Bose QuietComfort 45 review: Impeccable ANC and ergonomics

PVS $279.00

“This model is priced at $279 dollars, for which it offers almost everything we can ask for from a device of this type”

pros

Impeccable design and ergonomics
Easy application and pairing
good autonomy
Good price

Cons

They do not automatically recognize if you are wearing them
Cannot be used with virtual assistants

The battle to create the best-sounding over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation is a close one between Bose and Sony. Both manufacturers are a safe bet if we want one of these devices, although Bose has taken the lead in the last year with two new models.

The American company recently launched its Bose Quiet Comfort 45, the model that would take over from the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II. However, the QC 45 is not an update per se, as the manufacturer made improvements to them but also removed some features. Is it worth paying the $279 dollars they cost? Let’s see it.

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Design

These headphones look a lot like the QC 35 II, with the same flat-folding hinges and seamless construction that puts ergonomics first. They are very light (they weigh only 240 grams) and their cushions perfectly cover the ears, which further favors the feeling of cancellation from the outside.

As for its pads, they are covered with a synthetic leather with a touch similar to leather. It is a very soft and moldable material, so we hardly notice them when we wear them.

The physical controls are also identical to those of its predecessors, including the power/Bluetooth slider switch, as well as those dedicated to playback found on the right ear cup.

One of the improvements we found is that they are charged via USB-C instead of micro-USB like the previous model. Included in the box is a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable, and a zippered carrying case; the latter is a bit bulky, especially when compared to the Bose 700.

controls

Unlike the QC 35 II, the action button is no longer configurable (before we could choose to activate a voice assistant or regulate the three levels of noise cancellation); now it only serves to change modes.

There’s also no Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility, nor three cancellation modes. Instead, we only have two: ANC (quiet) and transparency (aware).

Connecting them is very simple, whether on Android or iOS or to a computer, and this is where one of its main advantages comes over similar Sony models. It is a multipoint model, this means that we can have them connected to two devices at the same time and switch between one and the other without having to do anything.

Noise Cancellation

Its active noise cancellation is capable of isolating us much more than any other pair of headphones, especially against high tones and voices. On the other hand, the transparency mode maintains a very good sound level despite the fact that it allows us to clearly hear what is outside.

Of course, although it is not essential, I have missed that the headphones are capable of detecting when we take them off or have them on, to stop or resume playback.

Sound and call quality

The Bose QC 45 sound very good, with marked bass but that does not cancel out the rest of the frequencies. Voices are clear and nuanced. In addition, the differentiation between instruments and tones is excellent, even in very complex melodies.

From the Bose application on our phone we have access to the equalizer. Here we can adjust the bass and treble according to our preferences or what we hear at that moment.

The quality of the calls is good, although they let through some background noise and sometimes our voice is heard a little far away. The conversation can also be interrupted if you move too far from the phone due to Bluetooth range.

Autonomy

The Bose QC 45 offer about 25 hours of listening through Bluetooth, a time that can vary depending on how much we use active noise cancellation. However, these figures are more than enough for a day at work or a long trip.

To charge them to 100 percent via USB-C we need about 2.5 hours; With about 15 minutes of charging we get three hours of autonomy. To know how much battery you have left, you just need to put them on and a voice will tell you. You can also check it in the app.

Conclution

Bose makes it difficult for its rivals again with these headphones, whose strengths are their lightweight design and active noise cancellation. Its autonomy is good, as well as the change to USB-C for charging, although I have missed being able to use virtual assistants with them.

This model is priced at $279 dollars, for which it offers almost everything we can ask for from a device of this type. If you do not want to do without virtual assistants, you have the option of opting for the previous model or for the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, although they are a bit more expensive.

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