Battery: 50 hours
ANC: Yes (Adaptive)
These 2024 headphones pack in a full suite of smart features and impressive sound into a $200 package, with vibrant, detailed audio and an excellent range of EQ functions to cater to your desired sound profile. The 50 hours of battery life don’t hurt either. The rigid construction means it’s not as portable, or possibly as accommodating to every person’s head, but these are still an excellent pair of over-ear headphones for the price.
For
- Big, quite assertive sound
- Good battery life
- Well-made and comfortable
Against
- A fractionally blunt listen
- The fit won’t suit every head
- On-ear volume control is a tad hit and miss
Battery: 25 hours
ANC: Yes
After three years on the market, there are newer, better Bose models than the QC45s, but they still pack a punch in the audio department, with consistently excellent sound that’s as easy on the ears as the headphones’ soft, pliable construction. The battery life is likely enough, if a little short by modern standards, and these headphones are a joy to wear even for long periods – just know that you’re going without some of the more forward-looking smart features found elsewhere.
For
- Fantastic noise cancellation
- Intuitive control scheme
- Lightweight and comfortable
- New ambient aware mode
Against
- Missing a few features
- Lackluster clarity
- Call quality isn’t great
- Occasional dropout
