This bose cancelling headphones review compares Bose’s QuietComfort 45 and Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 across performance, comfort, call quality, and value so you can pick the right model without guessing.
Quick verdict: is Bose’s noise-cancelling lineup worth your money?
Short answer: yes, if you prioritize reliable ANC and long-wear comfort over the absolute latest codecs and the deepest soundstage.
Performance: both models deliver clean, consistent ANC that tames low-frequency noise like engines and subway rumble; the 700 pulls ahead for voice handling and adjustable ANC levels.
Comfort: QC45 wins for lightweight padding and lower clamp force, making it better for all-day use.
Value: QC45 is the better value when discounted; the 700 justifies a premium if you need superior call quality and adjustable noise control.
Best users: commuters and frequent flyers get the biggest payoff from Bose ANC; remote workers who take many calls should favor the 700; if you want codec flexibility or maximum ANC, consider Sony instead.
Standout pros: clean ANC, comfortable fit, consistent build quality. Common trade-offs: price and limited codec support (SBC/AAC only).
Which Bose models are in this review and how they differ
Models covered: QuietComfort 45 (QC45) and Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 (Headphones 700).
At a glance: QC45 is comfort-first with simpler ANC controls; Headphones 700 is feature-rich with a refined mic array and adjustable ANC levels.
Key hardware differences: QC45 is lighter with softer earpads and a lower clamp force for long sessions; 700 is slightly heavier, uses firmer padding and a sleeker metal-and-plastic hinge for a more premium feel.
Control and features: QC45 favors three-button physical controls and a basic ANC toggle; 700 adds more direct ANC adjustment and on-ear gestures for quick changes.
Which to pick: choose QC45 if you want maximum comfort and longer value-per-dollar; choose 700 if you make frequent voice calls, need precise ANC control, or want a more modern control layout.
Design and long-wear comfort: materials, fit, and build quality
Feel and fit: QC45 uses plush memory-foam earpads and a forgiving clamp force that prevents hot spots over hours of wear; 700 applies a firmer seal that can feel snug at first but locks in ANC performance.
Weight and pressure: QC45 typically feels lighter on the head and better for long haul flights or full-day office use; 700 trades a bit of comfort for a more secure, isolating fit.
Build durability: both models use a mix of durable plastics and metal trim; hinges and yokes are solid for travel, but treat the cases gently—hinge failure is rare but costly.
Travel readiness and protection: both come with a protective case; the 700’s case tends to be slimmer and more rigid while QC45’s case is slightly roomier for accessories.
Aesthetics and parts: color options are limited but tasteful; replacement pads and headbands are available through Bose and third-party sellers for long-term maintenance.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) tested in real-world situations
Low-frequency ANC: both excel at aircraft engine hum and bus/subway rumble; QC45 offers a smooth, comfortable reduction while 700 removes slightly more of the mid-bass presence.
Mid/high-frequency noise: voices, chimes and keyboard clicks remain partially audible on both; 700’s algorithm and mic array reduce midrange chatter more effectively than QC45.
Adaptability: QC45 uses a consistent ANC profile that relies on fit for best results; 700 provides adjustable levels so you can tune cancellation to an office, plane, or cafe.
Comparison vs rivals: Sony WH-1000XM5 generally edges both Bose models on sheer ANC depth and adaptability; Bose trades a touch of raw cancellation for a more natural, less “over-processed” sound under ANC.
Maximizing ANC: ensure a tight seal with earpads, update firmware, and use the 700’s ANC levels for noisy cabins or the QC45’s full ANC mode for long flights.
Sound signature and audio quality for music, movies, and streaming
Tonal balance: Bose favors an even, slightly warm presentation—controlled bass, clear mids, and polite treble—making vocals and podcasts very readable.
Bass and detail: QC45 leans toward comfort with smooth bass that doesn’t dominate; 700 offers slightly tighter bass articulation and improved midrange clarity.
Soundstage and imaging: neither model delivers wide, immersive imaging like speaker setups, but both provide good spatial cues for movies and streaming dialogue.
Codec and fidelity limits: both primarily use SBC and AAC; expect some compression artifacts with high-resolution sources—Bose won’t match LDAC-capable rivals for lossless-style listening.
EQ and app shaping: the Bose app offers basic EQ presets and manual adjustment that corrects bass-heavy or thin tendencies; apply a modest treble lift for brighter podcasts or a slight bass boost for electronic music.
Microphone and call performance for remote work and phone calls
Mic hardware: Headphones 700 uses a multi-microphone array tuned for voice pickup; QC45 has fewer mics and a simpler beamforming setup.
Quiet environments: both produce clear, natural-sounding voice pickup indoors; 700 typically transmits slightly clearer enunciation on the far end.
Noisy environments: 700 removes more background noise on calls and keeps your voice prominent; QC45 performs respectably but can let in more ambient noise on crowded streets or cabins.
Comparison to conference standards: 700 competes well with meeting-room headsets for clarity; QC45 is fine for casual remote work but not the top pick for professional conferencing.
Best settings and positioning: keep the boom of voice centered in the earcup, maintain a stable seal, and enable any “call clarity” or similar app setting to improve pickup in noisy places.
Connectivity, latency, and multipoint device switching
Bluetooth behavior: both maintain stable connections for calls and media in normal environments; throughput and range depend on phone and source hardware.
Multipoint support: Headphones 700 ships with reliable multipoint switching for two devices; QC45 gained multipoint via firmware updates and works well once configured.
Latency and sync: neither model is ideal for high-end gaming; they’re acceptable for video calls and streaming video with minimal lip-sync lag in most setups.
Troubleshooting pairing: disable nearby Bluetooth devices, use the Bose app to manage connections, and re-pair both devices if switching fails repeatedly.
Battery life, charging behavior, and real-world runtime
Claimed runtimes: QC45 advertises around 24 hours with ANC on; Headphones 700 lists about 20 hours under heavy ANC and call use.
Real-world numbers: expect 18–24 hours for QC45 and 15–20 hours for 700 depending on volume, ANC level, and calls.
Fast-charge: short charges yield useful playback—roughly 3 hours from a 15-minute top-up is a realistic rule of thumb.
Long flights: QC45’s longer battery life makes it the safer choice for ultra-long-haul travel; bring a USB-C cable and a power bank for peace of mind.
App features, firmware updates, and personalization tools
Bose app essentials: EQ presets, on-device ANC toggles (700 offers more ANC granularity), and firmware updates are handled through the Bose app.
App-dependent features: ANC adjustment levels and firmware-based multipoint tweaks require the app; playback controls and basic ANC toggles still work offline.
Firmware history: updates have added multipoint and stability improvements in the past; check release notes before major updates and apply them to fix audio or connectivity bugs.
Controls and ease of use: buttons, touch, and voice assistants
Control layouts: QC45 uses physical buttons for reliable tactile input; 700 mixes touch and physical inputs offering quicker access to ANC levels and media controls.
Voice assistants: both support Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa via the app and long-press commands; responsiveness depends on phone compatibility and signal quality.
Avoiding accidental inputs: favor physical buttons if you want fewer mis-touches; disable unintended gestures in the app or switch to button-only mode if available.
Durability, maintenance, and travel care
Longevity: expect several years of daily use from pads and hinges if you replace worn pads as needed and avoid crushing the case.
Cleaning and storage: wipe pads with a damp cloth, keep them dry, and store headphones in the included case to protect ANC microphones and seals.
Warranty and care plans: Bose offers standard warranties and extended protection options; consider an extended plan if you travel frequently and need fast replacements.
Side-by-side: Bose vs Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max (quick comparison)
ANC strength: Sony WH-1000XM5 typically leads on raw ANC performance; Bose 700 follows closely on voice reduction; QC45 offers a comfortable middle ground.
Sound quality: Sony for dynamic range and codec support (LDAC), AirPods Max for imaging and Apple ecosystem integration, Bose for balanced, fatigue-free listening.
Battery life: Sony ~30 hours, QC45 ~24 hours, 700 ~20 hours, AirPods Max ~20 hours—Sony is the endurance king here.
Comfort and fit: QC45 is best for long sessions; Sony and AirPods Max are heavier or tighter for some users.
Value: QC45 generally offers the best value on sale; 700 is a niche pick for call-heavy users; choose Sony for audio fidelity and codecs, AirPods Max for Apple users who want spatial audio and build quality.
Best real-world use cases: travel, office, studio reference, and workouts
Frequent flyers: QC45 for comfort and battery life; switch to 700 if you need better midrange ANC for cabin conversations.
Commuters: QC45 balances comfort and ANC for daily transit; 700 helps if you take many calls on the go.
Office and remote work: 700 is preferable for regular conference calls; QC45 is fine for focused, single-device use.
Studio reference and critical listening: neither is ideal for mixing; they’re consumer-focused, balanced for enjoyment rather than flat studio response.
Workouts and sweat: neither model is IP-rated for heavy sweat or running; choose sport-specific, water-resistant models for active use.
Price, deals, and how to get the best value (new vs refurbished)
Typical pricing: QC45 and 700 often sit at mid-to-premium price points; sales around holidays and Amazon Prime Day produce the best discounts.
Refurbished units: refurbished headphones from reputable retailers can save 20–40% and usually include a limited warranty—buy refurbished from Bose or authorized sellers only.
Buying tips: wait for holiday sales or certified refurbished units for best value; test return policies and warranty coverage before final purchase.
Practical setup and troubleshooting tips that actually work
Quick fixes for pairing: power-cycle the headphones, remove old Bluetooth pairings, then re-pair via the Bose app or device Bluetooth settings.
Intermittent audio dropouts: move away from crowded Wi‑Fi or USB3 interference, update firmware, and check that only one device is actively streaming when multipoint is enabled.
Improving ANC seal: rotate the cups and wiggle the headband to settle pads on your ears; replace pads if they’ve flattened from long use.
EQ corrections: use a slight bass reduction if sound feels boomy, or a small treble boost for clarity on vocals and podcasts.
When to reset or replace: perform a factory reset for persistent glitches; request warranty replacement for hardware hiss, blown drivers, or broken hinges.
Clear pros and cons and a final buying recommendation by user type
Strengths: reliable ANC, comfortable fit, solid microphone performance (700 especially), consistent software support.
Weaknesses: limited codec support (no aptX/LDAC), price premium versus some competitors, not ideal for heavy sweat or studio mixing.
Buying advice: pick QC45 for long-wear comfort and better battery life per dollar; pick Headphones 700 for better call clarity and adjustable ANC; choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want top-tier ANC and codec flexibility; choose AirPods Max for Apple users prioritizing build and spatial audio.
Final action step: test for seal and comfort in-store for 10–15 minutes with ANC on, make a test call to check microphone clarity, and confirm the return window and warranty before buying.
