With modern upgrades from its predecessor, the QuietComfort 35 II, the recent launch of the Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones keeps much of what made the previous model so popular, while improving upon some problem areas. The main changes include smoothing out the look of the sides and ear cushions and exchanging what was a micro-USB port for the more modern USB-C. There are still physical control buttons that allow users to adjust the volume and the 2.5mm connector is still the featured connector for wired listening. The Bose Quiet Comfort 45 still folds flat, thanks to the return of the rotation earcups and a hinged headband.
On the inside is where the most notable changes lie. Bose says it improved the noise cancellation of the QuietComfort 45 with the combination of internal and external microphones paired with a “proprietary digital chip.” The company explains that this setup can detect and silence more mid-range frequencies — things like the roar of train, office, or coffee shop — when you activate Quiet mode. The headphones utilize ANC technology featuring two different noise-cancellation modes, namely the “quiet” and “aware” modes. The quiet mode works well for traditional noise cancellation while the aware mode works similarly to other brands’ “ambient sound” mode. In this mode, users can hear outside sounds while still enjoying whatever they are playing on their headphones. This aware mode also gives users the ability to mute a mic during phone calls. Countless other features make these Bose headphones stand out among the crowd, perhaps none more so than the 24-hour battery life which is a heralded improvement found on this latest release.
For another new headphone release, check out the Yamaha YH-L700A Wireless Headphones.