Bose QuietComfort 45 Vs Ultra – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Bose QuietComfort 45 & Ultra share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra rather than the Bose QuietComfort 45.

Why Do I Recommend The Bose QuietComfort Ultra

  • The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has Advanced ANC, advanced algorithms & better hardware to block out more ambient noise, providing a high-quality listening experience, but the Bose QuietComfort 45 has basic ANC. 
  • It includes touch controls for a more modern, sleek interface compared to the button controls on the Bose QuietComfort 45, which feel less intuitive.
  • The QuietComfort 700 features Immersive Audio settings and Custom Tune allowing for personalized sound adjustments. The QC45 lacks built-in EQ customization.
  • It supports high-resolution audio & features a more refined sound profile with enhanced bass response and clearer highs, while the QuietComfort 45 does not match the fidelity and depth.
  • The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has ten microphones to enhance call clarity even in noisy environments, but the QC45 has fewer microphones.
  • Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 in the QuietComfort Ultra ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and potentially lower latency than Bluetooth 5.1 in the QuietComfort 45.
  • QuietComfort Ultra provides up to 24 hours of listening time for extended travel or long listening sessions, compared to 22 hours for the QC 45.

Maybe the Bose QuietComfort 45 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureBose QuietComfort UltraBose QuietComfort 45
Noise CancellationEnhanced ANC with CustomTune technologyActive Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Immersive AudioAvailable; offers ‘Still’ and ‘Motion’ modes for spatial audio experienceNot available
Microphone SystemTen microphonesSix microphones
Battery LifeUp to 24 hours; up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabledUp to 22 hours
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.1
Audio Codecs SupportedSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSBC, AAC
ControlsCombination of physical buttons and capacitive touch stripPhysical buttons for volume, playback
App SupportBose Music App with advanced features, including Immersive Audio settings and CustomTuneBose Music App for firmware updates and basic EQ adjustments
DesignModern design with capacitive touch stripTraditional design with physical buttons
WeightApproximately 9 ounces (253 grams)Approximately 8.5 ounces (240 grams)
PriceCheck QC Ultra PriceCheck QC 45 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Design: Both models feature an over-ear, closed-back design that effectively isolates external noise. Their foldable structure enhances portability, making them convenient for travel and storage.
  • Comfort: Equipped with plush ear cushions and padded headbands, both headphones are designed for extended wear without causing discomfort, catering to users who listen for long periods.
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both headphones utilize advanced ANC technology to minimize ambient noise, providing an immersive listening experience in various environments.
  • Aware Mode (Transparency Mode): This feature allows users to hear external sounds without removing the headphones, enhancing situational awareness when needed.
  • Battery Life: Both models offer up to 24 hours of continuous playback, ensuring long-lasting use without frequent recharging.
  • Bluetooth Multipoint Pairing: This functionality enables the headphones to connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing seamless switching between devices like a smartphone and a laptop.
  • Bose Music App Support: Compatibility with the Bose Music App allows users to perform firmware updates and adjust equalizer settings, customizing the audio experience to personal preferences.
  • Voice Assistant Integration: Both headphones support popular voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, facilitating hands-free control and access to information.
  • Wired Listening Option: Each model includes a 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable, providing the option for wired listening when preferred or when the battery is depleted.
  • Carrying Case: Both come with a protective hard-shell carrying case, offering secure storage and protection during transport.

Common Features

FeatureBose QuietComfort UltraBose QuietComfort 45
DesignOver-earOver-ear
ComfortPlush ear cushions and padded headbandPlush ear cushions and padded headband
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)YesYes
Aware Mode (Transparency Mode)Allows external soundsAllows external sounds
Battery LifeUp to 24 hoursUp to 24 hours
Bluetooth Multipoint PairingConnects to two devices simultaneouslyConnects to two devices simultaneously
Bose Music App SupportCompatible for firmware updates and EQ adjustmentsCompatible for firmware updates and EQ adjustments
Voice Assistant IntegrationSupports voice assistants like Siri and Google AssistantSupports voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant
Wired Listening Option2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable
Carrying CaseComes with a protective hard-shell carrying caseComes with a protective hard-shell carrying case
Price Check QC Ultra Price Check QC 45 Price

FAQ

Q1: What are the key differences between the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the QuietComfort Ultra?
A1: The key differences include price, noise cancellation technology, battery life with advanced features, Bluetooth version, and design. The QuietComfort Ultra is more expensive and has enhanced ANC with CustomTune technology, Immersive Audio for spatial sound, and supports Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive codec. The QuietComfort 45 lacks these advanced features but offers excellent ANC and overall performance at a lower price.

Q2: Do both headphones support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode?
A2: Yes, both headphones support Active Noise Cancellation to reduce ambient noise and Transparency Mode (also called Aware Mode), which allows external sounds to be heard for improved situational awareness.

Q3: Is the comfort level similar on both models?
A3: Yes, both models feature plush ear cushions and padded headbands, making them comfortable for extended use. Bose has designed both headphones for long listening sessions without causing discomfort.

Q4: How do the battery lives compare?
A4: Both headphones offer up to 24 hours of battery life. However, the QuietComfort Ultra’s battery life may decrease to around 18 hours if Immersive Audio is activated. Without Immersive Audio, both models perform similarly in terms of battery life.

Q5: Can both models connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
A5: Yes, both the QuietComfort 45 and QuietComfort Ultra support Bluetooth multipoint pairing, allowing them to connect to two devices simultaneously. This feature makes it easy to switch between devices, such as a laptop and smartphone.

Q6: Do both headphones come with a carrying case?
A6: Yes, both models include a hard-shell carrying case for safe transport and storage, providing protection from potential damage during travel.

Q7: Are the headphones compatible with the Bose Music App, and what features does it support?
A7: Both models are compatible with the Bose Music App, which allows users to adjust equalizer settings and update firmware. The app also supports more advanced customization features in the QuietComfort Ultra, such as settings for Immersive Audio and CustomTune.

Q8: What are the differences in wired listening options?
A8: Both models come with a 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. However, the QuietComfort Ultra requires the headphones to be powered on to use this feature, while the QuietComfort 45 can be used passively when powered off.

Q9: Do both headphones support voice assistants?
A9: Yes, both the QuietComfort 45 and QuietComfort Ultra are compatible with popular voice assistants, such as Siri and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control and quick access to information.

Q10: How are the audio quality and ANC different between the two models?
A10: While both models provide excellent ANC, the QuietComfort Ultra has more advanced ANC technology with CustomTune for improved noise cancellation and offers Immersive Audio modes for a more dynamic, spatial sound experience. The QuietComfort 45 still delivers high-quality ANC but without the advanced spatial audio features found in the Ultra model.

 

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