If you’re in the market for headphones right now, chances are you’re looking for one with noise canceling. This is convenient because most new models are equipped with technologies to keep noise out. This includes the Bose QuietComfort 45, successor to the now veteran QuietComfort 35 II.
Bose Quiet Comfort 45
Price € 349,-
Dimensions 18.40 x 15.24 x 7.62 cm
Weight 240 grams
Playtime 24 hours
Charging time 2.5 hours
Connections usb-c and 2.55mm jack, Bluetooth 5.1, AAC (no aptX or aptX HD)
Website https://www.bose.nl/ 7 Score 70 
- Pros
- Very comfortable (light)
- On off switch
- Good noise canceling
- Negatives
- Expensive compared to competition
- Music quality could be better
If you look quickly you don’t even see a difference between the QC35 II and the new QC45 and that’s right. Bose has kept the model pretty much the same and for good reason: it’s just very comfortable and the controls are where you expect them. In that regard, many other headphone manufacturers can take an example from this.
Due to its relatively light weight, rounded shapes, soft ear cushions and easily adjustable headband, the QC45 is an ideal headset while working at home or in the office garden. Quickly put on and take off, being connected to your laptop and smartphone at the same time, it’s all possible without any problems.
Funnily enough, I think the best feature of the QC series is the physical slider to turn it on and off. No long pressing and waiting for sounds to check if the thing does what you want. Just flip the slider and you’re done.
If you want to pair a new device, slide the slider a bit further and you can pair at the expense of the first paired device. Which two devices are actively connected to the headset is told by a friendly female voice.
Good noise cancelling
In terms of noise cancellation, the QC45 can compete with the best. It sits on the level of the Sony WH-1000XM4. Because the QC45 can be worn nice and loose, you sometimes have a bit more sound leakage. Then it is a matter of tightening the headband a bit so that the ear cups close more. Also (video) calling is excellent. You can be heard clearly, even in busier open-plan offices.
In terms of settings, the Bose is a bit more sparse than the competition. Noise canceling cannot be turned off. You can use the button on the left earcup to ensure that the sound from the outside world comes in amplified.
I don’t think that’s a big deal, provided you see the QC45 as a home-working or office tool. When you have it on, you want to work undisturbed in your own world. If someone asks you something, you can quickly and easily put it off and then put it back on again.
Reasonable music quality, simple app
As good as the noise canceling is, the music reproduction is just as neutral. Not in the sense of an ideal studio rendering, but more faded and something in the background. That has nothing to do with missing support for aptX and aptX HD, because the Sony WH-1000XM4, for example, does not have that either.
Other brands (such as Sony) give much more and fuller lows and also more sparkling highs. The QC45 is therefore not a headset for music lovers. The advantage is that you don’t get tired of listening quickly. Another strong point for office workers.
You can set up the QC45 using the Bose Music app. Those settings are actually so sparse that there is little to tell about them. Handy are the sections where you can choose which two of the paired sources are active and to what extent you hear your own voice during conversations. There is no equalizer or other more in-depth settings. That is not a bad thing in itself, only other competitors from this top segment do offer it.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is actually the best choice for the office worker if you don’t consider its price. The very similar Sony WH-1000XM4 costs about 50 euros less and the predecessors of both models, the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the Bose QC35 II, can be found around or under 200 euros. That makes the price of the Bose QC 45 unjustifiable. So just wait for a significant price drop and then strike. Because I can’t say it often enough: the QC45 is the best headset for the (home) office.
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