Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: The Reign Continues (With a Few Caveats)
The Bose QuietComfort line is synonymous with noise cancellation. For years, it’s been the go-to recommendation for travelers, students, and anyone seeking a pocket of serenity in a chaotic world. The QuietComfort 45, the latest iteration, aims to uphold that legacy. But in an increasingly competitive market, does it still deserve its crown? Let’s dive in.
At its core, the QC45 delivers on its promise: exceptional noise cancellation. Bose has refined its algorithm, effectively silencing the drone of airplane engines, the hum of office chatter, and the rumble of city streets. The “Quiet” mode is almost unnervingly effective, creating a vacuum of silence that allows you to truly focus on your music or simply enjoy some peace. The “Aware” mode, which lets ambient sound in, is improved over previous generations, providing a more natural and less processed soundscape. It’s genuinely useful for staying aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones.
The design of the QC45 is classic Bose: understated and comfortable. The headphones are lightweight and the earcups are generously padded, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. The build quality feels solid, although the plastic construction doesn’t quite exude premium luxury. Control is handled via physical buttons, which some may find preferable to touch controls, offering tactile feedback and preventing accidental presses. The folding design makes them easy to stow away in the included carrying case.
Sound quality is balanced and clear, though not audiophile-grade. The QC45 prioritizes accuracy over boosted bass, making it a suitable choice for various genres. While the soundstage isn’t particularly wide, the overall listening experience is enjoyable and fatigue-free. Those seeking thumping bass may be slightly disappointed, but most users will find the audio performance more than adequate.
Bose claims a 24-hour battery life, and in our testing, that claim holds up well. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of listening time, which is incredibly convenient. The QC45 charges via USB-C, a welcome update over the older Micro-USB port found on previous models. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, however, is a notable omission, forcing reliance on Bluetooth or a USB-C adapter (not included).
The value proposition is a bit complex. The QC45 offers excellent noise cancellation and comfort, but faces stiff competition from rivals offering more features or better sound quality at similar price points. While the Bose name carries weight, potential buyers should carefully consider their priorities before making a purchase.
Ultimately, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is a solid, reliable choice for those prioritizing noise cancellation and comfort above all else. It’s a worthy successor to the QuietComfort legacy, but its lack of cutting-edge features and absence of a headphone jack hold it back from being a truly outstanding product. It is best suited for frequent travelers, students, or anyone working in noisy environments who value a comfortable fit and effective noise cancellation.
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Bose QuietComfort 45 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 96%
- Design: 89%
- Performance: 88%
- Quality: 89%
- Popularity: 92%
Top Pros
- ✅ The noise cancellation is industry-leading and creates an immersive listening experience.
- ✅ They are remarkably comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- ✅ Battery life is excellent, providing up to 24 hours of playback.
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Key Cons
- ❌ There is no 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening.
- ❌ The design and materials lack a premium feel compared to competitors.
- ❌ Bass response is adequate but may not satisfy bass enthusiasts.
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