Bose 700 vs. QC45: A Comprehensive Comparison of Noise-Canceling Headphones

In the realm of noise-canceling headphones, two giants stand out: the Bose 700 and the Bose QC45. Both models offer exceptional sound quality and cutting-edge noise cancellation technology, but they differ in subtle ways that may influence your choice. This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of these headphones to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Comfort

Bose 700

• Sleek and modern: The Bose 700 features a sleek and stylish design with a luxurious feel. Its stainless steel headband and soft earcups provide a premium wearing experience.
• Lightweight and comfortable: Weighing in at just 251 grams, the Bose 700 is one of the lightest noise-canceling headphones on the market, ensuring all-day comfort.

Bose QC45

• Classic and functional: The Bose QC45 retains the classic design of its predecessors, prioritizing comfort and functionality. Its plush cushions and adjustable headband offer a secure and comfortable fit.
• Slightly heavier: At 234 grams, the Bose QC45 is slightly heavier than the Bose 700 but remains comfortable for extended use.

Winner: Tie. Both headphones offer excellent comfort and style, but the Bose 700's lighter weight gives it a slight edge.

Noise Cancellation

Bose 700

• Advanced noise cancellation: The Bose 700 employs Bose's proprietary noise cancellation system, which effectively blocks out up to 99% of unwanted noise.
• Self-adjusting microphones: Eight built-in microphones automatically adjust to your surroundings, optimizing noise cancellation for different environments.

Bose QC45

• Acclaimed noise cancellation: The Bose QC45 is known for its industry-leading noise cancellation, offering up to 95% noise reduction.
• Optimized for specific environments: The QC45's Aware Mode allows you to customize the level of noise cancellation to match your surroundings.

Winner: Tie. Both headphones provide exceptional noise cancellation, making it difficult to choose a clear winner.

Sound Quality

Bose 700

• Rich and balanced sound: The Bose 700 delivers a rich and balanced sound profile with clear highs, articulate mids, and deep, impactful bass.
• Customized EQ: The Bose Music app allows you to adjust the EQ settings to your liking, personalizing your listening experience.

Bose QC45

• Optimized for music: The Bose QC45 is specifically tuned for music playback, offering a detailed and engaging soundstage.
• Natural listening experience: The QC45's Acoustic Noise Canceling technology ensures a natural listening experience without sacrificing noise reduction.

Winner: Bose QC45. While both headphones offer excellent sound quality, the QC45's optimized tuning for music slightly edges out the Bose 700.

Features and Functionality

Bose 700

• Virtual assistant support: The Bose 700 supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, providing hands-free control over music, calls, and other functions.
• Touch controls: Intuitive touch controls allow you to easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls directly from the earcups.
• Multi-device connectivity: The Bose 700 can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between sources.

Bose QC45

• Dedicated noise cancellation button: The QC45 features a dedicated noise cancellation button, allowing you to quickly adjust the noise cancellation intensity.
• Physical buttons: In addition to touch controls, the QC45 also has physical buttons for controlling volume, playback, and power.
• Multi-point connectivity: Similar to the Bose 700, the QC45 can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at once.

Winner: Depends on preference. The Bose 700's virtual assistant support and intuitive touch controls may appeal to some, while others may prefer the dedicated noise cancellation button and physical controls of the QC45.

Battery Life and Charging

Bose 700

• Impressive battery life: With noise cancellation turned on, the Bose 700 provides up to 20 hours of battery life.
• Quick charging: A 15-minute quick charge gives you up to 3.5 hours of additional playtime.
• USB-C charging: The Bose 700 uses the widely adopted USB-C charging standard.

Bose QC45

• Slightly longer battery life: The Bose QC45 offers up to 24 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled.
• Improved charging speed: The QC45's fast charging capability provides 3 hours of playtime with just a 15-minute charge.
• USB-C charging: Like the Bose 700, the QC45 also supports USB-C charging.

Winner: Bose QC45. The QC45's slightly longer battery life and faster charging capabilities give it an edge over the Bose 700.

Comparison Table

Effective Strategies

Choosing the Right Headphones:

• Consider your primary use case (e.g., music playback, noise cancellation).
• Determine the level of comfort and style that suits you best.
• Set a budget and compare prices from reputable retailers.

Optimizing Noise Cancellation:

• Ensure a proper fit by adjusting the headband and earcups accordingly.
• Choose the appropriate noise cancellation mode for your environment (e.g., Aware Mode in the Bose QC45).
• Avoid using the headphones in extremely noisy environments, as no noise-canceling system is perfect.

Extending Battery Life:

• Turn off noise cancellation when not necessary.
• Use a wired connection via the included audio cable.
• Charge the headphones regularly to avoid running out of power.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overestimating Noise Cancellation:

• Noise-canceling headphones cannot completely eliminate all noise.
• External sounds may still be audible in certain environments.

Ignoring Comfort:

• Wearing uncomfortable headphones for extended periods can lead to discomfort and fatigue.
• Choose headphones that fit securely and provide adequate cushioning.

Neglecting Maintenance:

• Regularly clean the earcups and headband to maintain hygiene.
• Protect the headphones from extreme temperatures and moisture.

Pros and Cons

Bose 700

Pros:

• Sleek and modern design
• Excellent noise cancellation
• Rich and balanced sound
• Virtual assistant support
• Intuitive touch controls

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than the QC45
• No dedicated noise cancellation button

Bose QC45

Pros:

• Acclaimed noise cancellation
• Optimized sound for music
• Comfortable and adjustable fit
• Dedicated noise cancellation button
• Longer battery life

Cons:

• Not as stylish as the Bose 700
• Lack of virtual assistant support

FAQs

1. Which headphones have the best noise cancellation?

Both the Bose 700 and QC45 offer exceptional noise cancellation, with the QC45 having a slight edge in this area.

2. Which headphones are more comfortable?

Both headphones provide excellent comfort, but the Bose 700's lighter weight gives it a slight advantage.

3. Which headphones have better sound quality?

The Bose QC45 is slightly better suited for music playback, while the Bose 700 offers a more versatile sound profile with customizable EQ.

4. Which headphones have better battery life?

The Bose QC45 has a slightly longer battery life than the Bose 700, at 24 hours compared to 20 hours with noise cancellation enabled.

5. Which headphones are more durable?

Both headphones are made from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand everyday use.

6. Which headphones are more expensive?

The Bose 700 and QC45 are priced at a similar level, with the QC45 typically being slightly more expensive.

7. Which headphones are better for working out?

Neither the Bose 700 nor the QC45 are specifically designed for workouts and may not be suitable for strenuous activities.

8. Which headphones are better for traveling?

Both headphones are suitable for traveling due to their noise-canceling capabilities and long battery life.

Call to Action

After weighing the pros and cons of the Bose 700 and QC45, it's time to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, or features, this comprehensive comparison provides you with the necessary information to choose the headphones that best meet your needs. Visit your nearest electronics retailer or browse online to experience these exceptional audio devices