Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

QuietComfort 25 compared with QuietComfort 45
BoseQuietComfort 25BoseQuietComfort 45
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2014September 2021
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency mode–Yes
BackClosed–
Bluetooth codecsNone (wired)SBC and AAC
Noise cancelling detailMicrophones inside and outside each earcup feed Bose's noise-cancelling processor; the right earcup has a power switchTwo modes, Quiet (full noise cancelling) and Aware (full transparency); microphones inside and outside the ear cups with a proprietary digital chip, tuned for mid-range frequencies such as voices
Audio featuresBose Active EQ and TriPort acoustic system; passive wired playback works with noise cancellation off or the battery removedTriPort acoustic architecture; Active EQ; adjustable EQ (bass, mid-range and treble) in the Bose Music app
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 35 hoursUp to 22 hours
Battery life detailUp to 35 hours of powered listening from one replaceable AAA cellUp to 22 hours on Bose's current product page, tested with noise cancelling on at 50% volume in continuous playback; Bose quoted up to 24 hours at launch (2021 press release); wired listening with the audio cable extends play time
Fast charging–15 minutes gives up to 3 hours; full charge in up to 2.5 hours (Bose UK; the launch press release said two hours)
Design
Weight–240 g
Bluetooth–5.1
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsPower switch on the right earcup; inline microphone and remote on the device-specific cablePhysical buttons; on the right ear cup, power, volume up, volume down and a multi-function button (play, pause, calls, voice assistant); on the left ear cup, an Action button to switch modes and mute the microphone on calls
Microphones–Four external microphones for voice pickup in a beamforming array with a noise-rejection algorithm; What Hi-Fi counts six microphones in total
Fit and ear tipsAround-ear protein-leather cushions, fabric-padded headband and folding earcupsAround-ear with plush synthetic leather ear cushions and headband; impact-resistant nylon with cast-metal hinges; folds flat for the carry case
Case weight–0.18 kg (carry case)
Water resistance detail–No water resistance rating published
Works withSeparate cable versions were sold for Apple devices and for selected Samsung Galaxy and Android devicesBose Music app for iOS and Android; multipoint connection to two devices; remembers up to seven paired devices; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers; Spotify Tap
ColoursBlack or White, both with blue accents at launchTriple Black and White Smoke at launch
In the boxHeadphones, carrying case, audio cable, airline adapter and AAA batteryHeadphones, carry case, 30.5 cm USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable

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