Bose QC45 Review: Top notch active noise cancellation that can’t be adjusted


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The Bose QuietComfort 45 has all the pieces to be a great Active noise cancellation headset, but it’s not perfect. Even with the one of the best ANC available, its sound quality isn’t great.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Noise Canceling Headphones In Australia 2022 ►

Bose QC45: $339 at Amazon.com.au →

Bose QC45 Review
Bose QC45 Review

Introduction header

Bose’s ANC headphones are a bit typical, and for good reason.
They are very good at providing convenience and ease of use for most people. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is no exception. If there’s one big advantage that the QC 45 has, is that it looks nearly identical to its predecessor.

PRO: A familiar design

  • Comfortable and easy to use just like previous Bose headphones. The Bose QC 45 feature big earcups but are reasonably light weight at 240 grams.
  • The Bose QC 45 jumped from the outdated micro-USB port, the previous models featured, to USB-C.

PRO: Features

  • Awareness Mode allows you to modify how you hear what you hear. Substantially lower your music volume and turn off noise cancellation without removing your headphones.
  • The Bose QC 45 does a great job of blocking out external noise with its latest ANC system. In particular, it blocks mid- and high-frequency noise surprisingly well.
  • In-app EQ – You can now download the Bose Music App and tweak your headphones to your liking to deal with the shaky default sound profile.

CON: Con header 1

  • ANC can’t be adjusted – No true “off” listening mode as the only way to turn ANC off is to turn Aware mode on.
  • Not the best sound quality on the market.
Bose QC45 Review
Bose QC45 Review

Where to buy the Bose QC45 in Australia

When you buy the Bose QuietComfort 45, you get a capable set of noise cancellation. The addition of EQ to the Bose Music app is also good news. On the contrary, the ANC cannot be adjusted, and the sound quality is not the best.

Bose QC 45’s cheap price makes it an attractive choice, and I therefore can’t tell you this isn’t a good deal. However, if you can afford a better alternative, you should consider your options.

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$339 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members


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Posted by Nicholas Webb

Nicholas Webb is a Queensland-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest focused on connected home and streaming products.