Noise Canceling Headphones

Bose® QuietComfort® 45-Over-ear Bluetooth® wireless noise-cancelling headphones (Black)

Bose packed key upgrades into a familiar, comfortable design, including (somehow) better noise cancellation.

29,900.00

A fresh update to an all-time classic

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth headphones hardly need introduction. They’re the latest in Bose’s legendary line of noise-cancelling headphones — a longtime staple in airports, offices, and home offices.

What’s new?

Bose didn’t stray too far from the signature design of their predecessors, but they have introduced some key improvements. These headphones offer stronger Bluetooth, longer battery life, USB-C charging, an “Aware” mode button, and somehow — somehow — better noise cancellation.

I was able to test them out for a few weeks before their launch. They deliver precisely what I’ve come to expect from this iconic headphone line. Out of the box, they look sharp and clean, but they feel familiar and broken-in when worn — like throwing on a favorite jacket. And I found their sonic and noise-cancelling performance nicely complemented my new hybrid work reality.

Better Bluetooth for a stronger connection

Music plays wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, a newer version of Bluetooth that offers a strong, reliable connection. Pairing with my phone was quick and easy. And at Crutchfield HQ, I could keep the phone on my desk and trek down our long top-floor hallway without the audio dropping out.

Press the button on the left earcup to toggle from “Quiet” to “Aware” mode so you can hear nearby sounds.

Pair multiple devices

The QC 45s also offer a multi-point Bluetooth connection, so I could pair my work laptop and my phone at the same time. That really came in handy when I was working from home. It was easy to toggle back and forth between music, podcasts, and videos, grabbing an incoming phone call, or hopping on a meeting. I didn’t have to stop and re-pair the headphones each time I started a new task on a different screen.

In terms of absolute “quiet,” the QC 45s are arguably the best ever — regardless of brand. If you’re looking for a fresh blanket of silence, they’re hard to beat. Let me give you an example.

My hands-on impressions: next-level noise cancellation

Here’s the scene: I’m in my home office plugging away on this very review, wearing the QC 45s, and I’m transported back to a smoky jazz club. I’m listening to a 1940s recording of Art Tatum’s “Soft Wind,” his swift fingers dancing across the piano keys right in front of me. The recording is of its time — muffled, a little distorted — which adds to the ambience, and I’m completely immersed, lapping up the whole vibe.

As I read over notes, I’m oblivious to the world around me — the breezy, yet intricate instrumentals keep my attention locked-in. I only snap out of it when our foster cat, Jane, darts across the room. I lift an earcup to see what’s up.

WHOA! My washing machine has started its spin cycle, and this is the first time I’ve noticed. But here’s the thing: the bearings have gone bad, and it is only a slight exaggeration to say that it sounds like a helicopter is landing in my basement.

The whipping and gnashing sounds of the spinning metal washer drum is so intense, that I’ve had to leave Zoom meetings because I couldn’t hear. But the QC 45s delivered a personal bubble of peace and quiet, while I sat only one room over. Since they performed so well during this “torture test,” I’m confident they would easily cancel out the drone of a jet engine during air travel.

Classic Bose sound

It isn’t just the “Quiet” and the “Comfort” that make the QC 45 a pleasure to wear. The sound is relaxed, too. These headphones deliver a large, layered, and laid-back presentation.

Dorothy Ashby’s 1969 album, Dorothy’s harp, has the right mix of instruments to showcase these headphone’s strengths. The biting percussion sat centered, and slightly in the background to keep the track grounded. Meanwhile in the forefront, the harp, flute, and string instruments grooved and frolicked around my head. The Bose headphones helped ease me into the vibe, like I was gently wading into the waves instead of diving head first.

It speaks to the inviting, accessible nature of the QC 45s. The sound is as comfortable as the headphones themselves — like sinking into a cozy, well-worn couch.

The Bose QC 45 headphones fold up neatly to fit into their included case.

24 hours of wireless use with noise cancellation

The QC 45 headphones have a built-in rechargeable battery and include a charging cable. On a full charge, you can get up to 24 hours of wireless listening with noise cancellation on. I used them consistently for about two weeks, and only had to recharge twice. A voice prompt tells you how much battery life you have left every time you power them on.

Plus, their quick charge feature gives you up to three hours of use on just 15 minutes of charging. And even when the battery is fully drained, you can still listen to music without noise cancellation using the included listening cable. It connects to a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

Hands-free phone calls and “Aware” mode

There are tactile buttons on the right earcup for controlling music, calls, and volume. When someone calls, press the “Answer” button and talk hands-free through the built-in mics. I took a few calls from my wife while I was outside with these ‘phones. Even on a breezy, busy street, the conversation was clear.

Speaking of traffic — the left earcup button lets you toggle between noise cancellation and “Aware” mode. That mode uses the internal mics to pick up external sounds and voices, so you can hear your surroundings without removing the headphones.

 

Product highlights:

  • lightweight, over-the-ear design
  • Bluetooth® 5.1 for wireless music listening and phone calls
    • NFC-compatible for one-touch pairing with compatible devices
    • multi-point connection for pairing to two devices at once
  • active noise cancellation uses internal circuitry to block out external distractions
    • six built-in mics monitor external sound and adjust noise cancellation
    • Bose’s “full-spectrum” noise reduction cancels noise across a wide-frequency range
  • dedicated button on left earcup toggles between noise cancellation and “Aware” mode
    • turns off noise-cancelling and uses built-in mics to pick up external sounds
  • durable, lightweight glass-filled nylon frame and cast-metal hinges
  • plush synthetic leather headband lining and ear pads for a relaxed, yet secure fit
  • free, optional Bose® Music app available for Apple® and Android™
  • rechargeable battery provides up to 24 hours of wireless use
    • 15 minutes of recharging provides up to 3 hours of listening
  • voice prompts provide information on battery life, device connection, and caller ID
  • right earcup buttons offer easy controls for music, calls, and volume
    • center button can summon the voice assistant on your smart phone
  • built-in microphone for taking calls with an iPhone® or Android phone
  • USB-A to USB-C charging cable included
  • 48″ audio cable with 3.5mm plug for wired use
    • passive mode allows continued listening when the battery runs out (noise cancellation requires battery power)
  • earcups rotate and fold for compact storage
  • carrying case included
  • warranty: 1 year

Brand

BOSE

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