Bose QuietComfort 35 II Vs 45 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Bose QuietComfort 35 II & 45 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Bose QuietComfort 45 than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. 

Why Do I Recommend The Bose QuietComfort 45

  • The Bose QuietComfort 45 has improved ANC, advanced algorithms & better hardware to block out more ambient noise, providing a high-quality listening experience, but the Bose QuietComfort 35 II has basic ANC. 
  • It offers Adaptive Transparency, which dynamically adjusts the transparency mode based on the noise level around you, but the Bose QuietComfort 35 II does not have this feature.
  • The Bose QuietComfort 45 supports high-resolution audio & features a more refined sound profile with enhanced bass response and clearer highs, while the Bose QuietComfort 35 II does not match the fidelity and depth.
  • Bose QuietComfort 45 has six microphone array to enhance call clarity even in noisy environments, whereas the QC35 II  has a dual-microphone system.
  • It has a slight edge with up to 24 hours of battery life for more flexibility in longer listening sessions, compared to Bose QuietComfort 35 II’s 20 hours.
  • Upgraded Bluetooth 5.1 in the QuietComfort 45 ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and potentially lower latency than Bluetooth 4.1 in the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
  • The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers customizable EQ settings via the Bose Music app to adjust the sound. In contrast, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II lacks customizable EQ options.

Maybe the Bose QuietComfort 35 II price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort 45. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureBose QuietComfort 45Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Noise Cancellation ModesQuiet (ANC) and Aware modes.High, Low, and Off modes for ANC
Microphone SystemFour-microphone systemDual-microphone system
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 4.1
Battery Life24 hours with ANC20 hours with ANC
Charging PortUSB-C portMicro-USB port
ComfortSmoother ear pads & leather-padded headbandCushioned ear pads & suede-like headband padding
Weight240 g232 g
EQ SettingsAdjustable EQ via Bose Music appNo adjustable EQ
Transparency ModeFull Aware ModeLimited ambient sound pass
Build QualityMetal hinges for enhanced durabilityPlastic hinges
App SupportBose Music app with advanced featuresBose Connect app
PriceCheck QC 45 PriceCheck QC 35 II Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both headphones feature Bose’s industry-leading ANC technology, which is designed to block out external noise and provide an immersive listening experience. This feature allows users to enjoy their music or calls without distractions, making these headphones a top choice for travelers, office workers, and commuters. The core ANC functionality remains consistent across both models, though the QC 45 enhances low-frequency noise cancellation.
  • Comfortable Fit: The QC 35 II and QC 45 both prioritize comfort, offering plush ear cushions and a lightweight design that makes them suitable for extended use. The materials used in both headphones, including soft memory foam ear pads, ensure minimal pressure on the ears, catering to users who wear them for long hours during flights, work sessions, or leisure activities.
  • Wireless Functionality: Both models support wireless audio playback via Bluetooth connectivity. This wireless functionality eliminates the hassle of cords, providing freedom of movement. Whether you’re streaming music, taking calls, or watching videos, both headphones deliver a seamless and consistent wireless experience.
  • Foldable Design: Portability is a key similarity between the QC 35 II and QC 45. Both headphones feature a foldable design, allowing users to conveniently store them in the included carrying case. This design ensures that they remain protected during travel while maintaining their compact form factor for easy storage.
  • Balanced Sound Profile: The signature Bose sound tuning is evident in both models, with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep lows. This balanced audio profile ensures versatility, making both headphones suitable for a wide range of music genres, podcasts, movies, and calls. Despite the QC 45 offering adjustable EQ via the Bose Music app, the fundamental sound signature of both models remains similar.
  • Battery Quick Charging: Both headphones include quick-charge functionality, enabling users to enjoy hours of playback after a short charging session. While the QC 45 provides slightly more playback time during quick charges, both models cater to users who need a rapid power boost before heading out.
  • Voice Assistant Compatibility: The QC 35 II and QC 45 both support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration. These features allow users to control music, check notifications, and perform various tasks hands-free. The physical buttons on each model make it easy to summon the voice assistant without fumbling through settings.
  • Physical Buttons for Controls: Both headphones feature tactile buttons for controlling playback, volume, and noise cancellation modes. These buttons are easy to use and highly reliable, even in situations where touch controls might not work effectively, such as in cold weather or during physical activities.
  • Carrying Case: The included carrying cases for both models are designed for portability and protection. They ensure that the headphones remain safe from scratches, dust, and minor impacts, making them ideal companions for frequent travelers or daily commuters.
  • Audio Cable for Wired Listening: Both the QC 35 II and QC 45 include a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. This feature is particularly useful for users who prefer a wired connection for improved audio fidelity or need to connect to devices that lack Bluetooth functionality. It also serves as a backup when the battery is low.

Common Features

FeatureBose QuietComfort 45Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Active Noise CancellationANC technologyANC technology
ComfortSoft ear pads with lightweight buildSoft ear pads with lightweight build
Wireless FunctionalityBluetooth connectivityBluetooth connectivity
Foldable DesignFoldable earcups for portabilityFoldable earcups for portability
Balanced Sound ProfileSignature Bose audioSignature Bose audio
Battery Quick ChargingQuick chargeQuick charge
Voice AssistantsCompatible with Google Assistant and Amazon AlexaCompatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
Physical ButtonsTactile buttons for playback and volume controlTactile buttons for playback and volume control
Carrying CaseIncludes a carrying caseIncludes a carrying case
Audio CableIncludes 2.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cableIncludes 2.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable
Price Check QC 45 Price Check QC 35 II Price

FAQ

Q: Do the Bose QC 35 II and QC 45 have active noise cancellation?
A: Yes, both headphones feature Bose’s industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. The QC 35 II effectively cancels out external noise across a range of frequencies, while the QC 45 builds on this with improved ANC performance for low-frequency sounds and introduces a transparency mode called “Aware Mode.”

Q: Are the Bose QC 35 II and QC 45 comfortable for long listening sessions?
A: Absolutely. Both models are designed with comfort in mind. They feature soft, plush ear cushions and a lightweight build. While the QC 45 has smoother ear pads and an upgraded leather-padded headband, the QC 35 II is also renowned for its comfortable fit, even during extended use.

Q: Can I use the Bose QC 35 II and QC 45 wirelessly?
A: Yes, both models support wireless audio playback via Bluetooth. The QC 35 II uses Bluetooth 4.1, while the QC 45 features the newer Bluetooth 5.1 standard, offering better range and stability.

Q: Are the QC 35 II and QC 45 portable?
A: Yes, both headphones have a foldable design, making them easy to store and carry. Each model comes with a compact, protective carrying case, ideal for travel or everyday use.

Q: How do the Bose QC 35 II and QC 45 compare in terms of sound quality?
A: Both headphones deliver Bose’s signature balanced audio profile, with clear highs, detailed mids, and rich bass. While the QC 45 adds an adjustable EQ via the Bose Music app, the core sound signature is consistent across both models, ensuring high-quality playback.

Q: Do the Bose QC 35 II and QC 45 support quick charging?
A: Yes, both headphones offer quick charging. A 15-minute charge provides approximately 2.5 hours of playback on the QC 35 II and 3 hours on the QC 45, making them convenient for users on the go.

Q: Are voice assistants available on both models?
A: Yes, both the QC 35 II and QC 45 are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. These assistants can be activated with the push of a button, allowing for hands-free control of music, calls, and more.

Q: Do both models have physical buttons for controls?
A: Yes, both headphones feature tactile buttons for controlling volume, playback, and noise-canceling modes. This makes operation straightforward and reliable, especially in comparison to touch-sensitive controls.

Q: Do the QC 35 II and QC 45 come with audio cables for wired listening?
A: Yes, both headphones include a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. This is useful when the battery is low or for devices that do not support Bluetooth.

Q: Are the Bose QC 35 II and QC 45 suitable for phone calls?
A: Yes, both headphones can handle phone calls effectively. The QC 45 improves upon the QC 35 II with a four-microphone array that enhances call clarity and noise rejection, especially in noisy environments. However, the QC 35 II’s dual-microphone system also performs well for general use.

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