Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Bose 700: Bose ANC Battle

Bose noise-cancelling headphones have a stellar reputation for good reason. While most are quality options, they have distinct differences. Today, we’re reviewing two recent releases, the QuietComfort 45 and Bose 700. Both come with key selling points; the QuietComfort 45 shines with its featherlight comfort, while the 700 boasts a premium design. However, they’re not without their quirks. As we dive into the nuances of their performance, connectivity, and battery life, you’ll be able to decide which of these ANC headphones is the best option for you.

Comparison Table: Bose 700 vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	Bose 700
Type of Headphones	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Weight (oz)	8.32	8.9
Total Battery Life	24 hours (24 w/ ANC)	20 hours (20 w/ ANC)
ANC Support	Yes	Yes
Wired Connection	Yes	Yes
Fast Charging	15-minute charge = 3 hours	15-minute charge = 3.5 hours
Charging Port	USB-Type C	USB-Type C
Bluetooth Version	5.1	5.0
Bluetooth Multipoint	Yes	Yes
Codec Support	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
App Support	Yes	Yes
Customizable EQ	Yes	Yes
Included Case	Yes	Yes

Battery Life & Charging

When it comes to longevity, the Bose QuietComfort 45 excel with longer battery life. With noise cancelling activated, the QuietComfort 45 promises 24 hours of uninterrupted playback. That’s good, but not great battery life. compared to competitors. It may be enough just enough endurance to be a companion for marathon audiobook listeners, ardent music lovers, or those long-haul flights.

On the flip side, the Bose 700 offers a slightly shorter battery life, clocking in at 20 hours with active noise cancelling enabled. However, where it slightly lags in total battery life, it makes up for fast charging. A short 15-minute charge can give the Bose 700 a boost of 3.5 hours, slightly surpassing the QuietComfort 45’s 3-hour fast charge gain. This makes the NC 700 headphones a go-to choice of the two models for those with fast-paced lifestyles, needing a quick top-up before heading out.

Both models flaunt a USB Type-C charging port, a welcome feature for modern users juggling multiple devices. The consistency of the port type reduces the need for different cords, simplifying the charging process. In summary, the QuietComfort 45 offers superior battery life, while the Bose 700 excels in fast charging. In total, these aren’t huge differences, but the extra 4 hours of battery life for the Bose QC45 is not inconsequential.

Connectivity & App Support

Diving into codec support, both headphones support SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring smooth audio streaming over Bluetooth. However, neither of them supports LDAC, which could have offered superior audio quality for wireless audio. Users desiring the highest wireless audio fidelity may be disappointed, though, for the majority, the supported codecs offer more than satisfactory performance.

In terms of Bluetooth versions, the QuietComfort 45 takes the lead with Bluetooth 5.1, a slight upgrade from the 700’s Bluetooth 5.0. This means the QuietComfort 45 could offer a more reliable connection and potentially longer range. Both models support Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing users to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, an essential feature in today’s multitasking era.

For those who value the authenticity of uncompressed audio or just need a backup for when the battery runs low, both models have got you covered with wired playback capability. Lossless, uncompressed audio becomes a viable option, adding another layer of versatility to these noise-cancelling headphones.

Finally, both wireless headphones benefit from the Bose Music app, granting users the ability to customize the EQ settings and control additional features. The app support extends the functionality of both headphones, allowing users to tailor the sound signature of these headphones.

In essence, the QuietComfort 45 boasting a slightly higher Bluetooth version is the only difference, which isn’t very notable. Both Bose products match each other on codec support, wired playback, and app support.

Design & Comfort

Embracing understated aesthetics, the Bose QuietComfort 45 dons a lightweight design, tipping the scales at a mere 8.32 ounces. Its featherweight profile, coupled with an over-the-head design, ample padding on the ear cups and headband, create a headset for ideal comfort during prolonged use. Office workers and audiophiles alike would appreciate the ease of wearing these headphones for extended periods. Notably, the QuietComfort 45 is also portable, folding into a more compact form, making it an easy fit in any bag or backpack. Moreover, the physical controls embedded on the ear cups for playback and noise cancellation add a dash of convenience.

In contrast, the Bose 700, weighing slightly more at 8.9 ounces, opts for a blend of robust metal and plastic in its build. While not foldable, the 700 maintains its portability, and the included hard case ensures protection during travel. The 700 stands out with its modern sleek design and touch panel controls on the right ear cup. While the Bose NC 700 headband cushioning and thick memory foam ear cup material are nice, it’s not quite as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort 45.

In summary, the QuietComfort 45 shines with its lightweight, foldable design and understated aesthetics, ideal for those seeking comfort and portability. The Bose 700, on the other hand, leans into a more modern look with its sleek design and touch controls, appealing to those who prefer a touch of style and innovation.

Sound Quality

The QuietComfort 45 presents solid overall sound quality, with a slightly elevated bass that adds depth to music, without overwhelming other frequencies. Its midrange response, accurately flat, ensures clear reproduction of vocals and instruments. However, the treble in the QuietComfort 45 is a touch too emphasized, resulting in higher frequencies occasionally sounding overly bright and harsh. This attribute might appeal to some listeners who prefer sharp treble, but could be a tad overpowering for others.

Similarly, the Bose 700 strikes a balance with a little bass and good detail. They lean slightly towards bass-heavy, adding some warmth to music. The midrange accuracy shines, delivering crisp vocals and accurate instrumental reproduction. One noticeable aspect of the Bose 700 is its slightly recessed treble, which tempers the crispness of some instruments at higher frequencies. An added advantage of both headphones is both Bose noise cancelling headphones if is its EQ customization. Bose makes it easy to tailor the sound profile to your preference using the Bose Music app.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Bose 700 each offer similar, but slightly different sound quality experiences. The former might be suitable for those who enjoy a bit of brightness in their music, while the latter will appeal to those who appreciate a more warm sound profile.

Which Are The Best Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones?

Both of these noise cancelling headphones have the ability to block surrounding ambient noises, but there are differences in performance. The Bose QuietComfort 45 are perform well in mitigating low-frequency noises such as the hum of engines or the grumble of trains, creating a sound bubble that keeps out the bustle of daily life. However, they seem to have taken a step back from the stellar noise-cancelling prowess of their predecessors, which might give prospective buyers some pause.

On the flip side, the Bose 700 shine in the noise cancellation department. They match the Bose QuietComfort 45 stride for stride in dampening low-frequency noise, while outpacing them considerably in mitigating mid-range and treble frequencies. This means the Bose NC 700 excels in drowning out nearby office chatter and small fans, providing additional protection from distracting noise.

In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers good noise cancellation, primarily targeting low-frequency sounds, whereas the Bose 700 offer a superior ANC experience by effectively reducing ambient noises at a broader range of frequencies. Thus, while both headsets cater to those seeking solace in their music, the Bose 700 might be a more appealing choice for individuals operating with long commutes or frequent travel.

Conclusion: Bose 700 or Bose QC45 Worth The Money?

In sum, both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose 700 have their unique appeal. The QuietComfort 45 offers the advantage of lightweight comfort and a more classic design, ideal for those seeking long hours of unobtrusive wear. On the contrary, the Bose 700 flaunts a sleek, modern look and outperforms the QuietComfort 45 with superior noise cancellation across a wider frequency range, coupled with a longer battery life and fast charging capabilities. Ultimately, neither of these Bose products are be best noise-cancelling headphones available. But both do offer pleasurable all-around experiences.

Those seeking a more premium design and better ANC performance should consider the Sony WH-1000XM5. They compare favorably to both these headphones and have better battery life. The Soundcore Space Q45 are a more affordable option that also offers some benefits over both of these Bose noise-cancelling headphones.

Quick Feature Comparison: Bose 700 and QuietComfort 45

Headphone Design:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose 700 are over-the-ear headphones. This style encapsulates your entire ear, offering enhanced comfort, especially for extended periods. They also provide a more immersive listening experience due to their design, helping to create a more direct path for sound and naturally blocking some ambient noise.

Weight:

While both Bose noise-cancelling headphones are designed to be light for comfortable extended wear, the Bose QuietComfort 45 weighs slightly less at 8.32 ounces compared to the Bose 700 at 8.9 ounces. This reduction in weight, though not significantly different, may enhance comfort during prolonged listening sessions.

Active Noise-Cancelling:

Both wireless headphones are equipped with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology. ANC is a boon for listeners as it uses advanced algorithms to counteract environmental noise, providing an isolated audio environment for an undisturbed listening experience.

Passive Playback:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Bose 700 support passive playback with a wired connection. This feature is essential as it ensures you can continue to use your headphones even when the battery runs out, as long as you have access to a device with a headphone jack.

Supported Codecs:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose 700 both support the SBC and AAC codecs. These codecs are vital in ensuring optimal audio quality over Bluetooth. SBC is the default codec for most Bluetooth devices, while AAC is particularly beneficial for iOS users as it provides better audio quality on these devices. Neither of the headphones supports the LDAC codec.

Fast Charging:

Fast charging is supported by both Bose noise-cancelling headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers 3 hours of playback after a 15-minute charge, while the Bose 700 slightly edges it out with 3.5 hours of playback from the same charge duration. Fast charging is an essential feature as it minimizes downtime, ensuring your headphones are ready to go when you are.

Charging Connection:

Both wireless headphones employ a USB-Type C port for charging. This newer charging standard is generally more efficient and versatile than older types such as micro USB, as it supports higher power output and is reversible, making it easier to use.

Bluetooth Connectivity:

Both Bluetooth headphones can be used with the Bose Music app, allowing for additional features and controls. This includes the ability to customize the EQ settings, giving you the freedom to tweak the sound profile to your liking for a more personalized listening experience.

App Support:

Both Bose noise-cancelling headphones have companion apps that offer additional features and the option to customize their EQ. The Sony WH-1000XM5 companion app is called the Sony Headphones Connect App, while the Bose QuietComfort 45 companion app is called the Bose Music App.

Included Case:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Bose 700 come with a hard case, providing added protection for your headphones during transit. While both are portable, the Bose QuietComfort 45 has the added advantage of being foldable, making it slightly more compact and easier to carry around.