Hey guys, and welcome to my Bose QuietComfort wireless noise-canceling headphone review. Now, as you are probably aware, when it comes to travel, there are quite a number of accessories to choose from to make things just that little bit easier. And in that, there are always two essential truths:
- There are a great number of variations of every piece of equipment, electronic device and/or accessory that you could be looking for.
- Everybody has an opinion on which of these variations is best at any given time – which is generally due to the fact that that particular item has helped them make their travel experience just that much better.
So with that in mind, one thing I have tried to do on this site is review the products I use, as well as the ones that are popular at the moment to give you an idea of what may work for you as you head out for your latest adventure.
Hence, for this review, I will run you through:
- What the product is
- How it works
- What I bought if for
- Pros and Cons
- Cost
- My recommendations
What are Noise Cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are a type of headphones designed to reduce or block out unwanted external noise, allowing the user to enjoy their audio content without being disturbed by ambient sounds.
They are popular among travelers and commuters as they help to create a more isolated listening experience so they can focus on their audio content or even get some sleep. And if you are travelling long haul, they can also help to reduce listening fatigue by allowing lower volume levels without compromising audio clarity.
Noise canceling headphones work by using a combination of passive and active technologies as follows:
- Passive noise-cancellation: This involves the physical design of the headphones, which typically includes using materials and structures that can naturally block out external noise. Over-ear and in-ear headphones with a snug fit and well-designed ear cups or ear tips can provide a good level of passive noise-cancellation by creating a seal that prevents sound from entering the ear canal.
- Active noise-cancellation (ANC): This is a more advanced technology that uses microphones to detect ambient noise and then generates an opposite “anti-noise” signal to cancel out the unwanted sound. The microphones pick up the external noise and the headphones’ internal electronics process it to create an inverted sound wave that effectively neutralizes the incoming noise. This is particularly effective for low-frequency, consistent sounds like engine hums or air conditioning noise.
What is my experience with The Bose Quietcomfort Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphone?
I have had and used a couple of iterations of the Bose noise cancelling headphones in my travels, mainly for long haul flights. I am a movie watcher when I travel so my main reason for purchase to start with was that I could never really hear the sounds properly with the headphones provided by the airlines.
So I purchased my first pair – wired as Bluetooth was not really a thing then – quite a few years ago and after a few upgrades, I do have to say that they really do work well to block out sound. I have also noticed in my recent purchase that they are a lot lighter and more comfortable on the ears as well – the older models did start to get a little hard on the ears after a while.
The battery life is also a lot better than it used to be too.
Note: In most cases, if you want to connect these to the inflight entertainment system on your flight, then you will need to purchase a Bluetooth wireless audio dongle as well.
What Are The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphone?
Carrying the torch for Bose’s enduringly successful QuietComfort noise-canceling headphone line comes with certain expectations – and not only in terms of class-leading active noise-cancellation performance even though the strong ANC shuts out more ambient roar than virtually all of the competitors.
The circumaural (over-ear) QuietComfort 45 headphones, available in black or off-white, have a similar style to the QuietComfort 35 II, with a basic, practical design that clearly shows the Bose logo on the sides. In this case however, they have foregone capacitive touch controls in favor of physical buttons, three of which are located on the rear edge of the right earcup.
The center button, flanked by discrete volume up/down keys, controls playback, call management, track navigation and voice assistance (depending on how many times you press it). On the left earcup, you’ll find an ANC/ambient mode button and Quiet and Aware modes.
Sadly, Bose only lets you listen in Silent or Aware mode – i.e. you can’t turn off both functions to save battery life. Using the accompanying 3.5mm audio connection, you can use the headphones in passive mode, but with many phones lacking a headphone port these days, this isn’t always practical.
Check out these: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel
What do you get?
| Brand | Bose |
| Model | QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones |
| Price | See price at Amazon. |
| Colors | Triple black, Midnight Blue, Eclipse Grey, White Smoke |
| Size of main bag | 3 x 7.24 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 15.5 ounces |
| Other features: | Quiet Mode or Aware Mode 25 hours battery life (22 hours plus 15mnin charge for 3 more) Internal microphone Adjustable EQ Bluetooth range-up to 9 m (30 feet) |
Main Features
The key features of the Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless headphones include:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The QuietComfort 45 features a state-of-the-art ANC system that efficiently blocks out external noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music, podcasts, or calls.
- Aware Mode: This feature enables users to stay connected to their surroundings by allowing ambient noise to pass through the headphones. Ideal for situations where you need to be aware of your environment, such as walking in a busy city or waiting for announcements.
- High-Quality Sound: Bose has always been known for its exceptional audio quality and the QuietComfort 45 is no exception. It delivers a balanced and clear sound signature, enhancing your listening experience.
- Bluetooth 5.1 Connectivity: The headphones feature the latest Bluetooth technology ensuring a stable and fast connection to your devices. This reduces audio latency and provides seamless pairing with multiple devices.
- Comfortable Design: The QuietComfort 45 headphones are designed for optimal comfort, featuring plush ear cushions and a lightweight design that allows for extended wear without fatigue.
- Battery Life: Enjoy up to 22 hours of playtime on a single charge, ensuring your headphones are always ready for your listening needs. The headphones also support fast charging, giving you an extra 3 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.
- Intuitive Controls: Easily control your music, calls, and volume with the touch-sensitive buttons on the ear cups. Additionally, you can access your voice assistant with a simple press of a button.
- Multi-Point Connection: Pair two devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch between them with ease. This is especially useful if you want to connect your headphones to your phone and your laptop or a dongle at the same time.
- Durable Build: The QuietComfort 45 headphones are built with premium materials ensuring durability and longevity even with everyday use.
- Companion App: Customize your listening experience using the Bose Connect app, which allows you to fine-tune noise-cancellation levels, manage paired devices, access firmware updates and more.
Prefer earbuds? Check out these: Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds for Travel
Pros
- Exceptional Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The QuietComfort 45 features a high-quality ANC system that effectively blocks out external noise, providing an immersive listening experience.
- High-quality audio: Bose is known for its excellent sound quality, and the QuietComfort 45 delivers a balanced and clear audio signature.
- Comfortable design: The plush ear cushions and lightweight design ensure that users can wear these headphones for extended periods without discomfort.
- Long battery life: With up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge and fast charging support, the QuietComfort 45 is designed for all-day use.
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity: The latest Bluetooth technology provides a stable and fast connection, reducing audio latency and supporting seamless pairing with multiple devices.
Cons
- Price: The QuietComfort 45 headphones are positioned as a premium product, which means they may not be accessible to everyone due to their relatively high price.
- Potential sound leakage: Some users may find that sound leaks from the headphones, especially at higher volumes, which could disturb people nearby.
- Bulky design: Over-ear headphones like the QuietComfort 45 can be bulky and may not be the most convenient option for users looking for a compact, portable solution.
- Reliance on battery: Because active noise-cancellation relies on electronics, the headphones will not function at their full capacity when the battery is depleted.
How much Are They?
The Bose QuietComfort wireless noise-canceling headphones retail around the $300 – $350 mark
Do I recommend them?
So, as above I I have used these for quite a number of years and although there are definitely some cheaper options on the market, I have always found these to be the best in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation.
The latest models such as this are also much lighter on the ears and I personally like the touch buttons on the side as I find them easier to feel for and locate – especially when half asleep in a plane seat. Oh, and the learned noise cancelling in the brand – where they ‘listen’ and gradually reduce more noise – is incredible.
All in all, if you can afford the higher price point, you will not be disappointed with these.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my honest review and appraisal of the Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless noise-canceling headphones. I hope it has been of assistance but as usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by commenting below. I would also love to hear of your own experience with these headphones.
Are there any other products you have been looking at but want to know more about? If so, please comment below and I will do my best to get some details for you.
Until next time
Have fun and safe travels
Paul
