Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Airplane – 2024

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Airplane – 2024

The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are designed to deliver an unparalleled noise-cancelling experience, making them the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel. They combine comfort, sound quality, and advanced features to enhance your listening experience whether you’re commuting, working, or relaxing at home.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetic and Comfort

The Bose QuietComfort 45 maintains the classic design of its predecessors, with a few modern tweaks. The headphones feature a sleek, minimalist design with smooth ear cups and a robust headband reinforced with glass-filled nylon for durability. The ear cushions are made from plush synthetic leather, providing a comfortable fit for extended wear. The headphones are lightweight, weighing just 240 grams, making them ideal for long listening sessions without causing fatigue.

Durability

The QC45 is built to last, with custom-cast metal hinges and impact-resistant materials. The overall build quality ensures that the headphones can withstand daily use and occasional drops without compromising performance.

Key Features and Functionality

Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound Mode

The standout feature of the Bose QuietComfort 45 is its active noise cancellation (ANC), making them the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel. Bose’s Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music. The headphones also offer an “Aware Mode,” which lets you hear your surroundings without removing the headphones, making them versatile for different environments.

Sound Quality and EQ

The QC45 delivers a balanced sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. The headphones come with a graphic EQ in the Bose Music app, allowing you to customize the sound to your liking. While the sound quality is not audiophile-grade, it is more than adequate for most users, offering clear vocals and a well-defined soundstage.

Battery Life and Charging

With up to 22 hours of battery life, the QC45 can easily last through long flights or workdays. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback, and the headphones charge via USB-C, which is a welcome update from previous models.

Microphone and Call Quality

The headphones feature a beam-forming microphone array that improves voice pickup for calls. While the microphone quality is good for calls in quiet environments, it struggles in noisy settings, which is a common issue with Bluetooth headphones.

App Features and Customization

The Bose Music app enhances the user experience by allowing you to adjust the EQ settings, update firmware, and manage paired devices. The app is intuitive and adds significant value to the overall functionality of the headphones.

Comparison with Similar Products

When compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Max, the Bose QuietComfort 45 excels in noise cancellation, especially for airplane travel, but falls slightly short in terms of sound customization and connectivity features. The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers better sound quality and more customization options, while the AirPods Max provides seamless integration with Apple devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional noise cancellation, ideal for airplane travel
• Comfortable design for long wear
• Good battery life with quick charging
• Customizable sound through the app

Cons

• Microphone performance in noisy environments
• Limited sound customization compared to competitors
• No water resistance rating

Why Choose Bose QuietComfort 45?

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is ideal for those who prioritize noise cancellation and comfort in their headphones, making them the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel. Its ability to effectively block out ambient noise makes it perfect for frequent travelers and office workers. While it may not offer the best sound quality for audiophiles, its overall performance and user-friendly features make it a compelling choice for most users.

User Experiences and Testimonials

Users generally praise the QC45 for its comfort and noise-cancelling capabilities, especially during flights. Many appreciate the lightweight design and long battery life, although some have noted the microphone’s limitations during calls. Overall, the QC45 receives high marks for its ease of use and effective noise cancellation.

Tips and Tricks for Optimal Use

• Use the Bose Music app to customize your sound settings and keep your headphones updated.
• Take advantage of the quick charge feature for on-the-go power boosts.
• Experiment with the Aware Mode in different environments to find the best balance between noise cancellation and situational awareness.

FAQs

Can the Bose QuietComfort 45 connect to multiple devices?

Yes, the QC45 supports multi-point connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, such as a phone and a laptop.

Is the QC45 suitable for workouts?

While the QC45 is comfortable and wireless, it lacks a water resistance rating, making it less ideal for intense workouts or use in wet conditions.

How do I update the firmware on my QC45?

You can update the firmware through the Bose Music app by following the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are a top choice for anyone seeking superior noise cancellation and comfort, making them the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel. While they may not offer the most advanced sound customization, their ease of use and effective ANC make them a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers and office workers. If noise cancellation is your primary concern, the QC45 is hard to beat, earning its place as an Editors’ Choice in the realm of noise-cancelling headphones.