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Grado SR325x — Open-back
Grado

Grado SR325x

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Bose QC45 wins by 4
Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
Specdex verdict

Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Grado SR325x lands at 84 and Bose QC45 at 88. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Grado SR325x if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Bose QC45 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Bose QC45

Tuning, detail, and staging

Bose QC45 leads on sound (88 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

Bose QC45

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Bose QC45

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QC45 more score per dollar ($329 vs $349).

Grado SR325x 84
vs
88 Bose QC45

Score breakdown

Grado SR325x
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

Grado SR325x versus Bose QC45 — full spec comparison
Spec Grado SR325x Bose QC45
Type
Open-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2021

Grado SR325x

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Bose QC45

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Grado SR325x vs Bose QC45

Which is better, Grado SR325x or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Grado SR325x worth the price? +

At $349, Grado SR325x delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +

At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does Grado SR325x 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, Grado SR325x or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Grado SR325x or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.