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 PCMag's Tim Gideon gave it an Editors' Choice rating, highlighting its reliability and comfort despite some outdated control mechanisms.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.
Full review
ANC Performance and Design
The Bose QuietComfort 45 maintains the company's reputation for superior active noise cancellation, with reviewers consistently praising its effectiveness in blocking out ambient sounds. SoundGuys noted that the ANC is 'among the best in class,' while TechRadar gave it a 8.5/10 for active noise cancellation. The headphones feature a refined design that closely resembles its predecessor, the QuietComfort 35 II, with only minor updates like the transition from micro-USB to USB-C. WhatHi-Fi? observed that the QC45 is 'virtually indistinguishable from their predecessor' visually, though they did note the removal of the pleated earpads and the smooth underside of the headband. The updated design doesn't compromise on comfort, as PCMag's Tim Gideon found the headphones 'comfortable over long periods of time' with a weight of 240 grams that distributes well. The lack of significant visual changes, however, means that the QC45 doesn't offer any new aesthetic appeal beyond the modern charging port.
Controls and Usability
The control layout of the Bose QuietComfort 45 is straightforward but has some notable quirks that reviewers have flagged. According to SoundGuys, the physical buttons on the back of the earcups are 'fairly intuitive but can be a bit odd to get used to in a world of touch controls.' The right side houses playback controls, while the left side contains the voice assistant and ANC toggle. A major criticism comes from PCMag's Tim Gideon, who noted that 'you can’t turn off the ANC if the headphones are switched on; you can only toggle a mode called 'aware' that allows some passthrough of your surroundings using the external mics.' This limitation has been echoed by other reviewers, including those on Reddit, who found the lack of a true off mode frustrating. The firmware update v4.0.4 did add Spotify launch capability, but the core control issues remain unresolved. WhatHi-Fi? also mentioned the 'sparsely featured comparatively' nature of the device, suggesting that while the controls work, they're not particularly innovative or user-friendly.
Sound Quality and Audio Features
While the Bose QuietComfort 45 excels in noise cancellation, its sound quality has drawn criticism from multiple reviewers. SoundGuys gave the headphones a 6.0/10 for sound quality, noting that 'sound quality isn’t all that great, even if the ANC is among the best in class.' WhatHi-Fi? echoed this sentiment, stating that the QC45 are 'bettered in sound quality by the class leaders' and that they're 'beaten for dynamics and timing.' The headphones support SBC and AAC codecs only, with no aptX support, which is a significant drawback for audiophiles and users seeking high-fidelity audio. Tom's Guide reviewer also highlighted the 'sparsely featured comparatively' audio capabilities, pointing out that the lack of advanced codecs limits the overall audio experience. However, the headphones do offer in-app EQ, which some users may find helpful for customizing their listening experience, though this feature is not sufficient to compensate for the limited codec support.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery performance is one of the strongest points of the Bose QuietComfort 45, with reviewers consistently praising its longevity. SoundGuys rated the battery life 9.4/10, noting that the headphones offer '24-hour battery life' under typical usage. PCMag's Tim Gideon also confirmed that the battery life is 'excellent' and that the headphones can easily last a full day of continuous use. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.1 and offer multipoint connectivity, which allows users to connect to two devices simultaneously. WhatHi-Fi? noted that the headphones are 'comfortable build' and that they 'offer good connectivity' with a 'reliable' wireless connection. However, the lack of aptX support and the outdated SBC/AAC codecs are seen as limitations, particularly for users who prioritize high-quality audio streaming. The USB-C charging port is a welcome upgrade from the micro-USB of previous models, and it's described as 'nice not to have to futz with microUSB anymore' by SoundGuys, who appreciated the convenience of the new port.
Comfort and Build Quality
Comfort and build quality are consistently praised across multiple reviews, with reviewers noting the headphones' ability to maintain comfort over extended periods. SoundGuys gave the QC45 a 9.2/10 for comfort, stating that the headphones are 'comfortable over long periods of time' and that the 'ear cups are decently large' with 'dense enough' synthetic leather ear pads. WhatHi-Fi? also emphasized the 'comfortable build' and noted that the headphones 'distribute their weight well enough to not cause much fatigue over long periods of time.' The headphones are described as having a 'dense enough' synthetic leather ear pad that offers 'decent isolation,' and the band provides 'a bit of padding on the top.' PCMag's Tim Gideon also highlighted the 'comfortable over long periods of time' aspect, which is a key selling point for frequent travelers and commuters. The build quality is robust, with a 'solid construction' that reflects Bose's reputation for durability. However, the lack of a true off mode for ANC and the outdated codec support are seen as drawbacks that impact the overall user experience.
Value and Market Positioning
The value proposition for the Bose QuietComfort 45 is mixed, with reviewers noting that while the ANC is excellent, the overall package doesn't quite justify the premium price. SoundGuys gave the headphones a 6.0/10 for value, stating that 'the Bose QuietComfort 45 has all the parts to be a great ANC headset, but it doesn’t quite have the finish.' WhatHi-Fi? also criticized the 'sparsely featured comparatively' nature of the headphones, suggesting that they're 'bettered in sound quality by the class leaders' and that 'no aptX Bluetooth' limits their appeal. TechRadar awarded the QC45 a 4.5/5, which is a strong endorsement, but they also noted that the headphones are 'not quite as good as the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the newer Sony WH-1000XM5' in terms of overall performance. The price point of £320/$329/AU$499 is competitive with other premium ANC headphones, but the lack of advanced features like aptX and the outdated control system may make it less appealing to users seeking a more feature-rich experience. Despite these drawbacks, the QC45 remains a solid choice for those who prioritize noise cancellation above all else.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Bose QuietComfort 45 has several notable shortcomings that detract from its overall appeal. The most significant criticism comes from its limited codec support, with only SBC and AAC codecs available, which is a major drawback for users seeking high-quality audio streaming. SoundGuys noted that 'Sound quality isn’t all that great, even if the ANC is among the best in class,' and WhatHi-Fi? echoed this sentiment, stating that the headphones are 'beaten for dynamics and timing.' Another major flaw is the lack of a true off mode for ANC, which forces users to rely on the 'aware' mode that allows some ambient sound through. This limitation has been consistently reported by reviewers, including those on Reddit, who found it frustrating. Additionally, the control system, while functional, is outdated and lacks the touch-based interface that modern users expect. The headphones also lack features like a dedicated ANC off button, which makes them less flexible for users who want to switch between noise cancellation and ambient listening modes seamlessly. These issues, combined with the outdated codec support, prevent the QC45 from being a complete package, despite its excellent ANC performance.
Who It's Best For
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is best suited for users who prioritize active noise cancellation above all else and are willing to accept limitations in audio quality and feature set. Travelers, frequent commuters, and professionals who need to focus in noisy environments will find the headphones' superior ANC performance invaluable. SoundGuys emphasized that 'the Bose QuietComfort 45 has all the parts to be a great ANC headset,' and PCMag's Tim Gideon noted that 'the headphones are comfortable over long periods of time,' making them ideal for extended use. The headphones are also a good choice for users who don't require advanced audio features or high-end codecs, as the ANC performance alone is sufficient for most users' needs. However, audiophiles or those who frequently stream high-quality audio will find the lack of aptX support and limited codec options to be significant drawbacks. Users who value comfort and ease of use will appreciate the well-balanced design, but those seeking a more feature-rich experience may want to consider alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or newer models from Bose itself.
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
- +Wired and wireless playback options with 3.5mm jack included
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
How it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: travelers prioritizing ANC over audio quality.
Why you’d buy the Bose QuietComfort 45
- 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.
Why you’d skip it
- 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.
Rating sources
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
