Choosing the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a daunting task, especially when two titans like Bose are involved. For years, the QuietComfort series has set the standard for silencing the world around you. Now, we’re pitting the newer Bose QC 45 against its beloved predecessor, the Bose QC 35, to see which one truly deserves a spot in your audio arsenal.
Both models promise unparalleled active noise cancellation, a signature Bose feature that audiophiles rave about. However, subtle yet significant upgrades in the QC 45 aim to elevate your listening experience. Will the latest iteration offer enough to surpass the enduring legacy of the QC 35?
This comparison dives deep into the features, sound quality, comfort, and overall value of the Bose QC 45 versus the Bose QC 35. Get ready to discover the ultimate noise-cancelling champion for your everyday adventures and travel needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | qc 45 | qc 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Quiet and Aware Modes) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Micro-USB |
| Weight | Approx. 170g | Approx. 170g |
| Audio Drivers | Proprietary Bose | Proprietary Bose |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Yes (Siri, Google Assistant) | Yes (Siri, Google Assistant) |
| App Support | Bose Music App | Bose Connect App |
| Comfort | Plush earcups, lightweight design | Plush earcups, lightweight design |
| Connectivity | Multipoint connection | Multipoint connection |
| Wired Option | 3.5mm audio cable (included) | 3.5mm audio cable (included) |
| Durability | High-quality materials | High-quality materials |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Comfort
- Qc 45: The QC45 features plush earcups and a lightweight, ergonomic design for long-wearing comfort. The clamping force is well-balanced, avoiding excessive pressure. Some users might find the earcups slightly smaller than previous models, but overall, comfort is a strong suit.
- Qc 35: The QC35 is renowned for its exceptional comfort, with soft, breathable earcups and a gentle clamping force. Its lightweight build makes it ideal for extended listening sessions. The larger earcups can accommodate a wider range of ear sizes.
- Winner: qc 35
Noise Cancellation
- Qc 45: The QC45 offers improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with two modes: Aware and Quiet. It effectively silences ambient noise, especially in mid-to-high frequencies. While very good, some may find the ANC slightly less nuanced than the QC35’s best.
- Qc 35: The QC35’s ANC is legendary, providing an incredibly quiet listening experience by effectively canceling out a wide range of frequencies. It creates a near-silent bubble for immersive audio. It’s considered a benchmark for ANC performance.
- Winner: qc 35
Sound Quality
- Qc 45: The QC45 delivers a balanced and clear sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass. It offers a more engaging and energetic listening experience compared to the QC35. The sound is generally pleasing for most genres, though audiophiles might desire more detail.
- Qc 35: The QC35 provides a more neutral and refined sound signature, favoring clarity and detail across the frequency spectrum. It’s praised for its natural sound reproduction. While less bass-heavy than the QC45, it offers a more mature and balanced audio experience.
- Winner: qc 45
Battery Life
- Qc 45: The QC45 boasts up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is excellent for travel and daily use. It also features a quick charge function for a few hours of playback with a short charging time.
- Qc 35: The QC35 offers up to 20 hours of battery life, which is still very respectable and sufficient for most listening needs. While slightly less than the QC45, it remains a strong performer in this category.
- Winner: qc 45
Connectivity
- Qc 45: The QC45 supports Bluetooth 5.1, offering a stable and reliable wireless connection with support for multipoint pairing, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously.
- Qc 35: The QC35 utilizes Bluetooth 4.1, which is still quite stable for most users. It also supports multipoint pairing, a feature highly valued for its convenience.
- Winner: qc 45
Build Quality & Design
- Qc 45: The QC45 features a more modern and streamlined design with a slightly more robust build. It adopts a foldable design for easier portability, though the materials are largely plastic.
- Qc 35: The QC35 is known for its durable yet lightweight construction, utilizing premium materials. Its classic, understated design has stood the test of time and is highly regarded for its longevity.
- Winner: qc 35
Controls
- Qc 45: The QC45 utilizes a physical button interface for playback, volume, and ANC mode control, which is intuitive and easy to use even without looking.
- Qc 35: The QC35 also features physical buttons, offering a straightforward and tactile control experience for managing music and calls. The button layout is well-thought-out and easy to learn.
- Winner: Tie
Portability
- Qc 45: The QC45 folds flat and comes with a compact carrying case, making it easy to pack and transport. Its lighter weight also contributes to its portability.
- Qc 35: The QC35 also folds compactly and includes a durable carrying case, ensuring it’s well-protected during travel. Its foldable design has been a staple for many years.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | qc 45 (Slightly more refined) |
| Battery Life | qc 45 |
| Connectivity | qc 45 (Bluetooth 5.1) |
| Charging | qc 45 (USB-C) |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Value | qc 35 (Often at a lower price point) |
What They Have in Common
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and QuietComfort 35 headphones excel in their ability to silence ambient noise, providing an immersive listening experience. They both offer effective noise cancellation that significantly reduces distractions from your surroundings.
- Comfortable Design: Bose is renowned for its comfortable headphones, and both the QC45 and QC35 models are no exception. They feature plush earcups and a lightweight, ergonomic design that allows for extended listening sessions without discomfort.
- Sound Quality: Users can expect a signature Bose sound profile from both models, characterized by balanced audio with clear highs, rich mids, and satisfying bass. Both are tuned to deliver an enjoyable listening experience across various music genres.
- Wired Connectivity: For situations where wireless is not an option or to conserve battery, both headphones include a 3.5mm audio cable, allowing for a direct wired connection to your devices.
- Voice Assistant Access: Both models provide convenient access to your preferred voice assistant, such as Siri or Google Assistant, directly from the headphones, enabling hands-free control and information retrieval.
- Multipoint Bluetooth Pairing: You can connect both the QC45 and QC35 to two devices simultaneously, allowing for seamless switching between your phone and laptop or tablet without needing to re-pair.
Qc 45 Vs Qc 35 Buying Guide
Sound Quality & Noise Cancellation
The Bose QuietComfort 45 generally offers a slightly more refined and balanced sound profile compared to the QC35 II. While both excel at active noise cancellation (ANC), the QC45’s ANC is often perceived as marginally more effective at blocking out a wider range of frequencies, particularly lower rumbles. If pristine audio fidelity and top-tier noise suppression are your absolute priorities, the QC45 might have a slight edge.
However, the QC35 II still delivers excellent sound and very capable ANC that satisfies most users. For everyday listening and travel, the differences might be subtle to the casual ear. Consider your sensitivity to sonic nuances and the environments you frequent most when making this decision. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Comfort & Design
Both headphones are renowned for their exceptional comfort, a hallmark of Bose’s QuietComfort line. They feature plush earcups and a lightweight, ergonomic design perfect for extended wear. The QC45 sports a slightly updated aesthetic with a more minimalist design and a matte finish, which some find more modern. The QC35 II, while older, maintains a classic and equally comfortable build.
Ultimately, comfort is highly subjective. If you have a preference for a slightly sleeker look, the QC45 might appeal more. Otherwise, both offer a premium and comfortable listening experience that is hard to beat for long periods.
Features & Connectivity
The QC45 introduces a more contemporary feature set, including a dedicated “Aware Mode” button for quick environmental awareness and USB-C charging. It also supports Bluetooth 5.1 for potentially more stable and efficient connectivity. The QC35 II, while still functional, relies on micro-USB for charging and has a slightly older Bluetooth version.
While the QC45 offers modern conveniences, the QC35 II’s features are perfectly adequate for most users. The ease of USB-C charging is a notable upgrade on the QC45, but if you’re not bothered by micro-USB, the QC35 II remains a solid performer in terms of core functionality. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Battery Life & Portability
Both models offer impressive battery life, typically around 20-24 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. This is more than enough for long flights or multiple days of use. Both headphones also fold neatly into their included carrying cases, making them highly portable for travel.
The battery performance is largely comparable, so this isn’t a major deciding factor. The convenience of USB-C on the QC45 might make charging on the go slightly easier if you primarily use USB-C devices. Otherwise, both are excellent travel companions.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy qc 45 If…
- You prioritize the latest Bluetooth version (5.1) for potentially more stable connections and better power efficiency.
- You want the convenience of USB-C charging, which is becoming the industry standard and offers faster charging.
- You desire the extended battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge.
- You appreciate the improved ANC experience with a single “Aware Mode” button for quick environmental awareness.
Buy qc 35 If…
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option while still getting excellent Bose noise cancellation and sound.
- You are comfortable with Micro-USB charging and don’t mind the slightly shorter battery life (up to 20 hours).
- You prefer the distinct “Quiet” and “Aware” modes for ANC control, offering more granular adjustment.
- You want a proven and highly regarded pair of noise-cancelling headphones that have stood the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bose QC45s worth the upgrade from the QC35 II?
For many, the Bose QC45 offers a worthwhile upgrade due to its improved noise cancellation, slightly more balanced sound profile, and modern features like USB-C charging and a dedicated Aware Mode button. If you value the latest advancements and a refined listening experience, the QC45 is a good investment. However, the QC35 II remains a very capable headphone, and if your budget is a concern or you’re satisfied with its current performance, it’s still an excellent choice.
What are the main differences in noise cancellation between the QC45 and QC35 II?
The Bose QC45 generally provides slightly superior active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to the QC35 II. While both excel at blocking out ambient noise, the QC45 is often perceived as more effective at attenuating a wider range of frequencies, particularly low-frequency sounds like engine hums. The QC45’s ANC algorithms have seen some refinement, leading to a more comprehensive and immersive quiet experience for the listener. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
How does the comfort compare between the two models?
Both the Bose QC45 and QC35 II are exceptionally comfortable headphones, a defining characteristic of Bose’s QuietComfort series. They both feature plush earcups, a lightweight design, and an ergonomic headband that distributes pressure evenly, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. Comfort is highly subjective, but both models are consistently praised for their wearability, ensuring long-term listening without fatigue.
Is the sound quality significantly different between the QC45 and QC35 II?
While both headphones offer excellent Bose sound quality, the QC45 is often described as having a slightly more balanced and refined audio signature. The bass might be a touch tighter, and the mids and highs can feel a little clearer. The QC35 II offers a warm and pleasant sound that many enjoy. For critical listening, the QC45 might offer a subtle improvement, but for general enjoyment, both deliver a satisfying audio experience.
Which is better for travel, the QC45 or QC35 II?
Both headphones are superb for travel, offering excellent noise cancellation to combat airplane cabin noise, long battery life, and comfortable designs for extended wear. The QC45’s slightly more effective ANC and USB-C charging might give it a slight edge in convenience. However, the QC35 II is still a fantastic travel companion with its own robust features and comfort, making either a solid choice for globetrotters.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort 45 emerges as the superior option, building upon the already excellent foundation of the QC35 II. Its enhanced noise cancellation, refined sound, modern USB-C charging, and sleeker design make it a more compelling package for those seeking the latest in premium audio and comfort. While the QC35 II remains a formidable contender, the QC45 offers a more complete and up-to-date experience.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort 45