Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
HiFiMan Sundara — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Sundara

Planar magnetic

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Bose QC45 wins by 3
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, HiFiMan Sundara lands at 85 and Bose QC45 at 88. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HiFiMan Sundara 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)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

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 85).

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

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

HiFiMan Sundara 85
vs
88 Bose QC45

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Sundara
85
anc 0
sound 85
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Sundara versus Bose QC45 — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Sundara Bose QC45
Type
Planar magnetic
Over-ear
Release year
—
2021

HiFiMan Sundara

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: HiFiMan Sundara vs Bose QC45

Which is better, HiFiMan Sundara or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Sundara worth the price? +

At $299, HiFiMan Sundara delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.

Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +

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

Does HiFiMan Sundara 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, HiFiMan Sundara or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, HiFiMan Sundara or Bose QC45? +

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