Bose QuietComfort 45 Release Date & Price - September 2023

Bose Announces the QuietComfort 45 Headphones

After a series of leaks, Bose officially unveiled its newest over-ear headphones this morning. The QuietComfort 45, succeeding the QC 35 II model, feature enhanced noise cancellation capabilities and a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, according to Bose’s specifications.

Pricing and Design

These headphones, popular among air travelers, are priced at $330. This represents a $20 reduction compared to the original retail price of the QC 35.

The design of the new headphones closely resembles previous generations. Subtle adjustments have been implemented to improve comfort, reduce weight, and create a more compact form factor.

Key Features: Quiet and Aware Modes

The headphones offer two primary operating modes: Quiet and Aware. The Quiet mode utilizes advanced noise canceling technology that dynamically adapts to surrounding sounds, a departure from Bose’s previous universal ANC approach.

Conversely, the Aware mode allows external sounds to pass through, providing a transparency mode for situational awareness.

Controls and Voice Quality

Unlike some competitors who have adopted touch controls, Bose retains physical buttons. Four buttons are located on the left ear cup for managing volume, power, and pairing functions.

A single button on the right ear cup facilitates switching between the noise canceling modes. Improvements have also been made to voice isolation during calls, enhancing clarity through the integrated microphone.

Battery and Charging

The battery provides up to 24 hours of music playback. Recharging is accomplished via USB-C.

A full charge from zero takes approximately two hours. However, a quick 15-minute charge yields up to three hours of playback time.

A Competitive Landscape

The headphone market has undergone significant evolution since Bose introduced the original QuietComfort headphones in 2000. The transition to fully wireless models occurred in 2016 with the QC 35.

The market has become increasingly competitive, with notable offerings from companies like Sony and Apple. Nevertheless, Bose continues to be recognized as a leading and iconic brand in over-ear headphones, especially favored by frequent travelers.

Availability

The QC 45 headphones will be available for purchase starting September 23. It is hoped that travel opportunities will be more readily available by this time.