đź“ť Our Complete Review
The Bose QuietComfort 45 arrives five years after the legendary QC35 II to finally take over. With a reputation for unmatched comfort and reference ANC, Bose hopes to maintain its position against Sony, Apple, and Sennheiser. Launched at $329 (often found ~$250 today), the QC45 relies on simplicity and effectiveness rather than technological innovation. A risky bet in an ultra-competitive market where every detail counts.
The Bose QC45 design will surprise no one: it's virtually identical to the 2019 QC35 II. Same circumaural shape, same padded headband, same matte plastic finish. Only cosmetic changes: the silver Bose logo on the earcups and the headband now entirely covered in synthetic leather (versus fabric on the QC35 II). This continuity reassures Bose fans but disappoints those hoping for an aesthetic overhaul comparable to the Sony WH-1000XM5.
The QC45 weighs only 240g, a lightweight record in the premium segment. For comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 shows 250g and the AirPods Max... 386g! This difference is immediately felt: you forget you're wearing the Bose after a few minutes. The soft headband perfectly distributes pressure across the skull, the synthetic leather earcups envelop the ears without clamping. Result: 4-5 hour listening sessions without any discomfort or excessive heat. The Bose remains the undisputed comfort champion, even against Sony.
Unlike the WH-1000XM5, the QC45 folds completely for compact transport. The included hard case effectively protects the headphones. Practical for frequent travel and already loaded bags. Bose offers two colors: black or white smoke (our test model). The plastic finishes are impeccable, without creaking or play in the joints.
Controls rely on physical buttons rather than touch surfaces. Left earcup: one button toggles between ANC and Ambient Aware modes. Right earcup: volume +/-, play/pause, call answer. No dedicated power button, the headphones turn on automatically when unfolded. Simple, effective, reliable. No risk of accidental activation like with Sony's touch surfaces.
The QC45 ANC inherits Bose's historical aviation expertise. Upon activation, silence sets in instantly. On the Paris metro, background noise disappears by 90%. Conversations, announcements, train rumbling: everything is drastically attenuated. The ANC generates no unpleasant pressure on the eardrums, unlike some competitors. Ambient Aware mode lets external sounds through to stay aware of the environment. Useful for crossing the street or quick conversations without removing the headphones.
Unfortunately, Bose doesn't offer granular ANC adjustment. It's all or nothing: Quiet mode (max ANC) or Aware (transparent). The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers 20+ adjustment levels via its app, allowing precise attenuation customization. Too bad for a premium headphones in 2026.
The QC45 sound displays Bose's typical balanced signature. Bass is present without being overwhelming, mids clear but slightly thin, highs precise. It's a "safe" sound that will suit all musical genres without ever disappointing or impressing. On bass-heavy tracks like hip-hop or electronic, the QC45 lacks a bit of impact compared to Sony. On voices and podcasts however, it excels thanks to its clean mids.
The Bose Music app disappoints with its simplicity. No graphic or parametric equalizer. Only three presets: Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Balanced. Impossible to finely adjust the response curve like on Sony Headphones Connect or Sennheiser Smart Control. For $329 headphones at launch, it's a glaring omission in 2026 when sound customization has become the norm.
Bluetooth 5.1 ensures stable connection up to 9 meters. The QC45 can memorize 8 devices but only connects to one at a time. No multipoint like the Sony WH-1000XM5 which handles two simultaneous sources. Supported codecs are limited to AAC and SBC, no LDAC or aptX for high-resolution audio. Sufficient for Spotify and Apple Music, disappointing for Tidal HiFi or Qobuz.
The advertised 25h battery life (ANC on) is easily verified in our tests. It's honest but falls short against Sony (30h), Sennheiser Momentum 4 (60h!!) and Jabra Elite 85h (35h). Quick charging saves the day: 15 minutes = 3 hours listening via USB-C. Practical for impromptu early departures.
Call quality sits in the segment average. Callers hear clearly in a quiet environment, but background noise (wind, traffic) quickly disrupts exchanges. The Sony WH-1000XM5 with its 8 microphones does infinitely better. The QC45 works for occasional calls, not intensive remote work.
Against the Sony WH-1000XM5 (~$300), the QC45 loses on sound, ANC and calls but wins on comfort and portability (foldable). Against the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (~$300), the QC45 loses on sound and battery (60h vs 25h) but wins on ANC and simplicity. The QC45 represents the "safe" choice for those wanting simple, comfortable, effective headphones without superfluous features.
🏆 FINAL VERDICT
The Bose QuietComfort 45 revolutionizes nothing but does exactly what's expected: deliver exceptional comfort, effective ANC, and foolproof reliability. Its unchanged design since 2019 and minimalist app penalize it against the more modern Sony and Sennheiser. At ~$250 today, it nevertheless represents an excellent deal for those prioritizing simplicity and comfort over advanced features. If you're looking for the lightest and most comfortable headphones on the market with effective ANC, the QC45 remains a wise choice in 2026, provided you accept its limitations (no EQ, no multipoint, 25h battery).
