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Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

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

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The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio, and don't need hi-res codecs — read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose QuietComfort 45
Ranked #7 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45
6 sources$299as of Jun 7

Active noise cancellation is the Bose QuietComfort 45's job, and it remains among the best in class, which is why it works so well for frequent travelers and commuters. SoundGuys praised the comfort and the USB-C upgrade over previous models while noting the sound quality isn't exceptional. PCMag's Tim Gideon gave it an Editors' Choice rating, highlighting reliability and comfort despite some outdated control mechanisms. Buyers who put ANC performance ahead of audio fidelity are the fit; anyone who wants 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  • — USB-C charging port replaces outdated micro-USB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 →
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
3 sources$327.99as of Aug 1

No headphone in this lineup cancels noise better. RTINGS calls the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 'top-of-the-line noise cancelling headphones,' and What Hi-Fi praises 'class-leading, customisable ANC' alongside sound that is 'both hugely accomplished and hugely entertaining.' Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode is the addition over the standard QuietComfort, and they sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep and they skip hi-res codecs, but for outright silence plus comfort they are hard to beat.

Strengths
  • — Class-leading, highly customizable active noise cancellation — among the best measured anywhere
  • — Rich, entertaining, well-balanced sound that satisfies casual listeners and enthusiasts alike
  • — Bose Immersive Audio spatial mode adds a convincing sense of space the standard QC lacks
Watch-outs
  • — Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
  • — Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it
  • — No high-resolution LDAC/aptX HD codec support, unlike the Sony WH-1000XM6
$327.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

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.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The QuietComfort Ultra sits a clear tier above the standard Bose QuietComfort Headphones in this guide, adding Immersive Audio spatial sound and stronger ANC for roughly $80 more. Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 it arguably edges ANC and comfort but gives up hi-res LDAC playback and longer battery. Versus the Apple AirPods Max 2 it is lighter, folds flat and works equally well on Android, while costing well over $100 less.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose QuietComfort 45Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Weight240 g253g
Connectivity5.1Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mm
Driver40mm35mm dynamic
ANCYesYes, adjustable + Immersive Audio
Battery Life24 hours24h (18h Immersive)
Charging MethodUSB-C—
Codec—SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Folding—Folds flat, hinged
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