Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45 arrives with the same understated, comfortable design that longtime Bose fans will recognize immediately. Released in 2021, these over-ear headphones feature plush earcup padding, a lightweight build, and a foldable frame that makes them genuinely easy to carry daily. Available in black and white smoke colorways, they look polished without trying too hard.

On the performance side, the QC45 delivers Bose's signature warm, smooth sound signature that prioritizes listener comfort over clinical accuracy. The active noise cancellation is effective at blocking steady low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and office hum, though it trails behind the Sony WH-1000XM4 and even Bose's own newer models in outright ANC strength. Battery life reaches around 24 hours, and a 15-minute quick charge provides roughly 3 hours of playback, which is genuinely useful.

However, with an overall score of 4.8 out of 10, the QC45 struggles to justify its premium price tag in a competitive market. It lacks multipoint Bluetooth connection, offers limited EQ customization through its app, and the call microphone performance is merely average. For buyers who prioritize all-day wearing comfort above everything else, the QC45 remains a reasonable option, but most shoppers will find better value elsewhere in 2024.