstage, making it ideal for audio producers and audiophiles. SoundGuys praised its robust construction and replaceable components, while What Hi-Fi? noted its musical articulation and ability to work well with low-end devices. However, the headphones are heavy, lack portability, and come with a premium price tag that may not suit casual listeners or those seeking wireless convenience. This is a professional-grade tool for dedicated audio work rather than general consumer use.

Strengths
  • — Excellent detail and musical articulation with a balanced, accurate soundstage
  • — Robust build quality with replaceable parts including cables, padding, and internals
  • — Strong passive noise isolation suitable for recording and monitoring environments
Watch-outs
  • — High price point at $299 with limited portability and no waterproofing
  • — Heavier than average at 350g, and not suitable for commuting or travel use
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Bose QuietComfort 45
Ranked #5 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45
$299

The Bose QuietComfort 45 delivers excellent active noise cancellation that remains among the best in class, making it ideal for frequent travelers and commuters. SoundGuys praised its comfort and USB-C upgrade over previous models, though noted the sound quality isn't exceptional. PCMag's Tim Gideon gave it an Editors' Choice rating, highlighting its reliability and comfort despite some outdated control mechanisms. The headphones are best suited for users prioritizing ANC performance over audio fidelity, and those seeking more advanced codec support should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding active noise cancellation that's among the best in class
  • — Comfortable over long periods of time with well-distributed weight (240g)
  • — USB-C charging port replaces outdated micro-USB
Watch-outs
  • — Sound quality is not great, with only SBC and AAC codecs supported
  • — No true off ANC mode; must use Aware mode to disable ANC
  • — Controls are physical buttons that can be odd to get used to
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X provides studio-grade audio accuracy and build quality that exceeds the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Apple AirPods Max, but it's significantly heavier and lacks wireless convenience compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45. While it offers better sound quality than the Sony WH-1000XM5, it's more expensive and less portable, making it less suitable for casual users compared to the more affordable Sennheiser model.

Bose QuietComfort 45

While the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers outstanding active noise cancellation that rivals the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max, it falls short in sound quality compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, which both deliver superior audio fidelity. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5, it lacks true off ANC mode, forcing users to rely on Aware mode to disable ANC, a limitation not present in its competitors.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBeyerdynamic DT 700 Pro XBose QuietComfort 45
Weight350g240 g
ConnectivityMini-XLR cable5.1
Driver45mm Stellar.4540mm
ANC—Yes
Battery Life—24 hours
Charging Method—USB-C
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