Bose QC35 vs QC45: Which Is the Right Upgrade for You?

Choosing between two top-tier Bose headphones can be tough. Both the QuietComfort 35 II and the newer QuietComfort 45 promise exceptional sound and comfort. However, the QC45 is the clear winner for most users, thanks to its superior noise cancellation and modern upgrades like USB-C charging. If you’re looking for the best balance of quiet, comfort, and sound, the QC45 is a worthwhile investment. Ready to see why?

Why I Recommend The Bose QC45

The Bose QC45 improves upon its predecessor in several key areas, making it the superior choice for a modern listening experience.

• Improved Noise Cancellation: The QC45 offers a significant upgrade in active noise cancellation (ANC). It features Quiet Mode for near-total silence and Aware Mode to let you hear your surroundings. In contrast, the QC35 II has adjustable ANC levels (High, Low, Off) but isn’t as powerful at blocking out mid-range frequencies as the QC45.
• Modern USB-C Charging: The QC45 uses a USB-C charging port, which is the current standard for most electronic devices. This means you can use the same cable for your headphones, laptop, and phone. The QC35 II, on the other hand, uses an older micro-USB port, which can be an inconvenience.
• Longer Battery Life: You get more listening time with the QC45, which provides up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge. The QC35 II offers a still-respectable 20 hours, but those extra four hours on the QC45 make a difference, especially for travelers.
• Enhanced Microphone System: The QC45 is equipped with a fourth external microphone that helps isolate your voice for clearer calls. This is a noticeable improvement over the QC35 II’s dual-microphone system, ensuring you sound crystal clear even in noisy environments.
• Aware Mode for Safety: The QC45 introduces Aware Mode, a feature not present on the QC35 II. This transparency mode allows you to listen to your music while staying aware of your surroundings, which is ideal for city walking or listening for announcements.
• Updated Bluetooth Technology: With Bluetooth 5.1, the QC45 provides a stronger and more stable wireless connection at up to 30 feet. While the QC35 II’s Bluetooth 5.0 is reliable, the newer version in the QC45 ensures a more seamless pairing experience.

 

Side-By-Side Comparison Chart: Bose QC35 vs QC45

Feature	bose qc35	bose qc45
Noise Cancellation	3 levels (High, Low, Off)	Quiet Mode (Full ANC) & Aware Mode
Battery Life	Up to 20 hours	Up to 24 hours
Charging Port	micro-USB	USB-C
Bluetooth Version	5.0	5.1
Microphone System	Dual-microphone system	Quad-microphone system
Aware/Transparency Mode	No	Yes (Aware Mode)

What Common Features Can Bose QC35 vs QC45 Do?

Despite their differences, both headphones share the core qualities that have made the Bose QuietComfort line legendary. They are built for comfort, exceptional audio, and ease of use, ensuring a premium experience regardless of which model you choose.

Both the Bose QC35 II and QC45 are renowned for their Over-Ear Comfort. They feature plush synthetic leather earcups and are designed with minimal clamping force. This allows for hours of listening without discomfort, making them perfect for long flights, extended work sessions, or just relaxing at home. The lightweight and durable construction, using materials like impact-resistant nylon, ensures they can withstand daily use while remaining a pleasure to wear.

When it comes to High-Fidelity Audio, both models deliver the signature Bose sound. They are equipped with TriPort acoustic architecture and Volume-optimized Active EQ. This technology ensures your music sounds balanced and full at any volume. Bass remains consistent and deep when the volume is low, and the audio stays crisp and clear when turned up, providing a rich, immersive soundstage for any music genre.

Both headphones offer seamless Wireless Connectivity. They use Bluetooth to pair effortlessly with your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, providing a reliable connection. Voice prompts guide you through the pairing process, making setup quick and hassle-free. This allows you to enjoy your music or take calls without being tethered by cables.

 

Common Features of Bose QC35 vs QC45

Feature	bose qc35	bose qc45
Form Factor	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Noise Control	Active Noise Cancellation	Active Noise Cancellation
Audio Technology	Volume-optimized Active EQ	Volume-optimized Active EQ
Connectivity	Wireless (Bluetooth)	Wireless (Bluetooth)
Wired Option	Yes, with included audio cable	Yes, with included audio cable
Carrying Case	Included	Included
App Support	Bose Connect App	Bose Music App

A Detailed Comparison Of the Bose QC35 vs QC45

Noise Cancellation

The Bose QC45 offers a more advanced and focused noise-canceling experience. It features two primary modes: Quiet Mode, which provides powerful, all-encompassing noise cancellation to block out distractions, and Aware Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings clearly without removing the headphones. This makes the QC45 ideal for users who need to switch between total immersion and environmental awareness.

By comparison, the Bose QC35 II allows for more granular control over its noise cancellation with three adjustable levels: High, Low, and Off. This flexibility is useful for tailoring the ANC to different environments. However, customer feedback suggests the QC45’s ANC is slightly more effective, particularly at silencing mid-range noise like voices in a busy office or café.

Battery Life and Charging

The Bose QC45 gains an edge with a longer battery life, offering up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is a significant 4-hour increase over the Bose QC35 II’s 20 hours. For frequent travelers or those who use their headphones all day, this extended battery can be a major convenience.

Furthermore, the QC45 modernizes its charging with a USB-C port, aligning with most new electronic devices. A quick 15-minute charge can provide up to 3 hours of playback. The QC35 II still relies on the older micro-USB standard, which might require carrying an extra cable.

Comfort and Design

Both headphones are designed for all-day wear and are praised for their exceptional comfort. The Bose QC35 II and QC45 are crafted from lightweight materials, including plush synthetic leather and impact-resistant nylon, with minimal clamping force to prevent pressure on the ears.

Visually, the design is very similar, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The QC45 features smoother earcups without the pleats seen on the QC35 II, giving it a slightly more modern look. Both are available in classic colors like Triple Black, though the QC45 also comes in unique shades like White Smoke and Eclipse Gray.

Call Quality

The Bose QC45 takes a step forward in call quality with its advanced four-microphone system. This system is specifically designed to isolate your voice from background noise, ensuring that you come through clearly during phone calls and virtual meetings.

The Bose QC35 II uses a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system that also provides clear calls. While effective, the quad-mic setup in the QC45 offers a noticeable improvement, making it the better choice for professionals who frequently take important calls in noisy environments.

 

Conclusion

For most users, the Bose QC45 is the superior choice. Its upgraded noise cancellation, longer 24-hour battery life, and modern USB-C charging make it a more convenient and powerful option for today’s needs. The addition of Aware Mode and an improved microphone system for clearer calls further solidifies its position as a worthwhile upgrade. While the QC35 II remains an excellent and comfortable headphone, the QC45’s enhancements justify the investment for a truly top-tier listening experience.

 

FAQs

1. Is the noise cancellation better on the QC45 than the QC35?
   Yes, the Bose QC45 offers more powerful noise cancellation, especially for mid-range frequencies like human voices. It features Quiet Mode for full ANC and Aware Mode for transparency, while the QC35 II has three adjustable ANC levels.
2. Can I use the Bose QC45 with a wire?
   Yes, both the QC45 and QC35 II come with an audio cable, allowing you to use them in wired mode. This is useful for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems or conserving battery life.
3. What is the main difference in design between the QC35 and QC45?
   The design is very similar, but the QC45 has smoother, pleat-less earcups for a slightly more modern look. Both are lightweight and made from premium materials like plush synthetic leather for long-lasting comfort.
4. How much longer is the battery life on the QC45?
   The Bose QC45 offers up to 24 hours of battery life, which is four hours longer than the 20 hours provided by the QC35 II. This makes the QC45 a better option for long trips.
5. Which headphones are better for making phone calls?
   The Bose QC45 has a superior quad-microphone system that does a better job of isolating your voice from background noise. This results in clearer, more professional-sounding calls compared to the QC35 II’s dual-microphone system.
6. Does the QC45 have adjustable noise cancellation like the QC35?
   No, the QC45 simplifies the controls to just two modes: Quiet (full ANC) and Aware (transparency). The QC35 II, in contrast, offers three levels of ANC (High, Low, and Off) via the Action button or Bose Connect app.
7. Which app do I use for these headphones?
   The Bose QC45 uses the newer Bose Music app, which offers more customization options and a streamlined interface. The Bose QC35 II uses the Bose Connect app.
8. Are both headphones comfortable for long periods?
   Absolutely. Both models are praised for their exceptional comfort, featuring lightweight designs, plush earcups, and minimal clamping force. You can wear either pair for hours without experiencing discomfort, making them ideal for travel and all-day use.