Our Verdict
The QC45 remains the comfort champion of premium headphones. Softest cushions, foldable design, best-in-class call quality. The Sony XM5 edges it on ANC and audio quality — but many people prefer Bose after a long day of wearing them.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Softest, most comfortable ear cushions in the premium segment
- Folds flat for compact storage — unlike Sony XM5
- 24-hour battery is more than enough for most trips
- Aware mode is natural and well-implemented
- Bose's voice call quality is best-in-class for headphones
✗ Cons
- ANC marginally behind Sony WH-1000XM5 in independent testing
- No LDAC support — audio quality ceiling is lower than Sony
- No multipoint connection — single device pairing only
Key Specifications
| ANC | High-performance |
|---|---|
| Battery | 24 hours |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Call Quality | Best in class |
| Weight | 238g |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Performance
The QC45 remains the comfort champion of premium headphones. Softest cushions, foldable design, best-in-class call quality. The Sony XM5 edges it on ANC and audio quality — but many people prefer Bose after a long day of wearing them. Headline specifications include anc of High-performance, battery of 24 hours and foldable of Yes. Softest, most comfortable ear cushions in the premium segment A 4.6★ rating across 31,000 Amazon reviews reflects consistently high customer satisfaction.
Build Quality & Design
Bose pitches the Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones as the value leader, and the build quality supports that positioning without obvious shortcuts. 24-hour battery is more than enough for most trips. Aware mode is natural and well-implemented. The warranty terms reflect the brand's confidence in long-term reliability.
Value for Money
The luxury price point is justified by what's delivered. The key trade-off: ANC marginally behind Sony WH-1000XM5 in independent testing. Best suited to: Those who prioritise comfort for long sessions and call quality over absolute noise cancellation performance. Those with different priorities should check the alternatives section below.
Final Verdict
The QC45 remains the comfort champion of premium headphones. Softest cushions, foldable design, best-in-class call quality. The Sony XM5 edges it on ANC and audio quality — but many people prefer Bose after a long day of wearing them.
FAQ
Is the Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones worth the money?
The QC45 remains the comfort champion of premium headphones. Softest cushions, foldable design, best-in-class call quality. The Sony XM5 edges it on ANC and audio quality — but many people prefer Bose after a long day of wearing them. Those who prioritise comfort for long sessions and call quality over absolute noise cancellation performance.
Who should NOT buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones?
Those wanting the absolute best ANC — Sony XM5 wins that test. For audiophiles, the lack of LDAC is a meaningful limitation.
Is the Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
