Bose QC45 headphones are ideal for non-technology enthusiasts. They are more of an archetype and are known to provide comfort and ease of use. The headphones feature some slight improvements over their predecessor, the Bose QC35 II, including better headset performance and noise canceling.
But a closer look at the Bose QC45 headphones will confirm that it’s no different from its predecessor. Instead of revolutionizing the headphones for change, Bose kept them modern with a USB connector and Bluetooth 5.1. So, buying the Bose QC45 means you’ll not be in for major surprises.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the Bose QC45 headphones to help you understand the crucial considerations so you can make a confident purchase.
Bose QC45 Headphones: What You Need to Know
The Bose QC45 headphones are praised for their ability to command stubborn mid-frequency sounds to silence while offering a simple user experience for all users. People also choose these headphones for their excellent battery life, which lasts up to 24 hours.
You’ll find these headphones pleasant for their lightweight and compact dimensions. They are foldable and come in an attractive case. Its Bluetooth pairing is smooth and the voice quality on video calls is excellent.
You can find them in black and white, and they are comfortable to wear even when moving around. The Bose Music app has all the crucial additional information, so you don’t need an account to use the Bose QC45.
The Bose QC45 has multilingual voice prompts that you can select through the app. With the help of a corresponding Google app, you can find out the weather condition of a nearby restaurant and change voice commands using the press buttons.
The Bose QC45 headphones are not flawless and devoid of competition. Unlike the more complex Bose 700, the Bose QC45 has one level of noise canceling known as “Quiet” and another level of transparency called “Aware.” The headphones do not integrate with voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
- Noise-cancelling wireless headphones
- Tiny mics measure, compare, and react to outside noise
- The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness
- Volume-optimized Active EQ maintains balanced performance at any volume, so bass stays consistent when turned down and the music remains clear when turned up
- Choose Quiet Mode for full noise canceling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside into the around-ear headphones and hear your environment and your music at the same time
- Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- White Smoke
History of the Bose QC45 Headphones
On August 31, 2021, Bose made a statement introducing the Bose QC45 headphones, redefining the headphone audio experience. The QC45 was introduced to replace the QC35 II, and while the Bose QC45 maintained the hallmarks of its predecessor, it added simple all-day controls, comfort, stability, excellent audio performance, and solid connectivity.
What is Included When You Buy the Bose QC45 Headphones?
Quiet and Aware Modes
The QC45 features two settings, Quiet and Aware modes, through a noise cancellation system and an electronics package. The Quiet mode enables microphones to sense, measure, and respond to unwanted sound in mid-range frequencies. In Aware mode, your headphones switch to full frequency to hear everything naturally and clearly.
Voice Isolation
The voice isolation feature on the QC45 allows for easy conversations from anywhere. This feature can help you achieve more productive Zoom meetings, video calls, and accurate VPA responses.
Iconic Design
The QC45 is built on the iconic design of its predecessor. The headphones have maintained every design element, stability, and comfort. The QC45 has removed pleats and pluckers from soft materials, replacing gaps between components with smooth transitions. The new Bose QC45 is lightweight and durable.
Easy Buttons and Simple Sync with Bose Soundbars
The Bose QC45 headphones are practical in keeping their controls simple. You’ll find four buttons on the right ear cup: power, volume up, volume down, and Bluetooth pairing. There is also one button for answering and ending calls, playing or pausing music, and accessing native VPAs.
To the left earcup, you’ll find options to toggle between modes and mute the mic during calls. You can get additional help on the Bose Music App for set up and use. The app has multi-point connections supported by Bluetooth 5.1 for Android and iOS devices. The Bose Simple Sync feature helps pair headphones with compatible sound bars for an exclusive private watch party.
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USB-C Charging
As mentioned earlier, the QC45 has a 24-hour battery life. With it, you can conduct over 20 back-to-back conference calls or study all night without worrying about the device going off. You can charge the headphones using a USB-C charger that takes two hours to charge fully.
The Extras
The Bose QC45’s packaging includes a travel case, a USB cable, and assorted documentation. You can quickly realize the difference between the Bose QC45 and its predecessor, the QC 35 II; the tiny holes at the back of ear cups are gone, while the outer plastic is smoother.
You need to download the Bose Music App to get the best headphones. With the app, you’ll enjoy voice assistant and other features, including options to share location, message, and call histories.
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Alexa-enabled
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system
- Balanced audio performance at any volume
- Hassle-free Bluetooth pairing
Bose QC45 Headphones Reviews
Many users hail the Bose QC45 for excellently canceling outside noise, making it an excellent choice for listening to podcasts. They also love its decent battery life, so they can comfortably use it for longer hours. The headsets weigh about 240 grams, and its large ear cups distribute their weight evenly so you don’t feel tired over time.
According to SoundGuys, the Bose QC45 headphones use an updated ANC system to dull noises to the extent most headphones cannot handle. The site further explains that while the headphones might not be king, they keep pace with the industry leaders like Sony and Apple.
CNET also confirms that the headphones offer good sound, seamlessly pair with two devices prior, and offer improved voice calling. However, the site faults the Bose QC45 headphones for lacking the ear detection sensor and not being as feature-rich as its competition.
The Verge also paints the QC45 in a positive light. The site states that the most significant advantage of using these headphones is their comfort. The Verge adds that the useful transparency mode has placed the headphones at the top, though it also notes that the lack of audio support over USB-C might be a turn-off to some users.
TechSpot hails Bose for adding great appeal to the QC45 headphones. However, according to the site, most reviewers didn’t like the headphones as they don’t offer a way to turn off the ANC without switching to Aware mode. They also mention that the headphones lack bass, and their sound signature is inaccurate.
Should You Buy the Bose QC45 Headphones?
From the above review, the pros of using the QC45 headphones generally outweigh the cons. The truth is that the headphones promise excellent outside noise cancellation and high-quality sounds, making them a great choice for podcast and music lovers.
The decent battery life is also a crucial reason to consider these headphones. Its fast-charging USB-C adds 180 minutes of use if you only plug the headphones on power for 15 minutes. Overall, the Bose QC45 headphones are high-quality headphones that offer unparalleled comfort and audio experience.
Pros
- Improved battery life
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Useful transparency mode
- Best-in-class comfort
- Wired and wireless playback
Cons
- You cannot use them while charging
- Lacks support for audio over USB-C
Wrapping Up
The Bose QC45 Headphones have all it takes to be an excellent sound companion and a worthwhile ANC headset. However, it has no finish, and its sound quality could be better.
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