The Bose QuietComfort 45 noise cancelling headphones came out last year as the update to the hugely popular QuietComfort 35 II – and they are back on sale to their previous lowest price.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones on Sale
Link: Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones on Sale (this is an affiliate link that supports the site – thanks for your support!)
If you are familiar with the 35 II series headphones, here is a look at what is different about these. FYI, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are also on sale, for $199.
What is Different About the Bose QuietComfort 45?
You know what they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The design of the Bose QC series of headphones has been enjoyed by many for its comfort and the Bose QC 45 headphones do not stray from that beyond some apparent smoothing of the design. It is more about what is inside that is in this upgrade.
Well, there is one external thing that is a big upgrade for today’s traveler and that is the switch from micro-USB for charging to the now ubiquitous USB C. With most modern electronics now using this (with the exception of the iPhone), it is nice to have Bose QC headphones that now can also charge from that same cable.
On the inside, Bose says they have improved the noise canceling – which is one area where Sony has edged them over the years – while also including a new “Aware Mode”. This is also something that Sony has and is a nice improvement for those times when you want to hear what is going on around you.
Bose also has improved the call quality. I am not sure how many people use these headphones for all day use that includes phone calls (though I know many do) but the new noise-rejecting mic system should bring some improvement on that.
The battery life stretches out to 24 hours now, with a pick-up charge of an additional 3 hours for just 15 minutes of charge. This increase in battery life is an extra 4 hours over the Bose 700 and the QC 35 II but still short of the 30 hours that the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer.
Compared to Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones?
Ηere are the key differences between these two top-of-the-model line for Bose and Sony.
Battery life gives the edge – by quite a bit – to Sony. But, when you are talking 24 hours of battery life and getting an extra 3 hours with just a 15 minute charge, it’s kind of picking hairs at this point. Rarely are people using these for 24 hours straight and if you forgot to charge them at your destination, you can take a break on your flight to just boost them again.
A big one for many will come down to the type of controls you like – physical buttons or touch controls. The Sony has swipe controls on the ear cups with just a power button and custom button while the Bose QC 45 headphones rely on physical controls. Many people still like that so this could be a reason to stick with the Bose.
Should you buy these now? With Amazon Prime day coming up in less than a month, it is possible that they may see an even deeper discount or a stacking set of discounts. But, since that is within 30 days, you could always buy now and then rebuy/return if the price goes lower later.
