OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 24 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Bose QuietComfort 45 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.1

Technical Score

20.0%

9.4

User score

Very good
7.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

7.7

Sound

20.0%

6.7

Features

10.0%

7.0

Design

8.0%

4.5

Connectivity

6.0%

5.7

Battery

4.0%

8.1

Calls & Controls

Very good
9.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(6172)
amazon
4.7
(1773)
amazon
4.0
(1399)
amazon
4.2
(452)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(6172)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(1773)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1399)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(452)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

  • 7.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 9.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 4.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • bose-quietcomfort-45
  • bose-quietcomfort-45
  • bose-quietcomfort-45
  • bose-quietcomfort-45
  • bose-quietcomfort-45
  • bose-quietcomfort-45
  • bose-quietcomfort-45
bose-quietcomfort-45
bose-quietcomfort-45
bose-quietcomfort-45
bose-quietcomfort-45
bose-quietcomfort-45
bose-quietcomfort-45
bose-quietcomfort-45

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a premium pair of over-ear wireless headphones weighing 240g, designed with a focus on travel-ready portability and exceptional comfort using plush synthetic leather and a glass-filled nylon headband. Key specifications include 24-hour battery life with USB-C fast charging (3 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge), Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint connectivity, and a specialized four-microphone system for clear voice calls. Its main characteristics are world-class Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Quiet and Aware modes, TriPort acoustic architecture for deep sound, and reliable physical button controls. Pros include its industry-leading noise isolation, lightweight 'all-day' fit, and foldable design for easy storage. However, notable cons include the inability to fully disable ANC, a lack of auto-pause/wear-detection sensors, and the absence of high-resolution audio codecs like aptX.

Technical Specifications of Bose QuietComfort 45

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

7.7

Sound

20.0%

6.7

Features

10.0%

7.0

Design

8.0%

4.5

Connectivity

6.0%

5.7

Battery

4.0%

8.1

Calls & Controls

7.1
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a technical score of 7.09 points, which is higher than that of 84.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(6172)
amazon
4.7
(1773)
amazon
4.0
(1399)
amazon
4.2
(452)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(6172)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(1773)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1399)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(452)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.4
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a user score of 9.41 points, which is higher than that of 97.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

8.2
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 89.1% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Bose QuietComfort 45 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Bose QuietComfort 45 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Bose QuietComfort 45 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

6
Bose QuietComfort 45 has 6 microphones, more microphones than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Bose QuietComfort 45 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

85 dB
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a microphone SNR of 85 dB, higher microphone SNR than 63.2% of headphones and equal to 10.5% of headphones.
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

5.1
Bose QuietComfort 45 uses Bluetooth version 5.1, newer Bluetooth version than 83.9% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

9.1 m
Bose QuietComfort 45 offers a Bluetooth range of 9.1 m, lower Bluetooth range than 97.7% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

180 ms
Bose QuietComfort 45 has audio latency of 180 ms, higher audio latency than 64.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

24 hours
Bose QuietComfort 45 offers battery life of 24 hours, lower battery life than 59.1% of headphones and equal to 3.4% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

24 hours
Bose QuietComfort 45 offers battery life with ANC of 24 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 65.7% of headphones and equal to 3.6% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

2.5 hours
Bose QuietComfort 45 needs 2.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 52.4% of headphones and equal to 12.9% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose QuietComfort 45 supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

460 mAh
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a battery capacity of 460 mAh, lower battery capacity than 65.8% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bose
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

240 g
Bose QuietComfort 45 weighs 240 g, heavier than 57.6% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

3.6
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a clamp force of 3.6, lower clamp force than 60.6% of headphones and equal to 7.9% of headphones.
Show more

Bose QuietComfort 45 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Bose QuietComfort 45 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bose QuietComfort 45 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    Bose QuietComfort 45 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
    When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort 45 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose QuietComfort 45 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bose QuietComfort 45 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose QuietComfort 45 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort 45 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose QuietComfort 45 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort 45 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.6 vs 1
  • Foldable design
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • USB-C charging
    Bose QuietComfort 45 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose QuietComfort 45 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Foldable design
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Bose QuietComfort 45 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • USB-C charging
    Bose QuietComfort 45 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose QuietComfort 45 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose QuietComfort 45 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose QuietComfort 45 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose QuietComfort 45 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Bose QuietComfort 45 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Bose QuietComfort 45 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
Features
  • 11.3 mm tighter earcup width
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (31.7 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 10.1% higher weight
    Bose QuietComfort 45 is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 6 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 23.3% lower battery capacity
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (460 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 52.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (180 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
    When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=2 hours

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 52.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (180 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
    When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <60 ms

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (180 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.180 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 11.3 mm tighter earcup width
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (31.7 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (31.7 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.31.7 mm vs 43 mm
  • 6 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
    When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >40 hours

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 10.1% higher weight
    Bose QuietComfort 45 is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Bose QuietComfort 45 is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.240 g vs 218 g
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time on a single charge
    When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >45 hours

    Bose QuietComfort 45 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.24 hours vs 30 hours
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity

Graphic comparison of Bose QuietComfort 45 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
6172 Reviews
amazon
4.7
1773 Reviews
amazon
4.0
1399 Reviews
amazon
4.2
452 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
6172 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
1773 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
1399 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
452 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Bose QuietComfort 45?

  • World-class active noise cancellation (ANC) that excels at blocking low-frequency drones and ambient office chatter
  • Exceptional long-term wearing comfort due to lightweight design, soft synthetic leather cushions, and minimal clamping force
  • Physical buttons provide reliable, tactile control compared to touch-sensitive alternatives, especially in cold weather
  • Reliable Bluetooth multipoint connectivity allows seamless pairing with two devices simultaneously
  • Compact, foldable design that fits into a shallow, travel-friendly carrying case
  • Solid battery life of up to 24-25 hours with a fast-charge feature offering 3 hours of play from 15 minutes of charging

What customers dislike about Bose QuietComfort 45?

  • Limited control over ANC levels; users are often restricted to toggling between 'Quiet' and 'Aware' modes without an 'Off' option
  • Lack of advanced features found in competitors, such as automatic wear detection (auto-pause) or high-quality audio codecs like aptX
  • Some users report a faint audible hiss or white noise when active noise cancellation is engaged in quiet environments
  • Microphone performance can struggle to isolate the user's voice from loud background noise during calls
  • Companion app requires extensive permissions and account registration for full access to basic features
  • Earpads may show significant wear or begin to peel after approximately one year of regular use

Expert reviews

T
techradar.com
09/08/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 review - TechRadar

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are highly comfortable, lightweight over-ear wireless headphones that excel at active noise cancellation, effectively silencing environmental distractions like air conditioning units and surrounding chatter. They feature an intuitive, button-based control scheme, physical ports for both USB-C and a 2.5mm audio jack, and an "Awareness Mode" designed to let...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
16/02/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 - Review 2022 - PCMag UK

The Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear headphones earned an "Outstanding" 4.5 rating and an Editors' Choice award for delivering industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC). Retailing at $329, they retain the comfortable, practical physical design of their predecessors, featuring plush earpads, physical button controls, and a compact folding frame. The reviewer praises the...Read more

P
pcmag.com
16/02/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review - PCMag

The PCMag review of the Bose QuietComfort 45Go highlights the headphones for offering best-in-class active noise cancellation and exceptional comfort, earning an Editors' Choice award. Key features include roughly 24 hours of battery life, practical physical buttons, and a sculpted, rich sound profile. Conversely, the review notes that the ANC is not adjustable between the "Quiet"...Read more

T
theguardian.com
21/01/2022
Bose QC45 review: commuter favourite noise-cancelling headphones revamped

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) headphones provide exceptional, best-in-class active noise cancelling and long-term comfort, making them an ideal choice for frequent commuters and travelers. Weighing 240g, the robust and foldable design features smooth vegan leather ear cushions and a well-balanced headband that comfortably hugs the head without clamping too tightly. They connect...Read more

E
expertreviews.co.uk
12/10/2023
Bose QuietComfort 45 review: The kings of comfort

The Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear wireless headphones offer class-leading comfort and exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC), making them ideal for long listening sessions. Weighing only 240g, they feature a lightweight design with soft synthetic leather cushions and a durable, glass-filled nylon headband. Sonically, they deliver a well-balanced profile with cleanly...Read more

T
techadvisor.com
02/10/2023
Bose QuietComfort 45 review: Surprisingly simple - Tech Advisor

The Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear headphones maintain the brand's iconic design in a much lighter 240g glass-filled nylon build, providing exceptional, pillow-soft comfort during long listening sessions. They offer brilliant, well-balanced sound quality using proprietary TriPort acoustic architecture, alongside highly effective active noise cancelling and an added Aware Mode....Read more

W
whathifi.com
14/09/2023
Bose QuietComfort 45 review

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) over-ear wireless headphones offer class-leading active noise cancellation that effectively extinguishes the outside world, particularly in the midrange frequencies to silence passing cars and office chatter. Retaining the comfortable, double-hinged travel design of their predecessors, they bring minor physical updates like a USB-C charging port,...Read more

R
rtings.com
21/06/2023
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless Review - RTINGS.com

The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless are comfortable, durable over-ear headphones designed for travel, boasting over 21 hours of battery life and exceptional Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for low-frequency sounds. They offer a warm, balanced sound profile ideal for casual listening, but suffer from high-volume audio leakage and potential driver mismatches. Key limitations...Read more

A
audiosciencereview.com
18/07/2023
Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones Review: How It Compares to Its Successor

The Bose QuietComfort 45 ($329) offers excellent compliance with research target curves when powered on, delivering a superb bass response and a reference-quality performance, especially with a 10 dB equalization boost around 8 kHz to fill a minor treble dip. The headphones have a luxurious aesthetic, feature intuitive physical buttons, provide an extremely comfortable fit, and...Read more

E
ecoustics.com
11/09/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless ANC Headphones: Review

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) wireless headphones offer a highly functional, travel-friendly design that prioritizes exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC) and outstanding battery performance over pure audiophile-grade fidelity. Built primarily from lightweight plastic with steel-reinforced hinges, they provide a comfortable, medium-to-high clamping force that ensures a tight...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
18/11/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Bose QuietComfort 45Go highlights the headphones as an exceptional choice for commuters and office workers looking for top-tier comfort and superb active noise cancellation (ANC). The review praises the model's excellent noise-cancelling performance, which effectively dampens low-frequency rumbles, alongside a clean, detailed soundstage and a...Read more

T
t3.com
08/11/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 review: the king of wireless headphones is back

The Bose QuietComfort 45 marks a triumphant return for the brand's wireless headphone lineup, successfully replacing the older QC35 II model with key upgrades like Bluetooth 5.1, an added fourth microphone for superior call clarity, and the new TriPort acoustic architecture. Priced starting at $329, these premium 240g headphones feature a smoother, refreshed synthetic leather design...Read more

C
cnet.com
04/10/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 review: Some serious noise-cancelling

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) headphones deliver exceptional active noise-canceling (ANC) performance and clear physical buttons, making them an excellent choice for commuters and remote workers. The updated electronics package and microphone layout specifically target and muffle mid-range frequencies, like human speech and ambient café noise, giving these headphones a competitive...Read more

S
soundguys.com
05/08/2025
Bose QuietComfort 45 review - SoundGuys

The SoundGuys review highlights the Bose QuietComfort 45 as a top-tier comfortable headset featuring excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), USB-C charging, and a long-lasting battery. However, the headphones fall short by not allowing users to fully disable the ANC, lacking advanced smart features, and restricting connectivity to SBC/AAC codecs. While the default sound profile...Read more

C
coolblue.de
13/10/2025
Expert review of the Bose QuietComfort 45 | Coolblue

The Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear headphones stand out for their exceptional comfort and high-performing noise cancellation features, making them highly suitable for prolonged use in busy environments. The device is lightweight yet sturdy, featuring deep ear cups that prevent ear fatigue during long listening sessions. In terms of audio performance, the headphones deliver...Read more

G
gq-magazine.co.uk
26/10/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 review: a commuter's delight | British GQ

The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are a highly reliable, no-frills choice that embraces a classic, folding aesthetic over sleek modern redesigns. Weighing just 240 grams, their standout pros include exceptional long-wear comfort with plush faux-leather cushioning, tactile physical buttons for straightforward control, and an outstanding active noise-cancelling (ANC) system paired...Read more

S
spiegel.de
17/10/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: Have a Good Trip

The DER SPIEGEL review evaluates the Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC 45) as a worthy, highly specialized travel companion that prioritizes physical comfort and isolation over advanced features. Priced at 350 Euros at the time of review, its standout strengths include an exceptionally lightweight 240-gram design and industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), which successfully...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
25/12/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: Great Sound with Always-On ANC

The Bose Quiet Comfort 45 is a high-quality, lightweight (236 grams) wireless over-ear headphone designed with a compact folding structure and user-friendly physical control buttons. Its standout features include an excellent, permanently active Automatic Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that effectively isolates users from outside noise without creating a noticeable microphone hiss,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
D
delamar.de
01/04/2023
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: Headphones with Top ANC - Delamar

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a lightweight, wireless over-ear headphone that emphasizes high wearing comfort and exceptional Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) performance, making it highly recommended for travelers and commuters. Weighing only 238–240 grams due to its mostly plastic build, it features large ear cups lined with soft synthetic leather and memory foam that allow for hours...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.de
30/09/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: The Best Bose Ever?

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) succeeds the popular QC35 II, offering notable enhancements in battery life, quick-charging, and active noise cancellation (ANC). The battery now lasts up to 24 hours, and a 15-minute quick charge yields three hours of playback time. Equipped with a total of six microphones, the headphones deliver outstanding, top-tier noise cancellation that easily...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
frandroid.com
21/10/2021
Bose QC45 review: a sense of déjà vu

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) inherits the iconic, highly comfortable, and foldable design of its predecessors while introducing modernized upgrades like a USB-C charging port and a dedicated "Aware" transparency mode. Highly praised for its exceptional weight distribution (240g), physical control buttons, and seamless Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint pairing with physical slider...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
05/10/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) Review: The iconic Bluetooth headphones get a (very) subtle upgrade

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45)Go maintains the iconic, lightweight, and foldable design of its predecessors while offering a superior active noise cancellation experience, making it a top contender in the market. Key strengths include exceptional, long-lasting comfort, a solid 24-hour battery life with ANC enabled, and an energetic, well-balanced sound profile with clear vocals....Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
maisonadam.ca
01/12/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones Review

The Maison Adam review identifies the Bose QuietComfort 45 as a high-performing successor to the QC35 II, highlighting its balanced sound profile with deep bass, comfortable lightweight design, 24-hour battery life, and practical Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint connectivity. Key advantages include superior long-term wearing comfort and robust, reliable wireless performance. Conversely, the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
presse-citron.net
20/01/2023
Bose QC45 Review: And I Shut Out the World", "Bose QC45 Review: Muting the Noise", "Bose QC45 Test: And I Cut the Sound

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) inherits the exact physical layout, lightweight plastic frame, and cushioned headband of its predecessor, the QC35 II, making it exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear without causing ear warmth or neck strain. Defying modern trends, Bose opted for traditional physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive controls to manage playback and toggle...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
21/06/2022
Bose QC45 Review: Our Verdict on the Flagship Headphones (2022)

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) closely mirrors the design, controls, and premium comfort of its predecessor, the QC35 II, making it comfortable enough to wear for hours without fatigue. Weighing 242 grams, this circum-aural headset features a robust yet foldable plastic design for easy travel and upgrades to a modern USB Type-C charging port. Performance-wise, the QC45 shines with...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
clubic.com
22/10/2021
Bose QC 45 Review: Great Scott! This very good headset is a rather lazy back to the future

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) is a highly conservative, premium active noise-canceling (ANC) Bluetooth headphone that prioritizes physical comfort and mechanical utility over technological innovation. Retaining the exact plastic-dominated, foldable architecture of its predecessors (the QC35 series), the headset achieves a legendary, lightweight fit (237g) that remains incredibly...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hablandodemanzanas.com
06/12/2021
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review and Opinion

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC 45) is a comfortable pair of over-ear, classic-looking headphones that prioritize a nostalgic physical-button design over modern tech enhancements. Weighing only 240 grams, these foldable headphones offer exceptional long-wear comfort and unmatched portability for commuters and office workers. Equipped with six total microphones, the QC 45 significantly...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
muycomputer.com
24/03/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45: Sound for those who want no fuss

The Bose QuietComfort 45 review by MuyComputer highlights these mid-to-high-end headphones as a compelling option that lives up to its lineage of premium comfort, high-quality audio, and powerful noise isolation. The review praises the design's extreme lightness and adaptability, noting the two-axis rotation and synthetic leather padding that remain comfortable even during hours of...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
01/09/2021
Bose QC 45 improve sound, noise cancellation and battery life

The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC 45) headphones maintain the classic, highly praised design of their predecessors, the QC 35 and QC 35 II, while introducing critical upgrades to audio performance, active noise cancellation (ANC), and power efficiency. A major pro is the revamped ANC system, which uses internal and external microphones processed by a proprietary digital chip to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
saggiamente.com
14/11/2021
Bose QC45 Review: The Long-Awaited Return of the QuietComfort

Maurizio Natali's review on SaggiaMente highlights the Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) as a return to form for the iconic product line. Pros include exceptional, lightweight comfort mirroring the QC35, reliable physical buttons, a USB-C port, and a 24-hour battery life. Cons involve a sound signature weak in the low-end, lacking app-based EQ, and the inability to completely deactivate...Read more

(Translated)Show original
R
robadainformatici.it
28/03/2026
Bose QuietComfort 45 - Full review | RDI

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is an over-ear Bluetooth 5.1 headphone model that balances a lightweight design (under 240 grams) with strong build quality made of glass-filled nylon and metal hinges. Priced at €279, it excels in user comfort due to its soft synthetic leather ear cushions and active ventilation design that prevents overheating during extended use. Key strengths (pros)...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
test-aankoop.be
19/04/2026
How a single website visit informs dozens of advertising companies about you

The Testaankoop review evaluates the Bose QC45 wireless over-ear headphones, awarding them a "Top Quality" score of 73 out of 100 before they were discontinued from the market. The review highlights several major strengths, most notably its five-star rated active noise cancellation (ANC), which offers exceptional ambient sound isolation. The headphones also score five stars for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
28/04/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review – Proven headphones made even better

The Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear headphones retain the iconic design and comfortable, soft synthetic leather cushioning of their predecessor, the QC 35 II, while introducing modern updates like Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C charging. A major strength is the class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), which effortlessly creates quiet zones in loud environments like trains or planes....Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
techpulse.be
16/02/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 vs. Apple AirPods Max review: which one do you choose?

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a highly comfortable, travel-friendly headphone that features excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) and modern USB-C charging. It is a budget-friendly option compared to Apple, making it ideal for Android and Windows users. However, its audio quality struggles at higher frequencies, where tones can sometimes feel unpleasantly sharp and loud....Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
id.nl
04/02/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review - Reliable working from home companion

The ID.nl review identifies the Bose QuietComfort 45 as a highly reliable,, comfort-focused headset for professional and work-from-home environments, featuring top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC) comparable to industry leaders. Key strengths include exceptional call quality in noisy environments and a secure fit, though the review notes limitations such as limited software...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
ct.nl
23/07/2022
Bose QuietComfort 45 review - noise-cancelling headphones

The c't magazine review highlights the Bose QuietComfort 45Go as a straightforward, no-nonsense pair of active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones that avoids unnecessary features to focus strictly on the essentials. Priced at approximately 300 euros, the headphones weigh 237 grams and include Bluetooth 5.1 alongside a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable connection. The layout utilizes basic...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
sony-wh-xb910n
Sony WH XB910N

Headphones

8.6
anker-soundcore-space-one-pro
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro

Headphones

8.3
sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
microsoft-surface-headphones-2
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

Headphones

8.2
sennheiser-momentum-wireless
Sennheiser Momentum Wireless

Headphones

8.1
technics-eah-a800
Technics EAH A800

Headphones

8.4
bose-quietcomfort-headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Headphones

8.4
akg-n9-hybrid
AKG N9 Hybrid

Headphones

8.3
microsoft-surface-headphones
Microsoft Surface Headphones

Headphones

7.9
jbl-club-950nc
JBL Club 950NC

Headphones

7.9

Compare Bose QuietComfort 45 with

VS
VS

Compare