Bose QuietComfort 35 vs Bose QuietComfort 45

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

QuietComfort 35 compared with QuietComfort 45
BoseQuietComfort 35BoseQuietComfort 45
Overview
ReleasedJune 2016September 2021
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency mode–Yes
Bluetooth codecs–SBC and AAC
BackClosed–
Noise cancelling detailNoise cancellation can run without audio; microphones inside and outside the earcups feed two Bose processing chipsTwo 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 featuresVolume-optimised EQ adjusts the balance with listening levelTriPort acoustic architecture; Active EQ; adjustable EQ (bass, mid-range and treble) in the Bose Music app
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 22 hours
Battery life detailUp to 20 hours over Bluetooth or 40 hours with the audio cable and power on; passive wired audio remains available when the battery is depletedUp 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 onceYesYes
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsPower/Bluetooth slider, volume and multi-function buttons on the right earcup; NFC touchpoint for pairingPhysical 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
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphones for calls; the launch announcement describes a dual-microphone system for voice pickupFour 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 cushions and folding headband with rotating 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 withBose Connect app for iOS and Android; stores eight Bluetooth pairings and can connect to two devices at once, with one audio stream playingBose 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 and Silver at launch; Midnight Blue was sold laterTriple Black and White Smoke at launch
In the boxHeadphones, carry case, USB charging cable, back-up audio cable and airline adapterHeadphones, carry case, 30.5 cm USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable

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