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The Bose QuietComfort 45 is an older-generation, around-ear Bluetooth headphone built around active noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and simple Quiet and Aware modes. It may suit travelers who find it at an attractive price and in good condition, but Bose lists it as sold from 2022 to 2024, so buyers should check stock, condition, seller, and warranty rather than assume it is a current model.
What the Bose QC45 offers
The QC45 is a wireless, around-ear headphone with active noise cancellation. Bose’s owner guide describes two default listening modes—Quiet and Aware—and the option to create up to two custom noise-control modes in the Bose app. Quiet prioritizes noise cancellation; Aware lets more surrounding sound through so you can stay more aware of your environment.
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Bose lists Bluetooth 5.1 and a wireless range of up to 33 feet (10 meters). The included 3.5 mm-to-2.5 mm audio cable provides a wired listening option, while the USB-C cable is for charging. The package contents listed by Bose are the headphones, a carry case, a 12-inch USB-C charging cable, and the audio cable.
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The published figures differ because they come from different sources and contexts. Bose’s support specifications list 22 hours of battery life. Bose’s August 2021 launch announcement claimed up to 24 hours, while RTINGS reported over 21 hours in its continuous playback test. Those numbers should not be treated as equivalent: the 24-hour figure is a manufacturer claim, and the RTINGS figure is a reviewer’s test result.
#1 Best Overall
- Noise cancelling wireless headphones - The perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny mics to measure, compare, and react to outside noise, cancelling it with opposite signals.
- High-fidelity audio - The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness. Volume-optimized Active EQ maintains balanced performance at any volume, so bass stays consistent when turned down and the music remains clear when turned up.
- Quiet and Aware Modes - Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside into the around ear headphones and hear your environment and your music at the same time.
- Personalize your audio. Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset options.
- Up to 24 hours battery life - Enjoy 24 hours of battery life from a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge offers 3 hours when you’re on the go, or plug in the included audio cable to listen for even longer in wired mode.
Bose lists the rechargeable lithium-ion battery as non-replaceable and gives a charge time of 2.25 hours. Its 2021 launch announcement instead stated a two-hour full charge and said a 15-minute charge could provide three hours of playback. That quick-charge figure is part of the dated launch claim, not a guarantee of the same result in every use or with an aging battery.
How well does the QC45 block noise?
RTINGS describes the QC45’s noise isolation as excellent and reports that it handles low-frequency rumble well. That can be useful around steady sounds such as aircraft or train noise. In RTINGS’ comparison with the Sony WH-1000XM5, however, the Sony performed better against some mid-range and treble sounds. This is a test-specific comparison, not a promise that either headphone will sound or perform the same for every listener or environment.
Rank #2
- Noise cancelling wireless headphones – The perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny mics to measure, compare, and react to outside noise, cancelling it with opposite signals.
- High-fidelity audio – The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness. Volume-optimized Active EQ maintains balanced performance at any volume, so bass stays consistent when turned down and the music remains clear when turned up.
- Quiet & Aware Modes – Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside into the around ear headphones and hear your environment and your music at the same time.
- Over ear headphones – These comfortable wireless headphones are suitable for all-day wear. Crafted with plush synthetic leather and impact-resistant nylon, and designed with minimal clamping force, they’re as luxurious as they are durable.
- Up to 24 hours battery life – Enjoy 24 hours of battery life from a single charge.* A quick 15-minute charge offers 3 hours when you’re on the go, or plug in the included audio cable to listen for even longer in wired mode.
Is the QC45 comfortable for long flights?
RTINGS reports excellent comfort, which supports the QC45’s appeal for long listening sessions and travel. Fit is personal, however: ear shape, glasses, head size, and sensitivity to clamping pressure can affect comfort. The review also describes the headphones as bulky, so they are less suited to listeners who want a compact set for travel.
How stable is it during movement?
RTINGS reports that the QC45 can fall off during more intense movement. It is better understood as a travel and everyday listening headphone than as a secure option for vigorous exercise. If you plan to wear it while walking, commuting, or moving around, consider how securely an over-ear fit stays in place for you.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
QC45 specifications at a glance
| Specification | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Fit | Around-ear (Bose) |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.1; range up to 33 feet (10 meters) (Bose) |
| Battery type | Rechargeable, non-replaceable lithium-ion (Bose) |
| Battery life | 22 hours (Bose Support specification); up to 24 hours (Bose 2021 launch claim); over 21 hours (RTINGS continuous playback test) |
| Charging time | 2.25 hours (Bose Support specification) |
| Listening modes | Quiet and Aware; up to two custom modes through the Bose app (Bose owner guide) |
| In the box | Carry case, 12-inch USB-C cable, and 3.5 mm-to-2.5 mm audio cable (Bose) |
Is the Bose QC45 still worth buying?
It can be a reasonable buy if your priorities are noise cancellation, a comfortable over-ear design, and travel-friendly features, and the particular unit is priced accordingly. Its case is less compelling if you need a compact headphone, a secure fit for intense activity, or a model with current Bose sales support.
Bose announced the QC45 on August 31, 2021, with availability beginning September 23, 2021, and a U.S. launch price of $329.95. That is historical launch pricing, not a guide to current value. Bose’s support page records the model as sold from 2022 through 2024; current inventory, pricing, and warranty coverage from individual sellers are not established here.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- A COOL NEW HUE: Listening feels anything but fleeting when you tune in with QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- Check whether the listing is for a new, refurbished, or used unit, and compare the price with the condition.
- Confirm what is included, especially the carry case and both cables.
- Review the seller’s return and warranty terms before purchasing, since coverage can vary by seller and product condition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
