Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs. Bose QuietComfort 45: A Comprehensive Comparison
As a seasoned traveler, I’ve come to rely on noise-canceling headphones to make those long flights and airport layovers more bearable. I’ve had my Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones for a while now, and they’ve been a lifesaver. But recently, I’ve been curious about the new Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones. How do they stack up against my trusty QC35 IIs? In this article, I’ll compare the two models side-by-side to help you decide which ones are right for you.
Both the QC35 II and QC45 are top-of-the-line headphones, but there are some key differences to consider. Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Comfort
The QC35 II and QC45 have a similar design, with plush ear cups and a comfortable headband. However, the QC45 is slightly lighter and has a more streamlined profile. I found both headphones to be very comfortable to wear for extended periods.
One notable difference is that the QC45 has a USB-C charging port, while the QC35 II has a micro-USB port. This means the QC45 can be charged more quickly, and you’ll only need one cable for both your headphones and your phone.
Noise Cancellation
Both the QC35 II and QC45 feature Bose’s renowned noise cancellation technology, but the QC45 takes it to the next level. The new “Quiet Mode” setting on the QC45 provides even more noise reduction than the QC35 II, making them ideal for noisy environments like airplanes or crowded offices.
I tested the noise cancellation of both headphones on a busy flight, and I was impressed by how well they both blocked out the engine noise. However, the QC45 definitely had a slight edge, especially in the low-frequency range.
Sound Quality
The QC35 II and QC45 both deliver excellent sound quality, with clear highs, warm mids, and deep bass. However, the QC45 has a slightly wider soundstage, which gives music more space and detail. I found myself noticing new nuances in my favorite songs when listening with the QC45.
In addition, the QC45 has a new EQ feature that allows you to customize the sound to your liking. This is a great feature for people who prefer a more bass-heavy or treble-heavy sound.
Battery Life
The QC35 II has a battery life of up to 20 hours with noise cancellation on, while the QC45 has a battery life of up to 24 hours. Both headphones have a quick-charging feature that gives you up to 2.5 hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charging.
In my experience, the battery life of both headphones is very good. I’ve been able to use them for several days without needing to charge them.
Additional Features
The QC45 has a few additional features that the QC35 II does not. These include:
- Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity: This allows you to connect the QC45 to two Bluetooth devices at the same time.
- Voice assistant support: You can use the QC45 to access your voice assistant of choice, such as Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa.
- Wear sensor: The QC45 will automatically pause your music when you take them off.
Which Headphones are Right for You?
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bose QuietComfort 45 are both excellent noise-canceling headphones, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for the best possible noise cancellation, the QC45 is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a budget, the QC35 II is still a great option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which headphones are right for you is to try them both out. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to listen to music with both headphones and see which ones you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which headphones are more comfortable?
A: Both the QC35 II and QC45 are very comfortable to wear, but the QC45 is slightly lighter and has a more streamlined profile.
Q: Which headphones have better noise cancellation?
A: The QC45 has slightly better noise cancellation than the QC35 II, especially in the low-frequency range.
Q: Which headphones have better sound quality?
A: Both headphones deliver excellent sound quality, but the QC45 has a slightly wider soundstage and a new EQ feature that allows you to customize the sound.
Q: Which headphones have longer battery life?
A: The QC45 has a slightly longer battery life than the QC35 II, with up to 24 hours of playback with noise cancellation on.
Q: Which headphones have more features?
A: The QC45 has a few additional features that the QC35 II does not, including multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, voice assistant support, and a wear sensor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a music lover, or just someone who wants to escape the noise, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bose QuietComfort 45 are both excellent choices. The QC35 II is a great value, while the QC45 offers the best possible noise cancellation and sound quality. Ultimately, the best way to decide which headphones are right for you is to try them both out.
Are you interested in learning more about the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones? Let me know in the comments below!
