Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Soundcore Space Q45: A Win For Budget ANC?

In our comparison of the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the affordable Soundcore Space Q45, we’ve pulled no punches. Our detailed review of two of the best ANC headphones compares everything from the sound quality to comfort levels to battery life and more. Stick around to explore how these headphones compare and which might be the better purchase for your needs.

Comparison Table: Soundcore Space Q45 vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	SoundCore Space Q45
Type of Headphones	Over-ear	Over-ear
Weight (oz)	8.32	10.4
Total Battery Life	24 hours w/ ANC	65 hours (50 w/ ANC)
ANC Support	Yes	Yes
Wired Connection	Yes	Yes
Fast Charging	15-minute charge = 3 hours	5-minute charge = 4 hours
Charging Port	USB-Type C	USB-Type C
Bluetooth Version	5.1	5.3
Bluetooth Multipoint	Yes	Yes
Codec Support	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC, LDAC
App Support	Yes (Bose Music)	Yes (Soundcore)
Customizable EQ	Yes	Yes
Included Case	Yes	Yes

Battery Life & Charging

The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers a solid 24 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. This longevity would be more than enough for a full day of work or a long international flight, providing continuous music or podcast playback without the need for recharging. On the other hand, the Soundcore Space Q45 significantly outperforms in this area, offering a total of 65 hours of playback time without ANC and 50 hours with ANC enabled. This extended battery life reduces the worry of battery depletion, particularly beneficial for travelers or office workers who may not always have ready access to a charging port.

Regarding charging, both pairs of headphones feature the more modern and versatile USB-Type C port, simplifying the charging process for those juggling multiple devices. However, the Soundcore Space Q45 excels in its fast charging capabilities, providing an additional 4 hours of listening time after a mere 5-minute charge. This is highly convenient for those on the go, allowing for a quick top-up during a short break or commute. In comparison, the Bose QC45 also offers fast charging, but it takes a 15-minute charge to provide an extra 3 hours of battery. While this is still impressive, it falls short when compared to the rapid recharge rate of the Soundcore Q45.

In conclusion, the Soundcore Q45 takes the lead in terms of both battery and fast charging capabilities, making it an excellent choice for users needing extended usage and quick charging options.

Connectivity & App Support

When considering connectivity features, both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Soundcore Space Q45 headphones come equipped with a variety of options, with some noteworthy differences.

In terms of codec support, both headphones support the standard SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. However, the Soundcore Q45 has an edge as it also supports LDAC, which allows for higher-quality wireless audio. This feature can make a significant difference for those who value the highest audio fidelity when listening with wireless headphones.

Also, both headphones allow for wired listening, which comes in handy if your battery dies or you want to listen to lossless, uncompressed audio. Both headphones have Bluetooth Multipoint, which enables them to connect to two devices simultaneously.

Companion app support is another crucial feature in modern headphones, adding extra functionality and customization options. Both headphones offer this feature with the Bose Music App for the QC 45 and the Soundcore App for the Space Q45. The Soundcore app is more extensive and much easier for users who want to fine-tune the sound. EQ customization is more flexible and a plethora of EQ presets are available. It also just looks more polished than the Bose companion app.

In conclusion, while both headphones offer robust connectivity options, the Soundcore Space Q45 takes the lead with its LDAC support and a slightly newer Bluetooth version, providing potential benefits for audiophiles and those requiring reliable wireless connections.

Design & Comfort

Design-wise, both the Bose QC 45 and the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones have a lot to offer, although there are distinct differences that could sway your preference.

In terms of comfort, the QuietComfort 45 headphones are insanely comfortable, an advantage that might be especially appreciated during extended listening sessions. Their ample padding on the headband and each earcup contribute to this exceptional comfort level. The Space Q45, while still fairly comfortable, could benefit from additional cushioning in the headband.

Both headphones are lightweight, lending to their portability, although the QC 45 wins on the scales, coming in at a mere 8.32 ounces compared to the Space Q45’s 10.4 ounces. This difference might prove meaningful to active users or listen to music on the go often. Further enhancing their portability, both headphones fold for compactness and come with a hard case for protection.

The QuietComfort 45 and Space Q45 both sport over-the-head, understated designs. However, the Space Q45 boasts an improved modern design that could appeal to those who value bolder aesthetics. Build quality is another point of difference: the QuietComfort 45 combines a robust metal headband with a plastic body, offering an edge in durability over the largely plastic Space Q45.

Physical controls for playback, volume control, and more are conveniently located on the ear cups of both headphones. Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 45 take the lead in terms of comfort and build quality, while the Soundcore Space Q45 offer a modern design aesthetic. Your choice would depend on which of these factors you prioritize more.

Sound Quality

In terms of sound quality, both the Bose QC 45 and the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones impress. More critical listeners will notice differences in their frequency response though. The QuietComfort 45 offers solid overall audio quality, notable for its slightly elevated bass that lends a touch of warmth to the audio profile. The midrange frequency response is fairly accurate and flat, maintaining integrity in instruments and vocals. However, the treble is somewhat overemphasized, which can render higher frequencies a bit harsh and bright. This might be a concern for those who prefer a smoother, less bright EQ.

On the other hand, the Space Q45 flaunts impressive sound quality and imaging, characterized by a v-shaped sound signature. This indicates pronounced bass and treble frequencies, with the bass being particularly heavy, resulting in a thumpy, resonant sound. Some peaks in the midrange and treble may occasionally push instruments and vocals forward, altering the balance somewhat.

A noteworthy advantage of the Space Q45 is its extensive EQ customization using the Soundcore companion app. This feature grants listeners the freedom to tweak the audio output to match their personal preferences, which can be a valuable feature for audiophiles or those with specific sound preferences. Moreover, the Space Q45 supports LDAC, allowing for high-resolution wireless audio, giving it an edge over the QuietComfort 45 in this regard.

In conclusion, while the QuietComfort 45 presents a more neutral sound profile, the Space Q45 offers more bass and customization options. Your choice between the two would depend on your audio preferences and the importance you place on sound customization.

Which Headphones Have Better Noise Cancelling?

A quality pair of headphones with active noise cancelling can significantly influence the listener’s overall experience, particularly in environments with substantial background noise. Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Soundcore Space Q45 have implemented active noise cancellation(ANC), however, they offer contrasting performances.

The QuietComfort 45, while continuing Bose’s tradition of good noise-cancelling abilities, falls slightly short when compared to older models from the same brand. This means that while they can reduce background noises such as office chatter, passing cars or air-conditioning hum, their performance might not be as strong as some might expect from Bose’s reputable noise cancellation pedigree.

In contrast, the more affordable Soundcore Q45 takes noise cancellation to another level. It outperforms its pricier counterpart, the Bose QC45, in both low and high-frequency noise cancellation. This means that whether you’re dealing with low-frequency sounds like car engines or plane noise, or high-frequency sounds like nearby conversations or screaming children, the Space Q45 is likely to provide a more peaceful listening environment. Anker’s Q45 ANC headphones also offer an adaptive ANC mode that adjusts performance based on your location. This is in contrast to using the app, which will allow you to adjust the noise reduction level manually.

Transparency or ambient sound mode, a feature not mentioned in the data provided, is another important aspect of noise-cancellation headphones. This mode allows ambient sounds to pass through, helping you stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

In conclusion, while both headphones deliver quality active noise cancelling, the Soundcore Q45 delivers superior performance in this area, making it potentially more suitable for those regularly exposed to distracting background noises such as commuters, travelers, or office workers.

Conclusion: Bose QC 45 or Soundcore Space Q45 Worth The Money?

In conclusion, both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Soundcore Space Q45 have their unique strengths. The QuietComfort 45 shines in terms of build quality and comfort, and offers a more neutral EQ, making it the lightweight and comfortable choice for audiophiles. The Space Q45, on the other hand, boasts superior battery life, fast charging, and more powerful noise cancellation, making it the best value-for-money option. Its added LDAC support and EQ customizability further enhance its sound quality. At half the price tag of the Bose QuietComfort 45, it’s hard not to recommend the Soundcore Space Q45 as the better wireless noise-cancelling headphones for most people. While these Bose rival the Q45 in a few aspects, it’s not enough for its much higher price range.

Those looking for a more premium all-around experience should consider the Sony WH-1000XM5. They are arguably the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. While more expensive than the Space Q45 and Bose QuietComfort 45, they deliver a premium experience. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers a great app experience, long battery life, and excellent sound quality in addition to excellent noise reduction capabilities. Bose also offers the Bose 700 as an alternative to the Bose QC 45. While it’s more expensive, it offers better build quality and noise cancelling. By comparison, the Bose QC 45 headphones do offer longer battery life and are more comfortable to wear. Anker’s Soundcore Life Q35 doesn’t perform as well as the Space Q45, but they’re priced even lower. We’re also big fans of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 for their well-round performance.

Quick Feature Comparison: Bose QC45 vs Anker Soundcore Space Q45

Headphone Design:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Soundcore Space Q45 are over-ear headphones. This style is known for its superior comfort and audio quality due to the large drivers and ample padding around the ear cups. These headphones are typically ideal for extended periods of listening.

Weight:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones weigh 8.32 ounces, while the Soundcore Space Q45 weighs slightly more at 10.4 ounces. Although both are considered lightweight, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is superior in this regard, offering even more comfort for prolonged use.

Active Noise-Cancelling:

Both pairs of headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Soundcore Space Q45, support active noise cancelling and transparency mode. This feature is beneficial as it helps to reduce ambient noise, making it ideal for travel or use in noisy environments, offering a more immersive listening experience.

Passive Playback:

Both the Bose QC 45 and the Soundcore Space Q45 support playback with a wired connection. This feature is advantageous as it allows for listening even when the battery is depleted. Listening with an audio cable also allows for uncompressed lossless listening.

Supported Codecs:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 supports SBC and AAC codecs, while the Soundcore Space Q45 supports SBC, AAC, and additionally LDAC. These codecs are responsible for the quality of the audio transmitted wirelessly. The inclusion of LDAC in the Soundcore Space Q45 provides superior audio quality for wireless audio as it can transmit at a higher bitrate.

Fast Charging:

The Bose QC 45 supports fast charging, providing 3 hours of battery life after a 15-minute charge. On the other hand, the Soundcore Q45 also supports fast charging and offers 4 hours of playback time after just a 5-minute charge. The advantage here lies with the Soundcore Q45, as fast charging allows for quick top-ups when the battery is low.

Charging Connection:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Soundcore Space Q45 use a USB-C charging port. This is a newer and more versatile connection type, which is reversible and supports faster data transfer and charging speeds.

Bluetooth Connectivity:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 and supports Multipoint, while the Soundcore Space Q45 uses Bluetooth 5.3, also supporting Bluetooth Multipoint. Bluetooth 5.3 provides a more stable and longer-range connection. Multipoint allows both over-ear wireless headphones to connect to multiple devices at once, improving versatility.

App Support:

Both headphones have companion app support. The Bose QuietComfort 45 supports the Bose Music app, and the Soundcore Space Q45 supports the Soundcore app. Both of these apps allow for EQ customization, which is beneficial as it allows users to adjust the sound profile to their preference.

Included Case:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Soundcore Space Q45 come with a hard case. This feature is beneficial as it provides protection for the headphones during travel or when not in use, ensuring their longevity.