Prices last updated: April 23, 2026 · Prices may vary
Why the Bose QC45 is Our Top Pick
If you prioritize comfort and absolute silence over everything else, the Bose QuietComfort 45 are the headphones for you. Bose took the legendary design of the QC35 II, upgraded the noise cancellation, and finally modernized it with USB-C charging.
Noise Cancellation
Bose effectively invented the consumer noise-canceling headphone, and the QC45 proves they still master it. The Quiet Mode is remarkably effective at eliminating the low-frequency drone of airplane engines and air conditioners. The new Aware Mode uses the microphones to pump in outside audio naturally, allowing you to order coffee or hear announcements without removing the headphones.
Iconic Comfort and Design
The name says it all. Weighing just 8.5 ounces with plush synthetic leather earpads and minimal clamping force, the QC45s are the most comfortable headphones on the market. You can wear them on a 10-hour flight without experiencing “headphone fatigue.”
Crucially, they retain physical buttons. Unlike competitors that rely on sometimes-unreliable touch sensors, the tactile buttons on the QC45 mean you can pause music or adjust volume flawlessly, even with gloves on.
Sound Quality
The audio profile is classic Bose: clear, balanced, and pleasant. The TriPort acoustic architecture provides depth, and the Volume-optimized Active EQ keeps the bass consistent at low volumes. While they don’t have the heavy bass punch of Sony’s XM5s, they deliver a crisp, non-fatiguing sound ideal for podcasts and a wide variety of music.
Who Should Buy the Bose QC45?
✅ Frequent flyers who need compact, folding headphones
✅ People who work all day in headphones and need maximum comfort
✅ Users who prefer physical buttons over touch controls
❌ Skip if you want aggressive, heavy bass
❌ Skip if you want a fully customizable EQ (the app EQ is very basic)
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort 45 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it perfects it. By focusing on exceptional noise cancellation, unbeatable comfort, and reliable physical controls, they remain the ultimate tool for frequent travelers and remote workers.
Ready to buy?
Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: Iconic Comfort and Silence
Our editorial team spends hundreds of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We maintain strict editorial independence.
