Hello people, so I’ve been doing some research on what headphones to get for best Anc, decent and adjustable sound quality with eq, and also comfort. I’m really debating between xm4 and qc45, can anyone provide some suggestions? I’m a classical musician and usually stay at home or at schools, I really need a clear sounding headphone with great anc. On another note, how does the Bose qc45 compare with xm5? Thanks people! Have a nice one

So, I guess most people are already familiar with the Bose QC45 or are more interested in their newer models. However, for those looking for a more recent evaluation or review, here you go:

After a terrible experience with the AirPods Max, I set out to find a good pair of headphones at a reasonable price. That's when I came across the QC45s (specifically the soft case variant, but they're exactly the same). Like many others, I first researched and read a lot of "sound quality" reviews before deciding on these headphones. Eventually, I pulled the trigger and ordered them for 199 euros, expecting mediocre sound quality but excellent noise canceling.

Here are my first impressions: the noise canceling is excellent. However, the sound took some getting used to, as I was accustomed to open-back headphones (like the Philips X2, which has a great soundstage). But after two weeks, the sound felt normal. As research shows, your brain adapts to a headphone's sound profile, and it only seems "bad" when compared directly with another pair. So, if you're switching between high-end headphones and expect the same from these, you shouldn't.

After about a month, I started experimenting with the EQ, which was fun and helped resolve some of the "issues," like the overpowering bass. You can do all this through the app, though it would be nice if there was a desktop version too. Nevertheless, we have to work with what we've got. While using the app, I discovered the windproof toggle in the profiles section. This feature blocks out wind, and it's a game-changer! I had used the QC45s while running once before and found the experience terrible. I don't run with them anymore because they're too bulky for workouts like running or rowing, but it's a valid solution for commuters. So, definitely check the app—it's a lifesaver in that respect.

One issue I encountered over time was with the connection. I use both a MacBook and an iPhone, and initially, switching between the two was seamless. But sometimes, it just wouldn't work, which was really frustrating to fix. For example, I had to disable Bluetooth, turn the QC45s off and on again, etc. After some googling, I found a "quick fix." If the headphones didn’t switch seamlessly to another device, I could press the pause button. This would "pause" a "ghost" sound from one device, allowing it to switch to the other.

After a year of use, my earpads wore out. At first, it was just an inconvenience, but eventually, it impacted the sound and noise-canceling performance. I ordered replacements for about 12 euros. It was a bit disappointing to have to replace the earpads after only a year, but on the bright side, it was an affordable fix compared to buying a new pair.

Overall, here’s my TLDR review: Pros: Excellent noise canceling, easy device swapping, and solid sound quality (if you only use these headphones without comparing them to others). Cons: Connection issues when using multiple devices (especially frustrating after using AirPods), and durability—while the headphones are very sturdy, the fact that the earpads wore out after just one year is a bit annoying, though they are reasonably easy and cheap to replace.

For the price, I think the QC45s are a great buy. They're quite durable, have excellent noise canceling, and the sound is decent. The connection issues can be frustrating, and while they don't happen often, they always seem to come at the worst moments and take minutes—not seconds—to resolve. I hope this review is helpful to anyone considering these headphones!