Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs. 45: Confused?

Being a fan of noise-canceling headphones, it’s apparent that Bose reigns supreme in the world of audio innovation, continually pushing the envelope with each new release. The latest arrival, the Bose QuietComfort 45 (Bose QC45), is prepared to continue the heritage of excellence.

Despite our excitement, we must not forget about its predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II (Bose QC35 II). The decision between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Bose QuietComfort 45 is not one to be taken lightly.

While the QC35 II remains a competitive challenger despite its age, the QC45 emerges as the new contender, filled with novel features and enhanced technology that might even sway the most skeptic audiophiles.

But let us not rush ahead. Before crowning a new noise-canceling king, we must thoroughly evaluate both headphones on their own merits. Investigating their design and performance elements will provide the clarity required to evaluate which headset rightly claims its place as the torchbearer in the noise-canceling sector.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs. 45: Confused? – A Comprehensive Guide

Bose is a pioneer in noise-canceling headphones. The QuietComfort series is a favorite of audiophiles and frequent travelers alike. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the newer Bose QuietComfort 45 both promise an immersive listening experience with cutting-edge noise-canceling technology.

Specification

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Driver Size	40 mm.	40 mm.
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40 kHz.	10 Hz – 20 kHz.
Sound Pressure Level	104.5dB/mW.	90dB/mW.
Impedance	47 Ohms (Active). 16 Ohms (Passive).	55.6 ohms.
Battery Life	24 hours	Up to 20 hours.
Charging Time	2.5 Hours	2.25 hours.
Fast Charging	5 hours playback.	15 min charge = 2.5 hours playback.
Charging Cable Type	USB-C.	Micro USB.
Bluetooth Range	10 m.	10 m.
Bluetooth Version	5.1	4.1.
Color	Black, Silver.	Black, Silver.
Codec Support	SBC, AAC, LDAC, AptX, AptX HD.	SBC, AAC.
IP Rating	No.	IPX4.
Number of Microphones	3.	2.
Dimension	3 x 7.24 x 6 inches	3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches.
Weight	15.5 ounces	8.3 ounces.
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Bose QuietComfort 45
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Carry Case
Cable	Cable
Warranty Card	Warranty Card

Fit & Comfort

When it comes to comfort, both headphones offer a baseline degree of comfort that users have come to anticipate from Bose products. However, our tests suggest that the QuietComfort 45 outperforms the QuietComfort 35 II in terms of comfort.

The QuietComfort 35 II is a tight headphone set that envelops your ears in a delicate, velvety embrace, according to our analysis and evaluation. The synthetic leather padding on the ear cups and headband contributes to a comfortable fit, making it ideal for long binge-watching or music sessions.

The swiveling ear cups of the QuietComfort 35 II improve versatility, easily adapting varied head shapes—no wonder it’s regarded as one of the best headphones for cinematic experiences!

But hold your judgment—here comes the QuietComfort 45, a huge improvement in comfort. It improves the experience by offering larger ear cups that give your ears more breathing area, thereby easing possible pressure points.

When you put on the QuietComfort 45, you immediately notice the comfort improvement over the QC35 II. The new protein leather substance feels like butter, encouraging a luxurious, sumptuous listening experience.

Notably, the revised headband and adjustable ear cup slider contribute to a superior individual fit for your head. Furthermore, the QuietComfort 45 has a broader headband, which allows for even weight distribution across your head—a bonus for extended wear comfort.

Design & Build

The round ear cups and smooth plastic finish of the Bose QuietComfort 45 carry on the heritage of its predecessor, the QC 35 II.

While the fundamental design features remain unaltered, small tweaks distinguish the QC 45 apart. Notably, instead of the tiny microphone slots seen on the QC 35 II, Bose has chosen a matrix of dots, which adds a sense of modernity to the visual appeal.

The technological update is also obvious, with the QC 45 adopting a USB-C interface, a step up from its predecessor’s microUSB input. Despite these improvements, Bose keeps the power switch and controls on the right ear cup, ensuring a smooth transition for long-time QC headset users.

The use of both headsets is deliberately designed, with the multi-function and playback keys simply separated. This eliminates any guesswork for users who want to effortlessly adjust their audio experience. The multi-function button provides instant access to the phone’s native assistant, making hands-free interaction convenient and straightforward.

An action button on the left ear cup of both versions awaits user input. The QC 35 II action button cycles through multiple noise-canceling modes, adjusting the aural environment.

The QC 45 improves on the QC 35 II by including an Aware mode toggle. Aware mode, also known as audio passthrough, allows external sounds to be enhanced through the headphones, ensuring that users are aware of their surroundings.

The redesign of the QuietComfort 45’s ear pads demonstrates Bose’s dedication to comfort and user experience. These ear pads have a smoother texture than their predecessors, which contributes to longer-use comfort without compromising noise isolation.

The two versions’ aesthetics are essentially identical, yet their longevity remains a distinguishing feature. While neither QuietComfort headset is water resistant, they are both made of durable plastic components.

Another area in which Bose excels is travel convenience. The ability of the headphones to spin and lie flat against a table or fold towards the headband improves portability.

The package includes a zippered protective bag, a 2.5-to-3.5mm cable, a charging cable (available in micro USB or USB-C variants), and, of course, the wireless noise-canceling headphones themselves.

Regardless of the model chosen, Bose guarantees that the user’s needs are met with thoughtful accessories and great attention to detail.

Sound Quality

Sound quality takes center stage, showing an intriguing dynamic between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the QuietComfort 45.

The QC 35 II’s preset frequency response has a more user-friendly approach, in contrast to the QC 45’s concentration on amplifying treble notes to the point where they can sound fairly unpleasant.

While the QC 45’s boosted high-end improves speech clarity, making podcasts more engaging, this accentuation can make badly mixed punk and pop music less palatable.

Bose added a unique EQ to the QuietComfort 45, allowing customers to adjust the sound through three distinct frequency zones for a customized experience.

However, it is critical not to set all hopes on possible improvements. Although the Bose QuietComfort 35 II lacks an EQ tool in the Bose Connect app, its intrinsically adjustable frequency response guarantees that even treble-heavy music keeps good sound quality.

Surprisingly, the QC 35 II nearly matches the SoundGuys Target Curve—an aural profile we believe is suited for the broader market.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

The Bluetooth codec arrangement is the same for both the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Bose QuietComfort 45, including SBC and AAC support. This provides iPhone users with a dependable, high-quality codec alternative for music playback. However, due to hardware variances, the consistency of AAC output can vary between Android users.

While AAC’s performance varies on Android, SBC has made tremendous gains in sound quality since its beginnings. Users can also choose lossless listening by connecting either headphone model directly to their device using the included 2.5-to-3.5mm connections.

The QuietComfort 45 is powered by Bluetooth 5.1, a more energy-efficient version than Bluetooth 4.2 on the QC 35 II. While neither headset will enable Bluetooth LE Audio in its general acceptance, both have Bluetooth multipoint functionality, allowing connecting to two devices at the same time.

App Feature

The Bose Music app is newer than the Bose Connect app, and both are free to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The functions of the Bose Music app (version 5.0.2) are fairly limited.

Users can choose between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Aware mode, however, there is no option to turn off both ANC and Aware mode for a more traditional listening experience, as seen with the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2.

Through a firmware update in February 2022, Bose added an in-app equalizer (EQ) for the Bose QuietComfort 45.

The Bose Connect app, on the other hand, provides a wider range of settings. Users can tailor the action button’s functioning by choosing one of three noise-canceling modes: high, low, or off. This button can be customized to toggle ANC or to launch the user’s selected smart assistant.

Furthermore, the Bose Connect app allows music to be shared across two compatible Bose headphones at the same time, and it offers the ability to set an auto-off timer for the QC 35 II. Notably, the Music app also includes a standby timer.

While neither application provides a comprehensive set of tools, its worth stems mostly from the possibility of future firmware upgrades.

Bose has a great track record of incorporating critical functionality into its devices via updates, however, it could be argued that such advancements should ideally be included in the initial offering.

Support for Digital Assistants

Modern headphones are about more than simply music; they’re also about convenience. Both the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the QuietComfort 45 have built-in support for digital assistants.

Whether you’re a Siri or Google Assistant fan, you can use voice commands to manage your headphones. This hands-free functionality improves the overall user experience by making daily tasks and music control easier.

Price & Value

Bose surprised the industry by delivering the QuietComfort 45 with a lower MSRP than its predecessors, at $329, offering outstanding value for its pricing point.

The QuietComfort 35 II was initially priced at $350 but has now been reduced to $299 on major online marketplaces, with occasional price drops even lower (such as $189 for the Rose Gold edition).

The performance of both versions warrants their respective pricing. The QC35 II is our prediction for one of this year’s top Black Friday headphone deals. The probability of the QC45 being discounted soon after its release is less likely.

Warranty & Support

Purchasing high-quality headphones necessitates trust, and Bose recognizes this. Both the QuietComfort 35 II and the QuietComfort 45 come with a solid warranty that protects your investment.

Furthermore, Bose’s customer service is noted for its quickness and helpfulness, providing you with aid anytime you require it.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Pros And Cons

When comparing the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, consider the following pros and cons:

Which is the Winner?

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is definitely the superior pick for the majority of listeners, having superior sound quality, outstanding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and a more affordable pricing point when compared to the QuietComfort 45.

Unless you have a strong objection to carrying a micro USB cord or a preference for heightened treble tones, the Bose QC 35 II is a solid candidate in the field of wireless headphones.

The QuietComfort 45, on the other hand, provides a plethora of persuasive reasons to consider it. Its distinguishing characteristic is its unequaled passive isolation and active noise-canceling capabilities. 

Those who frequently travel by air or rely on trains and buses for transportation will find the QC 45’s ability to muffle ambient noises extremely useful. Regardless of where you are, the Bose QC 45 offers the luxury of experiencing an oasis of tranquility.

Finally, the choice between the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the QuietComfort 45 comes down to your own preferences. If you seek consistent performance, comfort, and prolonged battery life, the QuietComfort 35 II is a fantastic pick.

However, if you’re drawn to cutting-edge noise-canceling technology, modern design, and expanded controls, the QuietComfort 45 emerges as a compelling contender worth considering.

Alternative Options

While Bose’s products are excellent, there are other noise-canceling headphones on the market. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are both worthy of consideration, each with its unique set of strengths and features.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs 45 – FAQs

1. Can I use the Bose QuietComfort headphones to make phone calls?

Absolutely! Both the QuietComfort 35 II and QuietComfort 45 have high-quality microphones for excellent voice calls.

2. Can I change the level of noise cancellation on these headphones?

Yes, you may modify the noise cancellation levels on the QuietComfort 35 II and QuietComfort 45 to suit your needs.

3. Do these headphones offer wireless connectivity?

Yes, both versions enable Bluetooth wireless connectivity, allowing for trouble-free audio streaming.

4. Are the headphones foldable for easy storage?

The QuietComfort 35 II has a foldable form for easy storage, but the QuietComfort 45 has a collapsible design.

5. Can I connect these headphones to several devices at the same time?

Unfortunately, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QuietComfort 45 do not enable multi-device connectivity at the same time.

Final Thoughts

The apparent winner in the Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs. Bose QuietComfort 45 face-off is unquestionably the QuietComfort 45! While the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are great, the QuietComfort 45 headphones outperform them in a variety of ways.

With revised drivers and EQ tuning, the QuietComfort 45 delivers a more balanced and superior sound experience that will surprise you.

The redesigned headband improves comfort during long listening periods, and the deeper ear cups provide an additional layer of comfort for your ears. 

Furthermore, the game-changing Quick-Charge technology provides up to 3 hours of usage with only 15 minutes of charging. The QuietComfort 45 is slightly more expensive, but the assortment of top-of-the-line features it provides makes it a great investment.