If you’re stuck between the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose 700, you’re comparing two of the best noise-cancelling headphones available today. Both are built for premium comfort and immersive sound, but after deep testing and real-world use, the Bose QuietComfort 45 stands out as the smarter buy for most people. It offers a longer battery life, more comfortable fit, and the same incredible Bose sound at a better value.
Why Do I Recommend the Bose QuietComfort 45?
Both the QuietComfort 45 and 700 are premium options, but when it comes to practicality and value, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is the better choice for most listeners. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why.
1. Extended Battery Life for Real-World Use
The Bose QuietComfort 45 provides up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, outperforming the Bose 700’s roughly 20 hours. While four hours may not sound like much, it adds up during long flights, road trips, or workdays where you can’t recharge easily. The QC45 also offers 3 hours of playtime with a 15-minute quick charge, making it more reliable for travel and daily use.
2. Superior Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a defining factor in long listening sessions, and the QuietComfort 45 truly excels. Weighing just 238 grams, it’s lighter than the Bose 700’s 254 grams, and its softer ear cushions distribute pressure more evenly. The clamping force is slightly looser, which makes the QC45 more comfortable for multi-hour wear, while the 700’s firmer fit can feel tight over time.
3. Simplified, Reliable Controls
The QuietComfort 45 uses physical buttons for volume, playback, and ANC control. This traditional setup is intuitive, precise, and works instantly—even with gloves on or when the device is in your pocket. In contrast, the Bose 700 relies on touch-sensitive controls on the earcups, which look modern but can be inconsistent and prone to accidental touches.
4. Bose’s Signature Balanced Sound
The QC45 continues Bose’s signature tuning — clean, balanced, and rich across all frequencies. It delivers deep, punchy bass without overwhelming the mids or highs, making it ideal for diverse genres like rock, classical, or podcasts. The 700, while slightly more neutral and detail-oriented, can sound less engaging for casual listeners. If you prefer warm, full-bodied sound, the QuietComfort 45 is the better match.
5. Excellent Noise Cancelling Performance
Bose has long set the standard for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and both models perform exceptionally well. However, the QuietComfort 45’s automatic ANC system simplifies the experience—just turn it on, and it adapts instantly. The 700 offers 11 levels of adjustable ANC, which provides flexibility but requires more manual tweaking. In day-to-day use, the QC45’s consistent noise reduction feels easier and more natural.
6. More Travel-Friendly Design
The QC45 maintains the classic foldable Bose design, allowing it to fit neatly in its compact carrying case. It’s more portable than the Bose 700, which does not fold flat and takes up more space. If you travel frequently or prefer lightweight gear, the QC45 is easier to pack and carry.
7. Improved Bluetooth and Stability
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, the QuietComfort 45 delivers faster pairing and more stable connections than the Bose 700’s Bluetooth 5.0. This improvement ensures fewer audio dropouts and smoother transitions between devices, especially when using multipoint connectivity for switching between phone and laptop.
8. Better Price-to-Performance Ratio
The Bose QuietComfort 45 typically retails around $279–$329, while the Bose 700 costs about $349–$379. Given that both deliver nearly identical sound quality and ANC, the QC45 offers significantly better value. You’re paying less for a headphone that’s equally capable in most areas and superior in comfort and battery life.
In summary, the Bose QuietComfort 45 provides an ideal balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. The Bose 700 is a great option for those who prioritize call quality and design, but for most users, the QC45 simply makes more sense as an everyday headphone.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart: Bose QuietComfort 45 vs 700
| Feature | Bose QuietComfort 45 | Bose 700 |
| Release Year | 2021 | 2019 |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Noise Cancelling | Automatic, adaptive | Adjustable (11 levels) |
| Controls | Physical buttons | Touch-sensitive panels |
| Weight | 238 g | 254 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
| App Customization | Bose Music App | Bose Music App |
| Foldable Design | Yes | No |
| Microphone System | Dual-mic array | 8-mic system (superior for calls) |
| Fast Charging | 15 min = 3 hrs playback | 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Carry Case | Compact, foldable | Larger rigid case |
| Price Range | $279–$329 | $349–$379 |
| Colors Available | Black, White Smoke | Black, Silver Luxe |
What Common Bose QuietComfort 45 vs 700 Can Do
Even though they differ in style and features, both headphones carry the core Bose DNA that has made the brand synonymous with premium sound and comfort. Here’s what both models do exceptionally well.
1. World-Class Noise Cancellation
Both the QuietComfort 45 and 700 deliver outstanding active noise cancellation, minimizing background noise in any environment. Whether you’re on a plane, commuting, or working in a café, these headphones create an immersive, distraction-free experience. Bose’s ANC technology is known for eliminating low-frequency hums and consistent ambient sounds better than most competitors.
2. Premium Comfort and Build
Bose has a reputation for designing headphones that feel as good as they sound. Both models feature high-quality synthetic leather cushions, adjustable headbands, and lightweight frames designed for hours of comfortable listening. The overall build quality of both models reflects durability and luxury without unnecessary bulk.
3. Balanced, Clear Sound Signature
The sound profile in both headphones is distinctly Bose—neutral, crisp, and pleasing for most music genres. Bass is well-controlled, mids are clear for vocals and instruments, and highs are clean without harshness. Both deliver a listening experience that works equally well for movies, calls, or music.
4. Multipoint Bluetooth Connectivity
Both headphones allow you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This means you can listen to music on your laptop and seamlessly answer a phone call without disconnecting or re-pairing devices—an invaluable feature for multitaskers.
5. Voice Assistant Support
Both models integrate with popular voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can control playback, check notifications, or get updates without touching your device, making them perfect for hands-free operation.
6. Bose Music App Compatibility
The Bose Music App enhances both headphones with firmware updates, adjustable EQ settings, and device management. The app is intuitive and keeps your headphones optimized with minimal effort.
7. Fast Charging and Long Battery Life
Battery life is impressive on both headphones, lasting up to 20–24 hours depending on use. Quick charging ensures you can get hours of playback from just a few minutes of charging, minimizing downtime.
Common Features Chart: Bose QuietComfort 45 vs 700
| Feature | Bose QuietComfort 45 | Bose 700 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (5.1) | Yes (5.0) |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes | Yes |
| Bose Music App | Compatible | Compatible |
| Fast Charging | 15 mins = 3 hrs playback | 15 mins = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Premium Build Quality | Yes | Yes |
| Comfortable Fit | Yes | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Included | Included |
| Wired Listening Option | Yes | Yes |
A Detailed Comparison of the Bose QuietComfort 45 vs 700
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Bose QuietComfort 45features automatic noise-cancelling technology that adapts to ambient sounds without requiring the user to select specific levels. According to Bose’s official specs, the QC45 supports two modes—“Quiet” and “Aware” (for letting in ambient sound) with excellent suppression of low-frequency noise like airplane engines and bus rumble.
On the other hand, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700offer a more granular control of ANC—up to 11 levels you can choose from via the Bose Music App, enabling precise tailoring of how much outside sound you allow in.
Summary: If you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, the QC45’s simpler ANC is attractive. If you want to tweak exactly how much ambient sound you hear, the 700 has the edge.
Comfort & Design
Regarding comfort and wearability, the QuietComfort 45 weighs about 0.24 kg (or around 8.5 oz), uses light materials and plush ear-cups designed for long sessions. The Bose 700 uses a stainless steel headband, soft gel-like cushioning and angled ear-cups; specs show a weight of 0.25 kg (just under 9 oz) in one variant.
Summary: Both are comfortable for extended listening, but the QC45’s slightly lighter design and simpler fit make it marginally better for all-day use or travel.
Battery Life & Charging
The QC45 has a listed battery life up to 22 hours in certain spec sheets, with quick-charge giving several hours from a short boost. The Bose 700 states up to 20 hours of continuous use, and “quick charge for 3.5 hours” from 15 minutes of charge in some materials.
Summary: The QC45 offers a slight advantage in battery life—useful if you’re frequently on the go without easy access to charging.
Controls & Connectivity
The QuietComfort 45 uses physical buttons: volume up/down, playback, and voice assistant access via dedicated buttons. This avoids accidental touches but might feel less “modern.” The Bose 700 moves to touch-sensitive ear-cup controls (swipe/slide gestures), which are sleek but sometimes less intuitive.
In connectivity, the QC45 supports Bluetooth 5.1 (per Bose spec sheet) and multipoint pairing (two devices at once). The 700 uses Bluetooth 5.0 with similar multipoint support.
Summary: If you prefer robust physical buttons and minimal learning curve, QC45 wins; if you like a premium touch-control interface and can tolerate occasional mis-swipes, 700 is fine.
Call Quality & Microphones
The Bose 700 is especially strong in microphone performance: it uses a more complex mic array optimized for voice pickup in busy settings, making it excellent for calls, conferences or remote work. The QC45 performs very well for music and noise cancellation, but some reviews mention the mic performance is not as advanced in extremely noisy environments.
Summary: If phone calls and voice clarity in noisy environments are a priority, the 700 has the slight edge.
Portability & Storage
The QC45 features a fold-flat design with compact carrying case, making it easier to pack for travel. The 700, while premium in build, does not fold as neatly and occupies more space. Reviewers note that the QC45 is more travel-friendly.
Summary: QC45 is more convenient for travel and commuting.
Sound Signature & Audio Quality
Both headphones carry the Bose hallmark audio tuning — clear mids, controlled bass, and smooth highs. However, many reviewers note that the 700 has a slightly more neutral, analytical sound profile, while the QC45 retains a slightly warmer, more engaging signature for casual listening. (RTINGS.com)
Summary: If you listen casually across genres and want warm sound, the QC45 may appeal more; if you want more detail and neutral tuning, the 700 might suit you.
Conclusion
After closely comparing the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, the QuietComfort 45 stands out as the stronger overall recommendation for most users. Here’s why:
- It delivers longer battery life in real-world use, giving you more flexibility for travel and day-long sessions.
- It offers slightly better comfort and portability, which makes a tangible difference if you wear headphones for hours or on trips.
- Its controls are straightforward and dependable, reducing hassle during everyday use.
- The value-for-money is higher—getting nearly all the strengths of the 700 (noise cancellation, audio quality) for typically less money.
- For typical listeners—music, podcasts, travel, commuting—the QC45 covers the essentials exceptionally well.
That said, the Bose 700 remains an excellent option for those who place a premium on call quality, adjustable ANC granularity, and a touch-control interface. If those are specific priorities, it remains worth considering.
If you’re ready to purchase, I’d suggest selecting the QuietComfort 45 and taking advantage of any deals when available. It’s a smart choice that balances performance, comfort, and price.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use either headphone wired (with cable) when bluetooth battery runs out?
Yes—both models support wired audio via an audio cable (typically 3.5 mm), letting you keep using them when battery is low or for slightly lower latency.
Q2: Do these headphones work with two devices at once (multipoint)?
Yes—both the QC45 and the 700 support multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing you to connect to e.g., your phone and laptop simultaneously.
Q3: Which one has better microphone quality for phone calls?
The Bose 700 has a more advanced mic array optimized for voice pickup in noisy settings, giving it a slight advantage over the QC45 for calls.
Q4: Are the ear-cups replaceable or can I replace the battery myself?
While the ear-cups and headband padding may be replaceable via Bose parts, the built-in battery is not user-replaceable in either model—professional service may be required later.
Q5: Which Bluetooth version do they use and does it matter?
The QC45 uses Bluetooth 5.1 (improved stability/range), while the 700 uses Bluetooth 5.0. For everyday use the difference is modest, though 5.1 may offer slight connectivity benefits.
Q6: How effective is the noise cancellation on each model?
Both are top-tier in ANC. The QC45 handles ambient and low-frequency noise extremely well with minimal user setup; the 700 offers more user control over ANC levels but demands more manual adjustment.
Q7: Are they comfortable for long ear-sessions (e.g., flights, work days)?
Yes—both are very comfortable. The QC45’s lighter weight and softer clamping make it slightly more comfortable for very long use.
Q8: Is the price difference justified?
In many cases, yes—the QC45 offers most of the premium performance at a lower cost. If you don’t need every premium feature of the 700 (like advanced mic/call systems or exact ANC control), you’ll get excellent value from the QC45.
Alex Turner is a dedicated product researcher and reviewer at TopBuyGuide.com, known for his clear, honest, and data-driven insights. He spends countless hours testing, comparing, and analyzing products to help readers make confident and informed buying decisions.