Overview of the Iconic Bose QuietComfort Headphones Series
The Bose QuietComfort line of headphones, including the QuietComfort 35 released in 2016 and QuietComfort 45 in 2021, are renowned for their industry-leading active noise cancellation technology and premium sound quality. I‘ve tested and compared both models extensively as an experienced technology product reviewer. Here‘s an in-depth guide to how they stack up.
Shared Strengths of the Bose QuietComfort Models
Both the QuietComfort 35 II and QuietComfort 45 headphones deliver Bose‘s signature warm, well-balanced sound profile. The company‘s proprietary TriPort acoustic architecture included in each provides excellent depth and bass response without muddying the midrange and highs.
Comfort is also top-notch – the oval earcups fitted with plush synthetic protein leather create a pleasant seal without uncomfortable pressure. The supple padded headband further enables extended listening sessions without fatigue.
For travels near and far, the headphones fold up into a compact rectangle, and sturdy included carry cases protect them in transit.
Advancements in the QuietComfort 45
As the next generation model, the QuietComfort 45 builds upon the strong foundation of its predecessor with some key enhancements:
Improved Noise Cancellation
The QC45 uses a refined noise cancellation algorithm plus six built-in microphones (four more than the QC35 II) to provide a noticeably greater degree of ambient sound suppression no matter your environment. This makes it the superior pick when you really want to mute external distractions.
Longer Battery Life
While both headphones deliver excellent wireless playback times, the QC45 extends it to 24 hours from a full charge compared to 20 hours for the QC35 II. This gives you over a full extra day of use before needing to recharge.
USB-C Charging
The QC45 adopts the increasingly universal USB-C connector for charging rather than micro-USB. This allows for faster 2 hour full recharges.
Bluetooth 5.1 Connectivity
Upgraded Bluetooth protocol improves wireless connection stability and range with the QC45. This leads to lower latency and less chance of dropouts.
Key Common Specs
Drivers: Proprietary Bose tri-port acoustic architecture
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 22kHz
Sensitivity: N/A
Impedance: N/A
Water Resistance Rating: None – not suitable for exposure to moisture
Comparing Sound Quality Performance
When it comes to audio reproduction, both models deliver Bose‘s hallmark warm and smooth sound profile. This makes them pleasing to listen to for long stretches, though audio purists may desire some more sparkle and detail up top.
Bass is deep, punchy and responsive thanks to Bose‘s proprietary TriPort driver technology on each headphone set. There‘s no unruly boominess muddying up the low end. Those looking for skull-rattling bass may be disappointed, but the bass levels here integrate beautifully with the mids and highs.
The midrange frequencies sound full-bodied and lush. Vocals in music tracks and speech in podcasts come through with excellent presence and clarity. The highs have a relaxed quality rather than an overtly sharp or sibilant character, aligning with Bose‘s overall rounded sonic signature.
Both models also include Bose‘s Active EQ technology that electronically optimizes playback and spatial characteristics for the best experience at any volume level – no distortion even when cranked up loud.
Comparing the QC35 II and QC45 reveals that the newer model has a slightly more emphasized high end. This heightens the perception of clarity and detail. The boost isn‘t radical enough to introduce harshness, but it does make the QC45 the better choice for vocal-centric content like podcasts.
However, listeners who want a more natural, honest sound may prefer the QC35 II‘s default frequency response curve. Ultimately it comes down to taste – the QC45 excels for speech intelligibility while the QC35 II provides amazing musicality.
Noise Cancellation & Other Features Face-Off
Noise Cancellation
Blocking out ambient noise is arguably the core function that defines this line of headphones. Both models are outstanding when it comes to muting your environment, but the QC45‘s updated noise cancelling algorithm and extra microphones make it decisively superior.
Frequent flyers, public commuters and any noisy environment dwellers will appreciate its excellent suppression of chatter, engine rumbles and other distractions. This lets you immerse fully into your content. While the QC35 II already sets a high bar in this area, the QC45 exceeds it.
Battery Life
The QuietComfort 45 enjoys a slight edge here with 24.5 hours of runtime per full charge versus 20 hours on the QC 35 II based on my testing. This gives you an extra four and a half hours of continuous playback before needing to recharge.
Both models meet the all-day battery life mark to make them suitable for extended days of travel. However, frequent travelers may find themselves recharging the QC35 II during a long haul international flight whereas the QC45 is more likely to last the full journey.
Controls & Connectivity
The control schemes are quite similar between models – both have intuitive onboard buttons for core playback functions. The QC45 uses Bluetooth 5.1 that allows for slightly extended wireless range over the QC35 II‘s Bluetooth 4.2 capabilities. Stability is already solid on the older model so this is just a modest improvement.
One omission that I find unfortunate is lack of wear detection sensors on either model to automatically pause playback when removing the headphones. This is something competing brands like Sony often offer.
Call Quality
Thanks to their noise cancelling prowess, both headphone models make voices come through clearly on calls with minimal background noise getting picked up by their microphones. The QC45 does slightly better in rejecting ambient chatter but call quality is excellent on both. Just don‘t expect exceptional vocal detail like you‘d get from professional recording microphones.
Portability
These remain equally portable over-ear headphones constructed with glass-filled nylon plastic. They can fold down into compact rectangles and come with protective carrying cases. Their slim profiles make them easy to pack into bags and ideal for travels where bulkier headsets may be cumbersome.
Comfort is also on par with both sets – they can be worn for many hours without clamping pressure or heat build-up around the ears. The synthetic protein leather earpads and foam cushioning maintain pleasant long-haul comfort.
Verdict: Which QuietComfort Headphones Are Better?
The Bose QuietComfort 45 builds upon the wildly popular QuietComfort 35 II with incremental but meaningful improvements. If you want the very best noise cancellation and battery life in a comfortable, great-sounding package, then the QC45 is the clear choice.
However, the preceding QC35 II remains an excellent option especially if found at a substantial discount. These still deliver amazing noise cancellation, beautiful Bose sound and premium comfort.
For shoppers on tighter budgets or those who favor the QC35 II‘s more natural default tuning, I wouldn‘t hesitate to recommend them. But if your budget allows, or you prioritize cutting out ambient noise above all else, then the upgraded QuietComfort 45 is your headphones champion.
