Bose QC45 – The Best in Noise-Canceling Headphones

The Bose QC45 are not just another pair of headphones on the market; they symbolize the pinnacle of auditory engineering and technological innovation. By merging a sleek design with high-quality sound, the QC45 positions itself as an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive listening experience. Join us in this detailed review to find out why these headphones are causing such a stir in the industry.

Specifications of the Bose QC45

• Type: Over-ear noise-canceling headphones.
• Headband: Durable nylon with synthetic leather finish.
• Ear Pads: Soft synthetic leather.
• Cables: USB-C and 3.5 mm.
• Bluetooth: 5.1 with a range of 9 m.
• Battery Life: 24 hours.
• Charging Time: 2.5 hours.
• Measurements (Case): 211x145x51 mm, 180 g.
• Measurements (Headphones): 184x152x76 mm, 238 g.

Design

If you’ve already tried Bose products, you’ll know their design always stands out. The Bose QuietComfort 45 continues this tradition of excellence. The Bose QC45 headphones emerge as a testament to the brand’s commitment to refining and perfecting their products. Inspired by the QC35 II, their predecessor, the QC45 takes the best and elevates it, striking a balance between heritage and innovation.

These headphones come accompanied by a sleek and compact zippered case, designed to perfectly accommodate the QC45’s foldable earpieces.

At first glance, the headphones have a modernized and elegant look, much more refined than before. The simplicity of their design, paired with a subtle imprint of the Bose logo on the earpieces, conveys sophistication without being ostentatious. Bose offers four color varieties, which are ‘Black’, ‘White Smoke’, ‘Eclipse Gray’, and ‘Midnight Blue’, allowing us to find a shade that best suits our personal aesthetic. As you may have noticed, I chose the “White Smoke” model, and I honestly quite like it.

Surprisingly, despite their over-ear design, the QC45 headphones don’t feel heavy. Weighing in at just 238 grams, they are incredibly light for their category, guaranteeing hours of listening in total comfort. The synthetic leather ear pads not only provide a premium look but also ensure unparalleled comfort. The equally padded headband fits perfectly, avoiding excessive pressure on the head.

The whole set underscores a feeling of durability and elegance, two features Bose has perfected over time. Bose indicates it has strengthened the headband with nylon reinforced with fiberglass, improving its impact resistance and preventing deformations, potentially extending its durability.

In terms of functionality, the Bose QC45 headphones come equipped with intuitive controls. A set of three touch buttons on the right earpiece provides quick access to essential functions, including volume and playback. The left earpiece houses the ‘Action’ button, which allows for an ambient-aware mode and also serves as a multipurpose control. The ‘Play/Pause’ button also provides access to phone assistants, offering users an added layer of convenience.

On the right earpiece:

• ‘+’ and ‘-‘: Increase and decrease volume.

Central Button:

• One press: Play and pause audio. Also answers and ends calls.
• Double press: Skips forward one track.
• Triple press: Skips backward one track.
• Press and hold: Declines an incoming call.
• Slide switch: Link devices

Press and hold: Declines an incoming call.

On the left earpiece:

Action Button:

• Single press: Toggles between ‘Quiet’ mode, which activates noise cancellation, and ‘Aware’ mode. The ‘Aware’ mode is similar to a pass-through sound mode since it allows the headphones to actively use its microphone to pick up ambient sounds and play it along with your usual audio content. However, unlike the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II from 2018, you cannot adjust the noise cancellation level if you prefer a lower setting, and you cannot turn this feature off.
• Press and hold: Accesses the voice assistant.

For those always on the move, the portability of the QC45 is outstanding. The headphones swivel and fold smoothly, fitting perfectly in its case, ensuring your headphones will always be protected during your travels and preventing any damage.

Sound Quality

From the moment I placed the Bose QC45 on my head, I knew I was dealing with an intriguing product. Thanks to a recent update, they feature an adjustable equalizer. However, in my experience, these headphones are more geared towards those seeking a more neutral sound or one focused on vocals. While you can boost the bass through EQ settings on your Android or iPhone, doing so excessively might make the sound feel shallow.

Overall, the Bose QC45 delivers superior audio quality, with a proper balance of bass and treble, and a detailed and dynamic sound. While they might not be perfect in every situation, they generally should meet or even exceed most people’s expectations in terms of sound quality.

Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Bose QC45 primarily stands out for its noise cancellation capability. As I peeked out at the street from my apartment window and activated the ‘Quiet’ feature in the Bose Music app or from the headphones, the noise from passing cars went virtually unnoticed. Despite its performance, it would have been beneficial to have additional options to adjust cancellation levels in the Aware and Quiet modes.

While these headphones prove to be leaders in noise cancellation, there’s still room to incorporate premium features that competitors, like the Sony XM4 and XM5, already offer. The Bose Music app, specific for the QC45, could benefit from more functionalities that allow broader customization.

It’s worth noting that the feeling of pressure inside the ear, reported by some users when using ANC, might be similar to what one feels in an airplane when changing altitudes. This sensation is the result of how our brain interprets the absence of low-frequency sounds.

While it can be uncomfortable, most users don’t find this aspect problematic. For comparison, headphones like the Apple AirPods Max have an even more pronounced pressure sensation, but it generally doesn’t affect the majority’s experience.

Performance

When using the Bose QC45, I found that sound leakage is well-controlled, but not perfect. Most of the escaping sound is in mid and high tones, making them sound better than other average headphones. If you listen to music very loud, people nearby might hear it, especially in quieter places like offices.

Battery Life:

Moving on to the battery topic, I must emphasize that the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers impressive performance. Even though the manufacturer promises up to 24 continuous hours with active noise cancellation and audio playback at 50% volume, in my personal tests, I got slightly less than that time. It’s worth mentioning that battery life can vary depending on usage and if you connect to one or two devices simultaneously.

A plus is that, according to Bose, after a 15-minute charge, these headphones can offer up to three hours of playback, which is handy for those times you forget to charge them. Moreover, if you’re battery-life conscious, the companion app allows you to set an automatic shutdown timer to conserve it even further.

Additionally, I appreciate that charging is done via a USB-C port, keeping up with current trends.

Sustainability:

From a sustainability standpoint, Bose estimates the Bose QC45 battery will last over 500 full charge cycles. However, the battery is not replaceable, which, in the long run, makes these headphones disposable. It’s a pity, especially in a world where sustainability is necessary. Even though they can be repaired and some replacement parts, like ear pads, are offered, it would be ideal for Bose to include replaceable components in their design, particularly the battery.

Connectivity

In this modern age, connectivity is essential when choosing headphones, and the Bose QC45 stands out in this aspect. Using Bluetooth 5.1 technology, these headphones not only connect seamlessly to the Bose Music app on Android and iOS, but they also allow pairing with two devices simultaneously, facilitating an almost imperceptible transition, for example, between your phone and your computer.

While they don’t have NFC connectivity, the headphones offer an intuitive process: when turned on, they will automatically connect to devices that have been previously linked. Then, with the Bose Music app open, you select the device you want to use them with. While it’s not as instantaneous as with the AirPods Max and their automatic connection to iOS, it’s still straightforward and practical.

Where these headphones really stand out is in the minimal latency when using iOS and Android devices, ensuring nearly perfect synchronization when watching videos. However, PC users might notice a slight delay. Of course, this might depend on the Bluetooth capability of the device being used.

Microphone

The call quality on the QC45 is undeniably one of its highlights. Thanks to its additional external microphones, voices come through clearly, even in noisy places like busy streets, effectively isolating external noise. Several of my contacts pointed out the clarity with which my voice was transmitted, almost entirely eliminating traffic noise. However, on certain occasions, some noted a “speakerphone” effect, indicating that while the voice is perceptible and clear, it might lack the desired depth and warmth.

Cables

The Bose QC45 comes with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable whose length, while it might seem short for some, turned out to be perfect for me, avoiding excess cable in my space. However, a drawback is that Bose doesn’t allow audio playback while charging, limiting its functionality.

The 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm TRS audio cable is a valuable addition, providing a wired audio option even when some modern devices are phasing out the 3.5 mm input. It’s a feature many users will still appreciate.

Other Variants

The landscape of Bose headphones is vast. While the QC45s are a solid offering, it’s inevitable to compare them to others in the same Bose line, like the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. The latter present additional features, such as more detailed noise cancellation settings and support for advanced codecs. The choice will ultimately depend on each individual’s priorities.

Compatibility

With Bluetooth 5.1 as one of its main features, the Bose QC45 promises and delivers unwavering connectivity and broad compatibility. Whether with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, or Linux devices, these headphones connect effortlessly, guaranteeing a consistent sound experience. Additionally, they support universal audio formats like SBC and AAC. For many, this isn’t a problem, but if you’re a huge music enthusiast, the lack of high-quality codecs might be a downside.

Regarding charging, they use a USB-C cable, included in the box. As mentioned before, they cannot be used for audio playback while charging via USB-C. For those who prefer a wired connection, the product comes with a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm TRS audio cable. It’s an ideal choice for those who, in certain situations, want to bypass Bluetooth and opt for a more traditional listening experience.

Are the Bose QC45 suitable for Gaming?

While the Bose QC45 offers an outstanding listening experience that would benefit gamers due to its versatility and sound quality, it’s essential to note that when using Bluetooth connection on Windows and launching a game, the system might detect the headphones as a communication device, lowering the audio quality. For an optimal gaming experience, it’s recommended to use them with the 3.5 mm cable. And if you want to communicate during your gaming sessions, you’ll need to use an external microphone or take advantage of your webcam’s microphone if you have one.

Buyers’ Opinion

Most users positively rate the Bose QuietComfort 45 for its compact design, especially for travel, as they fold and fit into a small case. Regarding noise cancellation, many agree that it is superior, although some mention it’s not as effective as other competing models, such as the Apple Airpods Max. Comfort is a highlight, with users enjoying long listening sessions without discomfort. However, the call quality through the microphone can sometimes be inconsistent.

In terms of sound, users appreciate its quality, and while some suggest minor adjustments to the equalizer through the app, overall, they feel satisfied. The battery life is perceived as adequate, approaching the promised 24 hours.

However, there are criticisms regarding the perceived build quality and the materials used compared to previous models, such as the QC35. Furthermore, some users have experienced connectivity issues, particularly with specific devices like the Google Chromecast with Android TV.

Overall, while the sound quality and notable noise cancellation are recognized, there are areas where Bose could improve, especially regarding compatibility and the perceived robustness of the design. Despite these challenges, most users see these headphones as a good investment, though some long for features from previous models.

Conclusion

The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones testify to the brand’s commitment to excellence in design and functionality. Their Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity guarantees smooth integration with various devices, benefiting from the Bose Music app, available for both Android and iOS. This perfect synchronization, coupled with the ability to link simultaneously with two devices, highlights its versatility in a world where multitasking is essential. Technically speaking, their sound is impressively clear, with a notable ability to convey voice crisply, even in noisy environments. However, as with all products, there are areas for improvement, mainly in sound leakage and some technical features. Despite these details, the QC45s stand strong as a solid choice for those seeking superior auditory experience, backed by Bose’s reliability and design. If you’re looking for quality, innovation, and comfort, these headphones undoubtedly deserve your attention.