Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 lands at 93 and Bose QC45 at 88. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if…
- ✓Deepest ANC on the market
- ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- ✓Bose Immersive Audio
Pick Bose QC45 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Tuning, detail, and staging
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on sound (90 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on anc (100 vs 86).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Long-session wearability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 87).
Value for money
Bose QC45Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Bose QC45 more score per dollar ($329 vs $449).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 35 mm | — |
| ANC | Hybrid · 8-mic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 + Snapdragon Sound | — |
| Codecs | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC | — |
| Battery | 30 hr (24 with ANC) | — |
| Charging | USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr | — |
| Weight | 254 g | — |
| Type | — | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2021 |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- +Deepest ANC on the market
- +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- +Bose Immersive Audio
- −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
- −Cable not included
- −Pricier than XM6
Bose QC45
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 vs Bose QC45
Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 or Bose QC45? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 worth the price? +
At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.
Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +
At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 or Bose QC45 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 or Bose QC45? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on sound (90 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 or Bose QC45? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on anc (100 vs 86). ANC strength for commute and travel.