From what I understand, they are both the same, but the 45 have a hard case, the other just has a soft pouch Answer from MartyKinn on reddit.com
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort headphones vs bose quietcomfort 45
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort 45 - SoundGuys
August 8, 2024 - It’s really fine, given that neither of these products is geared towards high audio quality. Despite having virtually identical hardware, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones seem to have a better battery life than the Bose QuietComfort 45.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › bose quietcomfort vs quietcomfort 45???
r/bose on Reddit: bose quietcomfort vs quietcomfort 45???
November 9, 2023 -
are there any differences in anc? im in no way an audiophile. i just need good sound and top notch anc
(thats my priority really) to wear them comfortably and study undisturbed. they are available for 180 pounds in my area and itll take a long time for the newer quitecomfort to release here. shall i wait or purchase?
Videos
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NEW Bose Quietcomfort VS Quietcomfort 45 | The ONE Reason To Upgrade!
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Which version of Bose QuietComfort is best?
The Best Bose headphones in 2024 are the QuietComfort Ultra. They cost more, to be sure, but they have features that will be relevant for years to come.
soundguys.com
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort headphones vs bose quietcomfort 45
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort 45 - SoundGuys
Is Bose Quiet Comfort SE the same as 45?
The SE is a variant of the newer QuietComfort Headphones, not the 45. It has a soft case instead of a hard case, which may be lighter and cheaper, but it lacks the 45’s multi-point connection feature.
soundguys.com
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort headphones vs bose quietcomfort 45
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort 45 - SoundGuys
RTINGS.com
rtings.com › home › headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 vs QuietComfort Headphones Wireless: Which Headphones Are Better? - RTINGS.com
April 5, 2016 - Most things have stayed the same in this iteration, like comfort. However, there are a couple of interesting changes. The QuietComfort Headphones have an audio cable with an in-line mic, which is handy if you want to take calls while wired.
Mark Ellis Reviews
markellisreviews.com › home › blog › bose quietcomfort headphones vs bose qc45
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bose QC45 - Mark Ellis Reviews
December 21, 2023 - The QuiteComfort aren’t as premium sounding as the QuietComfort Ultra, but they’re significantly cheaper – and you can fix anything you don’t like about the sound in Bose’s fantastic app. When it comes to active noise cancelling (ANC), there’s no discernible difference between the QuietComfort and the QC45.
Android Police
androidpolice.com › home › audio › bose quietcomfort headphones vs. quietcomfort 45: two comfy and familiar classics
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs. QuietComfort 45: Two comfy and familiar classics
November 13, 2023 - There’s still no way to shut ANC off and get a purely neutral mode. The QC 45s make you choose between ANC or Aware, while the QuietComfort Headphones give you a 10-step range to mix the two.
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › audio › headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs. Bose QuietComfort 45: What's changed? | Tom's Guide
October 20, 2023 - Although a definite win, the market has shifted with the arrival of the best-ever noise-canceling tech in Bose's all-new QuietComfort Ultra Headphones flagship. By comparison, the QC Headphone model hasn't upped the ANC game, and has near-identical performance as the model it replaces. The QuietComfort 45 are still a bargain worth bagging when discounted (we have seem them drop as low as $229), but not at the full asking price.
RecordingNow
recordingnow.com › blog › bose-quietcomfort-vs-quietcomfort-45
Bose QuietComfort vs QuietComfort 45 (QC45): Comparison
May 2, 2025 - This is to say, that both are excellent and pretty on par with the best in the world such as the QC Ultra and Sony XM5. One improvement of the newer Bose QuietComfort 2023 is a new feature called “Wind Block”. I’d say Wind Block does make a significant difference if you live in a windy city or are outside frequently, as it actively filters wind noise that can mess with other headphones. Inside of the Bose app for both headphones, you can choose between 11 levels of noise cancelling mixed with “ambient” transparency modes.
What Hi-Fi?
whathifi.com › headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: what are the differences? | What Hi-Fi?
February 13, 2025 - There's a fair price difference between the two pairs, so if you're wondering what you would be missing out on by opting for the most affordable one, this is the article for you. Below we compare the QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra for specs and features. Today's best Bose QuietComfort Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deals ... The Bose QuietComfort Headphones launched at £350 / $350 / AU$549, slightly higher than the previous Bose QuietComfort 45 model at launch (£320 / $329 / AU$499).
PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › comparisons › audio › headphones
Big-Time Bose Battle: QuietComfort Ultra vs. QuietComfort Headphones | PCMag
November 22, 2024 - ... Bose estimates that both pairs can last about 24 hours per charge. The main difference is that the Ultra Headphones take around 3 hours to fully charge, whereas the QuietComfort Headphones require 2.5 hours.
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs bose quietcomfort 45
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort 45 - SoundGuys
April 30, 2025 - Essentially across the board, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra cancels or isolates more noise than the older QuietComfort 45. In addition to averaging one-upping the QuietComfort 45 by about 10dB more noise filtering, the Ultra also blocks up to ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › quietcomfort 45 vs sc?
r/bose on Reddit: QuietComfort 45 vs SC?
August 22, 2024 -
Hi all, I’m looking at buying a set of Bose QuietComfort SC headphones. I already have a set of QC45’s and just a little confused - are they different headphones? The same headphone but with different case? Or are they basically the same headphones that superseded the 45’s?
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this question has been answered a 1000 times in this sub. By asking it again you only risk getting wrong answers (and only one of the two answers so far given is actually correct)
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Supposedly they upped the bass as well. I heard an update added wind reduction to the 45’s but I just got the Bose QC 2023 and once I removed the volume limits on my iPhone and maximized Bass(I left the other settings at 0. Sounds great! Mine were bought at Costco for $219 right now! Plus Costco returns are always available should the need arise and I’ve heard great things about Bose customer service even out of warranty.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › what is the difference between bose qc and bose qc 45?
r/bose on Reddit: What is the difference between Bose QC and Bose QC 45?
June 2, 2024 -
I've seen people saying QC 45 are good.
My local retailer has these: https://www.currys.co.uk/products/bose-quietcomfort-wireless-bluetooth-noisecancelling-headphones-black-10254902.html
They don't say '45' though anywhere in the description. They have some 'SC' ones, and 'Ultra'.
Does that mean these are not 45? Are they worse?
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There's a couple of models, and variations, a quick overview. qc45 and qcSE are the exact same thing, SE was a rebrand - the same headphones but with a cheaper case and price. It used to be the flagship model a few years ago. Bose QC (often referred to as QC 2023) and qcSC are the current mid tier level. SC is a rebrand, same headphones with a cheaper case as well. Bose Ultra are the flagship model. The Ultra have much better specs, and cost a lot more generally so they should be easy to figure out. The differences between the 45/SE and the QC 2023/SC; qc45/se has slightly less battery life (couple of hours, not much difference). qc45/se has very slightly worse sound out of the box, even less so after you EQ them. They are marginally worse but nothing crazy, many won't even be able to notice (especially after you EQ) and some people even prefer them. Other than that they are basically identical headphones. If you don't need a hard case for travelling, you could just save the £30 and get the SC model over the Bose qc 2023, the case is the only difference.
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The other folks have mentioned the important differences. Here are two things that were important to me: The QC 2023 comes with a cable that has an inline-mic. I noticed the cable on other Bose devices don’t have an inline mic. If you sometimes prefer to stay wired this would help. I like physical buttons for volume controls. No “smart features” or touch controls. (If you read my other reply to OP’s comment. You’ll know why). So both QC and QC45 are good. The Ultras don’t have them. Since you’ve already shortlisted QC and QC45, I’m guessing QC Ultras are not on your radar. But just incase you think about them, consider this info - the QC Ultra need battery to work in wired mode. The QC/QC45 (like older devices) don’t need battery for wired mode. You can use these like normal wired headphones when the battery is at zero.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › are the bose quietcomfort headphones the same model as the bose quietcomfort 45's?
r/bose on Reddit: Are the Bose QuietComfort Headphones the same model as the Bose QuietComfort 45's?
September 20, 2024 -
Hi all, I'm a bit confused on the naming scheme and whether the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the same as the QC45's with a different name? Or are these 2 completely different models of the same product?
If these are indeed a new iteration of the QuietComfort Headphone series, is the lineage like this?
... -> QC25 -> QC35 -> QC35 II -> QC45 -> QuietComfort Headphones
I know theres a newer more "premium" product called the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones that is NOT this one. Very confusing stuff for them to drop the numbers with their iterations...
EDIT: Thanks everybody! These are indeed a new QuietComfort model. So Its safe to say we can call these the QC2023 or QC (2023) Headphones.
... -> QC25 -> QC35 -> QC35 II -> QC45 -> QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
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QC25 -> QC35 -> QC35 II -> QC45 -> QuietComfort Headphones unfortunately this is correct. Seems like an utter stupid naming choice that only confuses customers but maybe Bose intended to reset its naming scheme
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They are not! Quietcomfort 2023 has hardware upgrades over QC45 like bigger battery and lower treble distortion. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/bose-quietcomfort-45-qc45-wireless-vs-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-wireless/27044/44666
VERSUS
versus.com › home › headphones comparison › bose quietcomfort 45 vs bose quietcomfort headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones: What is the difference?
November 1, 2018 - Bose - QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones - Tr... ... Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic...Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
VERSUS
versus.com › home › headphones comparison › bose quietcomfort 45 vs bose quietcomfort se
Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Bose QuietComfort SE: What is the difference?
November 1, 2018 - This type of device allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. ... Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Bose QuietComfort 45)
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › qc45 vs. se?
QC45 vs. SE? : r/bose
October 8, 2022 - Paid $249 for SE at Costco Paid $279 for 45 at Bose. Labor day sale ... Hi, the only difference is the soft case as others mentioned. The same headphones are used. These are not refurbished or lower quality. ... For anyone wondering that there is a hw difference look at the official website. ...
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › bose quietcomfort 45 review
Bose QuietComfort 45 review: Still worth it in 2024? - SoundGuys
Bose QuietComfort 45
We encourage you to read our complete Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort 45 article to learn which is right for you. You may even find yourself in another hard position: choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 or between the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and WH-1000XM5. Don't fix what ain't broke.
Audio
audio.org › home › bose quietcomfort 45 review
bose quietcomfort 45 review: Should you upgrade to these?
September 7, 2023 - When comparing the QC 45 to the Bose 700 and Sony XM5, I found that the QC 45 are more portable and the carrying case is more compact. The Sony XM5 has a comparatively large carrying case that may not fit as well in your bag as the QC 45. Despite the similarities in design between the QC 45 and QC 35 II, there are significant differences between the two.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › my experience qc ultra vs qc45
r/bose on Reddit: My experience QC Ultra vs QC45
February 29, 2024 -
I have / had both the ultra and the QC45 for the last few weeks. I just returned the ultra yesterday and kept the 45. Imo the sound on the ultra is a tab bit better, the bass is deeper but you can EQ the 45 to sound like that. Comfort wise I felt the 45 is more comfortable. Mic usage outdoors is garbage on both. NC is about the same. The immersion mode on the ultra is cool for the first few minutes then you realize it's hit or miss depending on what you're listening to. I found myself turning it off most of the time. Imo the ultra is not worth the price difference. I got both on sale, the 45 for $199 and the ultra for $349. $149 price difference in definitely not worth the minor increase in sound.
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I just got the Ultras after having the 45s for a month or so. I did Bose's trade-in program. I'm torn so far. To my ears, the ANC is significantly better. I like the volume slider on the earcup but the 45s were more comfortable. I might return them and go back to the 45s. Don't know yet. Has anybody experienced something similar?
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I bought QC Ultra a month ago (as a replacement for my aging QC 35 II) and returned it a couple days later. They sounded nice but I couldn't stand the very noticeable and annoying white background noise during quiet moments (related to ANC which can't be switched off). My old QC 35 II also have a bit of white noise but much less intrusive then QC Ultra. Then ca. two weeks ago I bought QC SE(45) and my observations are the same as yours. I don't see a justification to pay so much more for Ultra for so little difference and what's more the white noise is at the same level as QC35 II.