May
When it comes to wireless headphones, Bose has established a reputation for delivering top-notch audio quality, exceptional noise cancellation, and overall user satisfaction. Among their popular models, the Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) and the Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) stand out. This review delves into every aspect of these two models, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which one is right for you.
Introduction
The Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) and QuietComfort 45 (QC45) are among the most sought-after wireless headphones in the market. The QC35 has been a favorite since its release due to its outstanding noise cancellation and comfort. The QC45, an upgraded version, promises improvements in several areas. This review will provide a comprehensive comparison to help you understand the differences and make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 headphones are known for their sleek, modern design. They are made from high-quality materials, including a combination of plastic and metal, which gives them a durable yet lightweight feel.
Key Features:
- Materials: High-grade plastic with metal accents
- Colors: Available in Black and Silver
- Weight: 234 grams
- Portability: Foldable design with a hard carrying case
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 headphones maintain the classic design of the QC35 with some subtle improvements. The build quality has been enhanced to provide better durability while maintaining the lightweight and comfortable design.
Key Features:
- Materials: Premium plastic with reinforced headband and ear cups
- Colors: Available in Black and White Smoke
- Weight: 238 grams
- Portability: Foldable design with an improved carrying case
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | High-grade plastic, metal | Premium plastic, reinforced |
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black, White Smoke |
| Weight | 234 grams | 238 grams |
| Portability | Foldable, hard case | Foldable, improved case |
Comfort and Fit
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 headphones are renowned for their comfort. The ear cups are well-padded with memory foam, providing a plush feel during extended listening sessions. The headband is also cushioned, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Key Features:
- Ear Cup Padding: Memory foam
- Headband Padding: Soft cushioning
- Adjustability: Adjustable headband for a personalized fit
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 takes comfort to the next level with improved padding and a slightly redesigned headband. The ear cups provide a snug fit without exerting too much pressure, making them ideal for long-term use.
Key Features:
- Ear Cup Padding: Enhanced memory foam
- Headband Padding: Improved cushioning
- Adjustability: Adjustable headband with improved ergonomics
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Ear Cup Padding | Memory foam | Enhanced memory foam |
| Headband Padding | Soft cushioning | Improved cushioning |
| Adjustability | Adjustable headband | Adjustable headband |
Sound Quality
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 headphones deliver excellent sound quality with a balanced audio profile. They provide clear mids, crisp highs, and a decent amount of bass, making them suitable for various music genres.
Key Features:
- Audio Profile: Balanced sound with clear mids and highs
- Bass Response: Sufficient for most users
- Soundstage: Wide and immersive
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 headphones offer an improved sound experience with a more refined audio profile. The bass response is tighter, the mids are more pronounced, and the highs are crystal clear. The soundstage is also more expansive, providing a more immersive listening experience.
Key Features:
- Audio Profile: Refined sound with enhanced clarity
- Bass Response: Tight and punchy
- Soundstage: Expansive and immersive
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Profile | Balanced sound | Refined sound |
| Bass Response | Sufficient | Tight and punchy |
| Soundstage | Wide and immersive | Expansive and immersive |
Noise Cancellation
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 headphones are famous for their noise-cancellation capabilities. They effectively block out ambient noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes or busy offices.
Key Features:
- ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): Effective at blocking out noise
- Adjustable ANC: Not available
- Ambient Mode: Not available
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 headphones come with upgraded noise-cancellation technology. They offer even better noise isolation, and the introduction of an ambient mode allows users to let in external sounds when needed.
Key Features:
- ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): Enhanced performance
- Adjustable ANC: Available with multiple levels
- Ambient Mode: Available
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Performance | Effective | Enhanced |
| Adjustable ANC | Not available | Available |
| Ambient Mode | Not available | Available |
Battery Life
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 headphones offer a robust battery life, capable of lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge. They also come with a quick charge feature, providing 2.5 hours of playback with a 15-minute charge.
Key Features:
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Quick Charge: 15 minutes for 2.5 hours
- Charging Port: Micro-USB
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 headphones improve upon the QC35’s battery performance, offering up to 24 hours of playback time. The quick charge feature is also enhanced, giving users 3 hours of playback with a 15-minute charge.
Key Features:
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Quick Charge: 15 minutes for 3 hours
- Charging Port: USB-C
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Quick Charge | 15 minutes for 2.5 hours | 15 minutes for 3 hours |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | USB-C |
Connectivity and Controls
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 headphones offer reliable wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and NFC pairing. The controls are intuitive, located on the ear cups, allowing users to manage playback, volume, and calls effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC
- Controls: Physical buttons on ear cups
- Voice Assistant Support: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 headphones maintain the connectivity features of the QC35 while introducing some enhancements. The controls are more streamlined, and the addition of a multi-point connection allows users to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
Key Features:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC, Multi-point connection
- Controls: Refined physical buttons
- Voice Assistant Support: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC | Bluetooth, NFC, Multi-point |
| Controls | Physical buttons | Refined physical buttons |
| Voice Assistant | Google, Alexa | Google, Alexa |
Additional Features
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 headphones come with several additional features that enhance the user experience, including a wired mode for when the battery runs out and compatibility with the Bose Connect app.
Key Features:
- Wired Mode: Available
- App Compatibility: Bose Connect app
- Microphone: Dual-microphone system for calls
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 headphones offer similar additional features with some improvements. The wired mode is still available, and the headphones now come with an improved microphone system for clearer calls and better integration with the Bose Music app.
Key Features:
- Wired Mode: Available
- App Compatibility: Bose Music app
- Microphone: Improved dual-microphone system
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Wired Mode | Available | Available |
| App Compatibility | Bose Connect app | Bose Music app |
| Microphone | Dual-microphone system | Improved dual-microphone system |
Price and Value
Bose QuietComfort 35
Upon its release, the QC35 was positioned as a premium product, and its price reflected that. Over time, as new models have been introduced, the price has decreased, making it more affordable while still offering excellent value for money.
Price Range: $250 – $300 (varies with discounts and availability)
Value Proposition: Despite being an older model, the QC35 still offers great sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation at a reduced price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Bose QuietComfort 45
As the newer model, the QC45 comes with a higher price tag. However, the improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life justify the price increase for many users who want the latest technology.
Price Range: $330 – $350 (varies with discounts and availability)
Value Proposition: The QC45 is priced higher due to its advanced features and enhancements over the QC35. For those seeking the best performance and newest features, the QC45 provides excellent value.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $250 – $300 | $330 – $350 |
| Value Proposition | Excellent for its price | Justified by advanced features |
Pros and Cons
Bose QuietComfort 35
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable for long-term use
- Good battery life with quick charge feature
- Reliable wireless connectivity
Cons:
- Older Micro-USB charging port
- No adjustable ANC levels
- Slightly less refined sound quality compared to newer models
Bose QuietComfort 45
Pros:
- Enhanced noise cancellation with adjustable levels
- Improved sound quality and soundstage
- Longer battery life with improved quick charge
- USB-C charging port and multi-point connectivity
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Minimal design changes from the QC35
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bose QC35 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Great noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity | Enhanced ANC, improved sound, longer battery, USB-C, multi-point |
| Cons | Micro-USB, no adjustable ANC, older sound profile | Higher price, minimal design changes |
Conclusion
In the competitive landscape of wireless headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 35 and QuietComfort 45 both stand out as exceptional choices, each with its strengths.
Bose QuietComfort 35
The QC35 remains a formidable option for those who prioritize excellent noise cancellation, comfort, and value. Its reduced price makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want high-quality performance.
Bose QuietComfort 45
The QC45 takes everything great about the QC35 and enhances it. With better noise cancellation, sound quality, battery life, and modern features like USB-C and multi-point connectivity, the QC45 is ideal for those willing to invest in the latest technology for the best possible experience.
Final Recommendation
If you are looking for a reliable pair of wireless headphones with excellent noise cancellation and comfort at a more affordable price, the Bose QC35 is a fantastic option. However, if you want the latest advancements and are willing to pay a premium for enhanced features, the Bose QC45 is the superior choice.
Both models reflect Bose’s commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that you get a top-tier listening experience regardless of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main differences between the Bose QuietComfort 35 and the Bose QuietComfort 45?
Answer: The main differences between the Bose QC35 and QC45 are:
- Noise Cancellation: The QC45 features enhanced noise cancellation with adjustable levels, whereas the QC35 offers effective but non-adjustable noise cancellation.
- Sound Quality: The QC45 has a more refined audio profile with improved bass response and a wider soundstage compared to the QC35.
- Battery Life: The QC45 offers up to 24 hours of battery life, while the QC35 provides up to 20 hours.
- Charging Port: The QC45 uses a USB-C port for charging, while the QC35 uses a Micro-USB port.
- Additional Features: The QC45 includes a multi-point connection and an ambient mode, which are not available on the QC35.
2. Can I use the Bose QuietComfort 35 and QuietComfort 45 with a wired connection?
Answer: Yes, both the Bose QC35 and QC45 can be used with a wired connection. They come with a detachable audio cable that allows you to use them as wired headphones when the battery is low or if you prefer a wired connection for certain devices.
3. How do the Bose QuietComfort 35 and QuietComfort 45 perform in terms of comfort for long listening sessions?
Answer: Both the QC35 and QC45 are designed for long-term comfort. They feature memory foam ear cups and cushioned headbands that provide a snug yet comfortable fit. The QC45 has slightly improved padding and ergonomics, making it marginally more comfortable for extended use.
4. Are the Bose QuietComfort 35 and QuietComfort 45 compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa?
Answer: Yes, both the QC35 and QC45 are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can activate these voice assistants using the dedicated button on the headphones, allowing you to control music playback, manage calls, and access other features hands-free.
5. What is the quick charge capability of the Bose QuietComfort 35 and QuietComfort 45?
Answer: Both the QC35 and QC45 feature quick charge capabilities. The QC35 provides 2.5 hours of playback with a 15-minute charge, while the QC45 offers 3 hours of playback with a 15-minute charge. This feature is particularly useful when you need a quick boost of battery life on the go.
