Excellent review as always Mark, you add quality and honesty to what you are saying, I trust your reviews, would love you to compare the Bose QC45s to Airpod Max, that would be interesting, all the best mate 🍹
What we want in terms of sound is so different between people. I listened to both of these headphones out of box, and for me the Sony´s sounds muffled with no clarity. The Bose sounds very clear and perfectly balanced. I typically listen to rock, hip hop, classical piano and jazz. So maybe that´s why I appreciate a more balanced sound. I think that´s important to know for people making a choice, what kind of music do you listen to and what type of sound are you looking for.
perfectly balanced is a stretch but they are far better than the sony mx4. It comes down to do you want better sound vs noise cancelling and I think for most people the first should be a higher priority, as even the best NC isn't perfect.
@@chelseatongwn I'd pick a neutral sound for Funk and disco like the Sennheiser HD650. The Bose QC45 would be better in this comparison as it doesn't boost the low end. But if you want to feel the kick articially boosted and lose most of the bass guitar in a muffled mess go with the Sony mx4. For modern Pop and Hip Hop that's where the MX4 shines.
Base is the cheapest sound an engineer can implement into headphones, without a doubt, very balanced sounding audio is more impressive from an audio quality perspective. And Bose are just as capable of base as the Sony, it’s just that the type of audio that typical Bose users prefer is less base. It’s all focus groups if certain products that decide how the pre set sound is
I think this perfectly discribes it But i am doubting now what to get the airpods max 45s or the xm4 s its gonna be a travel heavy job for the headphone otherwise i would ve gone to the high fidelity headphones
@@Kazook1212 if they’re for your phone or iPad mostly get the max But for laptops or pcs get the Sony or Bose, the max are optimised for apple products and just work nicer but the aux cord is sold separately and is a unique design and they don’t sound AS good on none apple devices The Sony provide just as good noise cancellation and the Bose aren’t that much behind at all, you can wear the max and QC for hours and not get a headache But for travel…. The max case is ASS, ASS I tell you, it doesn’t protect anything and they don’t fold down and they don’t go in standby mode around your neck or without the case So my favourite for travel would be the Bose
I tried the Bose in stores and the noise canceling was absolutely phenomenal. I was literally standing there thinking WTF??!!... It’s a major selling point but the bottom line is sound... thanks for the review will check out those Sony’s as well!..
An important part that I don’t think a lot of reviewers miss is the back end support . Warranty whether it be a malfunctioning pair of headphones , new earcups , headbands and etc are stellar with Bose . I’ve had nothing but amazing service with them . I had the qc 15 , qc35 ii and now the qc45. I can confidently say that if there are any issues Bose will work for you and allow you some freedom away from warranty. Sony not so much . I think that in itself makes it valuable
I'm glad you had good luck with Bose. My first Bose QC's started falling apart just under the 3yr mark. That soft ear cup started flaking. I got offered a 10% off coupon for headphones on their site which were already more expensive than box stores.
@@dustindodge5974 yup, i'm pretty sure they just say "tough shit" after 2 years, but getting a replacement in the first 2 years was a very quick and easy process. The one thing that I'll say is that the replacements for the padding falling apart are pretty easy to install and >$10; It's kind of frustrating that you have to replace them, but it's pretty easy
fully agree. I have the 35, and I have a small issue with them. I just called bose to see how to fix it, they are replacing my 35 with tthe 45, no questions asked. so satisfied.
I'm shocked about the build quality comment. I have had older Bose then switched to xm3 due to sound quality... and kind of regretted the good build quality of those 4+ year old bose QCs
Fr, I had the qc35 and i thorough out my time using them, like 3 or 4 years, they got beaten to the ground, and they still worked like a frigging champ, after that i got the nc700s and i still rep them to this day, like three years after i got them, i haven’t been able to say that with any other brand yet
Same here. I replaced my QC25s with XM3s for the additional bass, but I quickly regretted the switch. Build quality and comfort are far superior on the Bose.
Yeah the guy in the video is clearly biased. The leather and foam cushion quality in the bose qc35 are much much better than the sony xm3. Just touch them both and the sony xm3 feels cheaply made. The qc35 feels luxurious. The earcup design is also better in the qc35. Xm3 wins slightly in audio quality and more clearly in noise cancellation. But that's about it.
Bose added an EQ to the NC 700s a year ago and recently added an EQ to The QC earbuds and they sound awesome. I think they’ll eventually add an EQ to the QC45 headphones. Great review bro!!
I honestly don’t know how the QC45 sound as I don’t own them. I have the NC700 and QC earbuds. I think if I got the QC45s it might be a little redundant. I also have the XM4 and those things are awesome. However Sony needs to get there crap together with their multipoint tech on those . It’s pretty bad.!!🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
The problem that always turned me away from Sony's XM series is the mesh inside the earcups touching and pushing against my ears. Just doesn't feel as comfortable as the Bose. Comfort as well as Bose's signature sound is why I keep returning to them. However as this video mentioned the 45's default signature can be "too bright" but with the update, you can now adjust the EQ.
I have both the Sony and Bose 35, Sony for music because of volume and bass, Bose for watching films and TH-cam because they are light and comfortable.
Love the Sony series but I personally switched to the qc45 due to comfort. My Sony ones began to hurt my ears cuz the inside cup design. The design of the qc is amazing ....the slant inside leaves me so much room esp cuz I have bigger ears. Plus the ear cups are replaceable. Such a plush. Yup sorry Sony....qc has my heart now.
Listened to this while wearing QC 35 2s. It's the usb c charging that excites me the most. On my days off I wear these headphones for 16 hours straight, never had a problem with them.
I would prefer that you use the Bose QC45 for as long as you can so that it would be comparable to your usage of the Sony. I can’t wait for another 2 or 3 months for your unbiased review of the 2 overhead phones. Fair enough?
There pretty much the same as the QC35II as far as sound goes. The extra mic will help for noise canceling and calls. But Bose only uses SBC and AAC codecs. No comparison to Sonys LDAC. In my opinion.
@@Ed.die666 true. But the sound of the qc35 is light years away compared to Sony xm4. The Sony sounds fake. The sound is heavily tuned to be in a specific way (bad way). Horrible!
@@Ed.die666 oh I find the qc 45 sound better with better base and clarity then the QC 35 ii. And better noise cancelling. I just love the simplicity of of them and no bloody touch pads. I have xm4 as well as Bose 700 too. They are all comfortable but Bose qc 45 I can where all day long while work and after work. The feel comfy and cozy to me
I tried out both at a local store. Bose outperformed Sony in Noise Cancellation and Mid Notes. However the sheer comfort of transparency mode and smart features of Sony kick Bose out of the playing field. I decided to buy the Sony today,a nd used the equaliser to make it sound if not better than the QC45. Pro Tip: Keep wearing the headphones for over half an hour and see if it is comfortable or not. It will all boil down to that. Your ears will get attenuated to the Sound after a few weeks and you wont find the difference between the two. For me the xm4 fit perfectly, and so i went with it.
To anyone considering the qc45 because of the better ANC, you should take into consideration the cabin pressure that they have. I bought a pair yesterday, I'm returning them today. The pressure is a bit too strong for me, I'd rather go for the XM4s (slightly less anc, but almost no cabin pressure)
You should be aware, that on XM3 turning EQ on, means you stuck with low quality sound connection. No LDAC with EQ on XM3. However, XM4 are capable to use equalizer with LDAC (high quality sound codec over Bluetooth).
@@tomashcraft If you EQ via a system level EQ rather than the Sony app, you maintain fidelity, but you'll need to know how to jailbreak / root your phone.
The Bose are light weight but very rugged, I've owned the same QC35II since 2016 and so many times I've rounded a corner and got to close to corner and knocked the headphone straight into the wall while wearing them. These impacts have been very rough but the Bose has zero issues handling these impacts, the QC45's are the same build so I would certainly not worry about how tough they are. Also honestly I never use the included case so they get tossed around a lot in between listening sessions and again not a problem. Also the internal battery on the Bose has lasted me going on 5yrs now and the battery is still lasting about the same as it did when new, I've only had to change the ear pads I couple times but that going to happen with any headphones if you use them enough. In short the Bose are made to last it seems forever, because of this I've not been forced to buy a different pair so i can't comment on Sony XM4, I'm sure they are good but I know what I'm getting with Bose so why change. I'm going to order the QC45's even though my 35's are still going strong surely after 5yrs the battery can't last forever or can it.🤔
I like wearing headphones while working, they can be on for 5-6 hours straight and that’s where nothing beats QC… the light weight helps a lot, yet I’ve never had any issues throwing them around in their case while traveling.
I find it really helpful to test them out with the type of music you listen to because it can vary from person to person. I found that the sony's sounded really muffled while the bose were nice and clear, and have pretty good noise cancelling for me. Also personally, the sony headphones were too big for my head unfortunately LOL. They didnt fit snug even in the smallest setting, so all the weight was pressured on top of my head where the headband is, making them hurt after 2 hours. Its a shame, but the bose fit me perfectly and sound great. I def recommend if you can to buy them both, test them out for a couple of hours and decide based off of that!
I think this is super helpful,I was able to get the QC45s for $250 US and I honestly am pretty satisfied. I would like to try the Sonys but ironically there’s no sales at the moment, so they currently are above 300 US.
If you check prices on this one or Sony, both have a higher price hike. Just nuts. I have a pair used from eBay and I think even used are surprisingly higher than what they should be.
The Bose are just way more comfier by any comparison. The Sonys will slip forward or back if you tilt your head. The bose basically disappear. I don't own either but i have worn both for extended flights even switching between them in the same flights. Sony has the sound edge but the sonys move more and are way more apparent
I own the Sony XM4 and very old wired Bose QC15 headsets. The Bose are more comfortable to wear as you said, the Sony XM4 slips when you move your head. My XM4 do have great isolation and sound. I don’t like phone call quality on my Sonys.
Same here, they basically disapper. there are lot of times i would just leave my house and then 2min away, you have been disconnected from your laptop. And i would be surprised that i have headphones on with no sound :)
As far as Bose build quality I'd like to share my personal experience with the 35's.. You mentioned you had concerns about the build quality or durability with the Bose 45's. I use my headphones while working construction and mowing lawns. I've used them in this fashion for over 3 years and hundreds of hours. They have been in the rain, dropped, thrown around, and covered in dirt/dust. Yet they still work flawlessly. Admittedly they are no longer cosmetically perfect. However, that is no fault of the headphones, but more a result of the sheer abuse they have survived. There are scratches and the ear cuffs had to be replaced, but no cracks/ or mechanical failures of any sort. Not saying the Sony's wouldn't hold up aswell, but when I do go for a replacement pair it will be Bose. They seemingly can't be destroyed. Great comparison though! Very clear and concise video.
That's amazing. I have the XM4s and I love them but they are not waterproof and are plagued by issues like moisture build up from sweat causing crackling. I'm extremely careful with mine, only using them indoors for work and listening to music, podcasts etc. Despite that they've developed a fault after 7 months and a quick google shows many people having all sorts of issues within the first year. I don't think the Sony's would survive long at all with the kind of use you're describing.
8:50 How crazy would it be if you were walking down the street, tapped the ear cup on the Sony’s for the remaining battery life, and the stranger walking nearest you leaned in and whispered, “30% remaining,” and kept on walking?
The XM4's are great, but my problem with them is that they are very uncomfortable with their earcups. They depth of the earcups are very shallow and they can be quite cramped. Looking at the QC45 and the Airpods Max, they are much better in terms of comfort. I hope the XM5's have a bigger and deeper earcups.
Totally agreed. The XM4 pressure is just too high for me, and over too long a period of time that simply makes them not an option for me. My old QuietComfort 2s finally stopped working and I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth upgrading to the QC45s or just buying a pair of used QC2s since I know they're comfortable to me. Lightweight isn't necessarily a bad thing in the case of headphones designed for comfort above audio quality, but I wish reviews included quantitative data for the clamping force and cup depth to be able to compare this with different head shapes.
Dua Lipa don’t start now???? Really……… Classical music, ambient, indie rock, soul, and jazz should always be the baseline for testing audio. That’s how you can make a judgment on sound. Everything is not about the base
I had mentioned I had the XM3's before. One thing I use headphones a lot for is weightlifting. The biggest 2 issues with the XM3's which probably follows suit with the XM4's was my ears were on fire wearing these at the gym, it got so hot I would have to take them off in the middle of working out, thats how bad it was. The second thing was when doing certain exercises, my shoulder would brush up against the side of the headphones and start changing tracks, etc. The Bose QC45's I have not had these issues with. They're much more comfortable than the XM3's and my ears aren't even near hot wearing them. Having the physical buttons is something I prefer and don't have to worry about my shoulder rubbing up against the headphones changing tracks, volume, etc.
I've had every model of Sony's flagship headphones since the XM1s (I think they were actually called MDR-1000X) and I just picked up the QC45s. The biggest difference I've noticed is the QC45 are much more spacious and comfortable on the head/ears and have better noise cancelling. But for good music and sound quality (and a few more features, which I don't use), Sony does much better. So if you use your headphones for work (like I do) or just listen to books or podcasts, I personally think the QC45s are a better choice. Either way, I'm keeping my Sony XM4s for when I want to listen to some good music.
I feel the QC45's actually do best the XM4's in sound, mainly because the 45's have a much more detailed sound profile. You hear every little thing at all times, while with the XM4's the bass can be a bit overpowering. If you like a heavy bass, XM4's are definitely for you, but I prefer the 45's.
The qc are so comfy , I was a Sony wearer myself. But the qc series.....has a nice slant on the inside which is amazing esp for comfort . And the 2nd major plus...the qc ear cups are replaceable. It will take alot for Sony to win me back.
@@jacktjong1266 I do agree with this as far as acoustic songs/softer songs go. And I do like my fair share of songs like that. But I also listen to metal and the Sonys excel at that.
The design was pretty much perfect on the qc35s so im pretty happy that they didnt change too much. Also the earpads just felt so super nice and premium. The bose also dont lose energy in standby. Ive had them in the case for the last 6 months or so and they lost like 5% battery.
Not sure what you mean by "standby". To clarify when they are turned OFF they don't loose much battery. In standby meaning ON but no music playing the battery is drained in 1-2 days.
i have many expensive headphones. i just came back from 12 hour journey flights. the QC35 really make it more comfortable. you wear them and don't notice you have them on too much. i get sweaty ears with most large headphones but not with the Bose qc35. for the travel they always come along. then after i just leave them near the bed if i want to watch something without disturbing the mean lady next to me :)
I could find literally no difference between the QC45s and the XM4s other than that the QCs literally do not touch my ears at all, and combined with the lightness, there’s been a couple of times I’ve legitimately forgotten that I was even wearing them. Comfort is 11/10
By the way Mark! The pleats are those dents in the leather ear cup, around the edges. The difference is immediately noticeable if you have seen a pair of the QC 35's. These new cups are much more refined visually. It's an aesthetic upgrade.
After researching both I ended up buying the QC45s. They arrived tomorrow and I hope I made the right decision. What decided it for me was the physical control buttons. Touch controls do not belong on headphones and I have never had a pair of headphones with touch controls that I liked.
@@jeshkam for the most part they are really good. The one annoying thing is that for some reason some of the time the dual Bluetooth connection is glitchy. It's almost a deal-breaker for me but the headphones are good enough that I decided to keep them anyway. The noise cancellation and hear through are absolutely spot-on
@@DoRC hello friend, I'm very much considering these. How is the comfort factor on these? And is the treble/top pleasant? I have sensitive ears so I'm curious if the treble is harsh.
@@ekyanso4253 had these for a while now and they're not perfect but they are very good. I think it's a pretty flat sound profile I don't think you'll be upset by the highs. Overall I've been very happy with them
I bought qc 45 a few weeks ago, i watched alot of reviews of xm4 and qc 45. I love the build quality if qc 45 and phyical buttons, the sound is good and my ears dont hurt while wearing them
I own the Q45 and the XM4. I also have the Bose 700 and the Apple Max. Yes, I am a bit Ill, but no matter. I wear the Max at home and keep the Bose models in my work bag. Wearables have to be comfortable and we are not all comfortable in the same shoes. No difference with headphones. If you can try them on before buying, it’s a good idea. Sound preference is another personal choice. And, I use my headphones for phone calls, so voice quality is important to me. All of these headphones are good. One thing I will say for the Bose is that they are particularly stable with my iPhone and iPad.
I have a pair of Bose Ae2i headphones I got in 2013 and still used everyday. I'm thinking of upgrading and I'm tossing up between the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QC45. Many reviews I've seen lean towards the Sony as the better headphone, however, having had a pair of Bose headphones for 8+ years I have a lot of respect for Bose headphones and their quality/longevity. The pair of Bose Ae2i's I have are still perfectly functional and I'm only considering upgrading as the tech has advanced significantly. Finding it hard not to buy the Bose QC45 when I've had such a fantastic experience with the Ae2i's.
Hey Mark! I’ve heard that the 45s recently got an update that allows you customize the EQ now? Has that affected the sound quality or fit your preference more? I was leaning on getting the Sony XM4s but with this new update, it’s quite a debate for me
3:02 Look at the side of the ear cups, it's smooth. Pleated like a Chef's hat, so on QC 35's they have folds and wrinkly. It's a comfort thing, not sure of any other benefits.
Them Bose headphones are strong. I use mine for 2 jobs. Landscaping and Warehouse. I just throw them down where I'm sitting. Even at home. And to talk about having them in those case, there is no reason to. Especially when I've had mine over 5 years now. That's why I'm here to find the replacement. The 45. And trust me, it's still working fine. I'm just tired of Micro USB. All my product is Type -C now.
I am just starting to get into the market of buying decent consumer headphones with just recently purchasing the Sony XN900N...basically a step-down or two from the XM4. Believe me after years of buying sub £100 headphones they are a big step up for me! When researching my purchase I found the biggest problem with headphones wasn't the sound but the comfort, AirPods Max sounded nice but I felt like my head was in a vice with only a few minutes wear, Bose just sat awkwardly on my head and didn't feel secure and the Sony's were the only ones which didn't cause pain or awkwardness. I only ended up with the XN9's because they were a hundred quid cheaper than the XM4s and my ear didn't really notice much difference in sound quality. When buying things like headphones we tend to forget the basics like comfort and go for what the current fashion is dictating and manufacturers are playing to this by producing a headphone that looks good but doesn't feel that good when wearing them. Anyway to the point...kind of. Sony and Bose do seem to have produced. a set of headphones here that are functional and do the job. While I personally didn't like the Bose because of how they sat on my head, for the vast majority of people they will be comfortable headphones and viable. It will just come down to whether or not you want to spend 60 or 70 quid more.
Good to see Bose still use psychical buttons, I would pick Bose just for that over Sony. I don’t care how good they sound or how good the ANC is, the ones who can bring me convenience win me. Although, this design is recognisable but very dated. Bose proved they can make cool looking headphones with their NC 700, which almost got me buying (I didn’t because I watch some reviews saying the app was terrible). But the good thing is people will think you have a pair of £80 headphones so you won’t get yourself robbed lol.
It’s so weird. You said you don’t care how your headphones sound… so why you need headphones? You better buy some toy with buttons, it will be easier and cheaper;)
I have been a Bose fan for years (and still) and have owned the QC15, (and the one before that) and now the QC45. I also own the XM4 and I love it. In my humble opinion, the MX4 has better sound quality.
but bose had way better build quality than sony that can last for years.. xm3 xm4 haa that weak plastic joint that must be aware off to break after couple of months.
@@vincentforonda7381 Which Bose do you have and how long have they lasted? Did you own the xm3 or xm4s? I have the XM2s (Sony WH1000XM2) and that connection hasn't broken are the newer models more prone to breaking?. It feels uncomfortable trying to rest head again side of a plane because of the plastic joint but not for fear of it breaking. Maybe I've been lucky? Only thing I've seen after many years is the fit is looser on my head. Wouldn't trust leaning over a river. Otherwise, still good.
@@엘렌메리 the bose qc35ii i have it for 3 yrs so durable and i wont treat ir carefully, i have own xm3 once and i hear very queeky sounds on the hinges which not good build quLity for an expwnsive headphones , so i returned it and keep my qc35ii until the battery deteriorates after 3 yrs.
If you travel a lot QC45 is God sent and Sony WH-XM is not even in the same ball-park. Actually let me scratch that - Sony WH-XM should not be even compared to QC45. It's like buying egg sandwich at your local 711 and comparing it to Carrabbas. Its like buying a cheap phone at Boost mobile and comparing it to iPhone Pro. XM is a piece of expensive junk that's only better if you hate yourself and your ears . If you think you are leading a peaceful and happy life and want to change it, go ahead and buy this crap. If your frustration and anger levels are not up to the mark these days, please go ahead and buy this and I assure you, after using the XM 'touch panel' - your will want to punch all the walls in your room. If you are still debating whether to buy the Sony WH-1000XM4, ask yourself - "Did my mom smoke meth when she was pregnant with me?"
I am still using my Bose 15 (?). As another comment stated, I use mine for flights, work around the hose AND while mowing the lawn. They work well but I am looking forward to upgrading them. Sounds like the 35II might be a good option for me (a little less expensive?)
Thanks for the comparison. I was able to try them out in a local store and contrary to to XF4 I was quite surprised by the plasticky and cheap feel of the XM4s. The Bose feel much sturdier and worth the money but I agree, they are simply too expensive at the moment and I hope that the price will drop after Christmas or even in some sales prior
Nice review thanks a lot. Speaking about low-freq and balance, my reference sound is Stolen Car by Sting. It would be nice to have a comparison with the Bose 700. Low ends are quite a stress test for most of the headphones (pro reference speakers as well) and frequency response gets easily messed up or distorted by poor codec processing. It would be nice to test them with this song if you have’t tried yet. Cheers!
I own Bose QC 35ii, and thinking to buy new one, QC45 or WH-1000XM4. I like the featuers Sony offers, but I'm not satisfied with sound, at least when its on default EQ. It's too boomy, and details of mids and high are lost because of the strong base. Can this be fixed with EQ on Sony app?
Sony headphones are absolute trash. I love the sound but the build quality is absolutely terrible. Headstrap is quick to break, microphone often breaks. I know a lot of people who have sony headphones and everybody has had issues with it. I personally have owned the xm1 and xm4 and both broken headstraps and with the 4 the mic also broke (just within warrenty and i got my money back) Never another sony. Too many problems
I’ve just hit the “buy” button on a refurbished pair of QC45s direct from Bose for £180 including full warranty. Upgrading from Sony XM3s which squeeze my head after 3-4 hours.
A big part of me following you is your headphone reviews. It sounds ridiculous but as a bald man I love to see how they look on other bald men as I struggle with a close fit. I’d love to see a little more time with the headphones on with you face on if that makes sense.
I had both the xm4 and the bose qc 45. For me personally i liked the sound quality better on the bose. Which is the main thing for me. The battery lasts suuper long. It fully charges pretty quickly. Very comfy. Can adjust the settings on the app.
Better to buy QC25 And run it through a quality bluetooth adapter/amp. You will have a massive increase in sound quality and a huge drop in price. And it even has a replaceable AAA battery, for longitivity and convenience. QC25 is the real upgrade, and many people miss that point.
I just took my sony xm4s in today and got a pair of Bose QC 45'S so far only had them on for less than 5 minutes gonna give them a few days or more but then i might just get the Sony's again unless a EQ comes out to improve the sound im not sure id use these over the Sony xm4
I think the Apple product is very overpriced for what is offered. The Sony while very good, would not be a headphone that an audiophile would pick as the bass is a bit overblown and the midrange is a little recessed (even with the available eq adjustment). Many say the Bose is lacking in bass, however; I think many people have become accustomed to headphones that are bass heavy. I also think the soundstage from the Bose is more open sounding with better special characteristics. I have used both the Sony and Bose for phone calls as I am on the phone with clients a tremendous amount through the day. All of my clients say that the call quality is much better with the Bose and prefer that I use them for calls. I don’t think the Sony product is bad, just not as good for phone calls and offer a different kind of listening experience than what an audiophile would prefer.
Your reviews are quiet detailed but the amount of jump cuts are very distracting for me. I'd suggest covering them with your B-roll and also add a tiny tiny bit of pause between them. Some of the time I feel like you're not finished with a word and it cuts to the continuation of the sentence.
The joys of being a solo/part time TH-camr 😉 Appreciate the feedback - thank you. Trust me, there’s a whole bunch more jump cuts already hidden by b-roll! Most of this comes from a lack of script and time. The former will remain, but the latter is something I’m forever working on 😊
That was a great review, Mark! However I beg to differ regarding the touch panels. The touch controls are really very useful when you’re walking around and I find them the best part of the Sony XM4s I really missed them when I bought a pair of AirPods Max because just swiping through to the next playlist or increasing the volume with the flick of your finger is far more comfortable for me ,so I guess it’s an individual thing I really don’t like the buttons on the Bose headphones
XM4s didn’t work (tried for a few hours about a year ago) with MS Teams… absolute blocker for professional use, returned them and switched to Bose 700s, was really sad
My QC 35 as well as my wife’s pair started powering up spontaneously in the second year draining the battery. They became practical unusable because it. I learned in user groups this was a common problem. I doubt Bose addressed this problem as I hear the update aspects in this review. The ear pads are a nightmare and need to be replaced rather quickly for a premium price. We went with Sony because of it and we never regretted it. A better sound quality at a lower price point and none of the negatives we had with the Bose.
@@Themozartthug This happened a couple of years ago. Didn’t know Bose gives two years of warranty though. But it’s okay, they are collecting dust in a drawer somewhere and I really lost interest in them. Even if they were useable now I wouldn’t use them. Prefer the sound of the XM3 over the QC35 by far.
@@leokuiper2593 just an idea versus gathering dust: you could consider donating them to a local nursing home to help patients with Zoom calls from family & friends... or a school?
Hey Mark, I've got the XM4 and they are good but not impressive for me, at least on Bluetooth. I’m planning to get the qc45 since a lot of people says that anc is supreme, but don’t know if the sound quality is good enough or better than xm4. Thanks for your videos, I’m a big fan of your channel. Greetings from Argentina.
@@racerxtreme A friend borrowed me a couple of QC35, and i really must say that i didn't like them at all, the noise cancelling it's really weak, and the sound was horrible. I got the Sony WH1000XM4 and i get the earbuds version, WF1000XM4 recently (the noise cancelling on the earbuds is extremely good, as the sound quality for bluetooth earbuds) For summarize i got to say that Bose in my experience sounded really bad, and they are really overpriced. For the same price or less (depending on where you are) you can get a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770PRO, they are more studio/monitors headphones, but the quality is amazing, they are wired only, and for other purposes. Basically, if you want a couple of good earbuds or headphones, get the Sony's.
Honestly your review sounds so bias towards Sony. I don't own any of the two yet, but some of the items you mentioned are so subjective to the person. Is it leather? Just keep thy Sony.
I have the Wh-1000xm3 and considering going to the qc45. I have them specifically for blocking out neighbor's EDM while sleeping, which comes through at 40-80 Hz. They work very well, but my ears get sore after 2 hours. QC35's were quite comfortable for me. Can you test how well the QC45 blocks out those frequencies compared to your Sonys?
Been using QC 45 for a couple months now and thought i'd give people a heads up since I wanted to read comments like these before buying it. They feel really great, battery is really good, noise cancellation is good and i think the sound quality is good as well. With my headphones though there is a weird issue where my left side randomly starts rustling / making static noise that gets louder and louder as time goes on. Weirdly enough pressing the power slider down (normally you would slide it left to right) makes the rustling louder. And somehow once it gets really loud, the noise completely cuts out and then the headphones work as intended without any weird noises. The noise started showing up after like a month after usage and it occurs really randomly. I could send mine to repair cuz it still has warranty, but i cba because the noise can be fixed with that weird trick. Hopefully im the only one with this issue though. Apart from that i really recommend these headphones and they are definitely worth the price.
Great video. I am still a fan of the QC35's due to comfort and NC. The key to their success is weight and padding. I agree they feel inexpensive in your hands due to the light weight, but that does not matter because they are on my head the majority of the time. I wore these headphones for 17 hours straight on a flight overseas and they are fantastic. Durability is also excellent. I like the Sonys but a bit too heavy. I returned the Sony's after a few flights. I assume the 45's would be a slightly better version to the 35's?
You can purchase Bose QC35ii for less than £200 now. You won’t find a better work horse for under £350 that will replace them. Lightweight, maximum comfort.
My dad had the QC 25 (still has them) and I got the Bose QC 35 when they came out (can't remember when that was, but MANY years ago). I babyed them in the beginning, but now I throw them around and into bags without a case and I've lost count on how many times I've dropped them, both from head height, waist height, or bumped them off my desk (yes, I'm a klutz), and they're absolutely fine! I would say the build quality is great, and they've held up great. When you're wearing them for hours on end, light is better in my opinion, and I live in my Bose. Went into a store to try on the Sony on, after hearing so much hype, and they felt very uncomfortable on my head. Possible I would've gotten used to them, but Bose have been an absolute dream, so after feeling the Sonys, I'm even more sure I'll continue with Bose when it's time to upgrade.
QC45 have slightly better noise cancellation. And they're the ones to go for if you don't want to spend a fortune on AirPods Max. Otherwise, go for the latter if you want all of the cool Apple ecosystem stuff.
I feel like the sound from qc45 is worse than the 35s. Just got my qc45 and they're much louder and feels less warm in sound. My qc35s i dropped in a bucket of dirty soapy mop water. Had them soaked in a bucket of rice overnight and they still function with horrible battery life and 2 broken buttons. However, the sound is just amazing and soft on the ears.
This review helped me decide on the following options following water damage on the old 35 ii’s: 1. Go Sony (first time) 2. Get Qc45 3. Re-buy 35’s at discount Opted for: rebuy 35s and wait for the QC55 or Xm5 before upgrading. The upgrades don’t seem worth it and I’m not drawn to the Sony’s.
I have to say, in this video you say Bose has the best ANC. In the XM4 vs XM5 video, you say Sony has the best ANC. And in the XM4 vs Airpods video, you say Airpods have the best ANC. Which is it?
This all compares different sets, and at different times (possibly even different updates). General list would be; XM4 Airport Max QC45 XM5 But there's still things to consider, even though after updates that improved the QC45 nc (and one that made the Max worse from Apple) the QC45 is the general winner, the Max isn't massively behind and in some specific areas some people prefer the Max. The XM5 is the best, but you can't turn off the adaptive nc which means in some situations you get annoying changing of nc levels that can be distracting. The qc45 isn't that far behind, especially as you can get them so cheap in sales as the Quietcomfort SE which is just the new name not a new product.
I just got the sony headphones and despite loving a nice deep bass :'D I've found with a lot of songs (Mostly EDM) Its a bit much and it takes over the rest of the music. Otherwise they are great :O :O very comfortable so far!!! I also have the bose QC 35's and if you are after a good EQ for bose, I've found Boom 3D REALLY makes the sound pop!!!! Its a great program!!!!
Maaan I had the exact same problem. The bass eat up all the mids and soundstage. So I returned it. The real question is... how could you possibly be in love with them even after admitting a big massive major fault..
@@ardaarsen It's a shame huh boom 3D kinda worked but not really well enough. Perhaps another EQ program will work better... And because there is more factors for headphones then just bass quality! A major one for me despite loving a nice quality bass, is headband quality and clamp force!!! I get terrible migraines and the bose clamp force sometimes makes them worse. Had no issues with the sony with that problem but had with other brands, so yes I do love them.. for some its a minor fault that can be worked around for comfort reasons, for others its the deciding factor. Not everyones the same in reasons why a pair of headphones are good or bad.
@@tadeuszlufik Whoops sorry did not see this till now!!! Yeah it's not a very good bass either and overpowers a lot of the music, I tried for a few more days because they really didn't hurt my head like the QC35's did but in the end I exchanged them for the QC 45's because the sound was dreadful and it was the best move, they really improved on the headband and the sound is really good, you can use it with or without an EQ program and the sound still is good no overpowering bass etc. I've had them for a bit now and wear them often, they are a lot more comfy to wear (the QC45's) then the 35's. Hope that helps
I have to give Bose props for their customer service, I was having some issues with replacing the air cops on the website. And one of the managers actually told me that he would waive the fee for replacing the Era pads because I was having issues with processing my payment method. Plus, I like how you can replace the air pads yourself. I have the 700s.
The Bose connect to multiple device by Bluetooth so I don’t have to do that switching off on one device for it to show up another device, etc. Maybe you can do it on the Sony but it just didn’t happen natively for me, and it did for the Bose A massive qol difference like that, and that made the decision easily
What headphones would you like me to compare the Bose QC45s to next?
Airpods Max
NC700
Nc700
Excellent review as always Mark, you add quality and honesty to what you are saying, I trust your reviews, would love you to compare the Bose QC45s to Airpod Max, that would be interesting, all the best mate 🍹
Wow, thank you 😊
Ok, first off, let's get the obvious out of the way, you have a beautiful voice. In addition, great review. Thank you
You sad person
Oh yesss....the voice is to die for. ❤
What we want in terms of sound is so different between people. I listened to both of these headphones out of box, and for me the Sony´s sounds muffled with no clarity. The Bose sounds very clear and perfectly balanced. I typically listen to rock, hip hop, classical piano and jazz. So maybe that´s why I appreciate a more balanced sound. I think that´s important to know for people making a choice, what kind of music do you listen to and what type of sound are you looking for.
your right i listen to Metal and Rock and Bose sounds great to me
perfectly balanced is a stretch but they are far better than the sony mx4. It comes down to do you want better sound vs noise cancelling and I think for most people the first should be a higher priority, as even the best NC isn't perfect.
what about funk?
@@chelseatongwn I'd pick a neutral sound for Funk and disco like the Sennheiser HD650. The Bose QC45 would be better in this comparison as it doesn't boost the low end. But if you want to feel the kick articially boosted and lose most of the bass guitar in a muffled mess go with the Sony mx4. For modern Pop and Hip Hop that's where the MX4 shines.
@@cody8860 thank you so much!!
Base is the cheapest sound an engineer can implement into headphones, without a doubt, very balanced sounding audio is more impressive from an audio quality perspective.
And Bose are just as capable of base as the Sony, it’s just that the type of audio that typical Bose users prefer is less base.
It’s all focus groups if certain products that decide how the pre set sound is
I think this perfectly discribes it
But i am doubting now what to get the airpods max 45s or the xm4 s its gonna be a travel heavy job for the headphone otherwise i would ve gone to the high fidelity headphones
@@Kazook1212 if they’re for your phone or iPad mostly get the max
But for laptops or pcs get the Sony or Bose, the max are optimised for apple products and just work nicer but the aux cord is sold separately and is a unique design and they don’t sound AS good on none apple devices
The Sony provide just as good noise cancellation and the Bose aren’t that much behind at all, you can wear the max and QC for hours and not get a headache
But for travel…. The max case is ASS, ASS I tell you, it doesn’t protect anything and they don’t fold down and they don’t go in standby mode around your neck or without the case
So my favourite for travel would be the Bose
@@nathansteele4358 Thx!
I tried the Bose in stores and the noise canceling was absolutely phenomenal. I was literally standing there thinking WTF??!!... It’s a major selling point but the bottom line is sound... thanks for the review will check out those Sony’s as well!..
An important part that I don’t think a lot of reviewers miss is the back end support . Warranty whether it be a malfunctioning pair of headphones , new earcups , headbands and etc are stellar with Bose . I’ve had nothing but amazing service with them . I had the qc 15 , qc35 ii and now the qc45. I can confidently say that if there are any issues Bose will work for you and allow you some freedom away from warranty. Sony not so much . I think that in itself makes it valuable
I'm glad you had good luck with Bose. My first Bose QC's started falling apart just under the 3yr mark. That soft ear cup started flaking. I got offered a 10% off coupon for headphones on their site which were already more expensive than box stores.
@@dustindodge5974 yup, i'm pretty sure they just say "tough shit" after 2 years, but getting a replacement in the first 2 years was a very quick and easy process. The one thing that I'll say is that the replacements for the padding falling apart are pretty easy to install and >$10; It's kind of frustrating that you have to replace them, but it's pretty easy
fully agree. I have the 35, and I have a small issue with them. I just called bose to see how to fix it, they are replacing my 35 with tthe 45, no questions asked. so satisfied.
Good point. My Soundsport had some peeling off of the rubber on the earpiece and once I sent them photos, they sent me a complete brand new pair.
My XM4’s right ear cup broke. Sony said even under warranty that isn’t covered. Will never buy them again.
I'm shocked about the build quality comment. I have had older Bose then switched to xm3 due to sound quality... and kind of regretted the good build quality of those 4+ year old bose QCs
Fr, I had the qc35 and i thorough out my time using them, like 3 or 4 years, they got beaten to the ground, and they still worked like a frigging champ, after that i got the nc700s and i still rep them to this day, like three years after i got them, i haven’t been able to say that with any other brand yet
Same here. I replaced my QC25s with XM3s for the additional bass, but I quickly regretted the switch. Build quality and comfort are far superior on the Bose.
Agree. I had my hands on both and the bose build quality was superior to the sony. Talking about xm3 and qc35
@@mdesmet9111 build quality is superior? Yeah, right. Don't believe that one bit.
Yeah the guy in the video is clearly biased.
The leather and foam cushion quality in the bose qc35 are much much better than the sony xm3. Just touch them both and the sony xm3 feels cheaply made. The qc35 feels luxurious.
The earcup design is also better in the qc35.
Xm3 wins slightly in audio quality and more clearly in noise cancellation. But that's about it.
Bose added an EQ to the NC 700s a year ago and recently added an EQ to The QC earbuds and they sound awesome. I think they’ll eventually add an EQ to the QC45 headphones.
Great review bro!!
Thank you!
You predicted it. They just added it a few days ago!
I honestly don’t know how the QC45 sound as I don’t own them. I have the NC700 and QC earbuds. I think if I got the QC45s it might be a little redundant. I also have the XM4 and those things are awesome. However Sony needs to get there crap together with their multipoint tech on those . It’s pretty bad.!!🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
I believe the XM4’s compete more closely with the Bose NC 700 headphones than they do the QC45.
The problem that always turned me away from Sony's XM series is the mesh inside the earcups touching and pushing against my ears. Just doesn't feel as comfortable as the Bose. Comfort as well as Bose's signature sound is why I keep returning to them. However as this video mentioned the 45's default signature can be "too bright" but with the update, you can now adjust the EQ.
I have both the Sony and Bose 35, Sony for music because of volume and bass, Bose for watching films and TH-cam because they are light and comfortable.
Love the Sony series but I personally switched to the qc45 due to comfort. My Sony ones began to hurt my ears cuz the inside cup design. The design of the qc is amazing ....the slant inside leaves me so much room esp cuz I have bigger ears. Plus the ear cups are replaceable. Such a plush. Yup sorry Sony....qc has my heart now.
Listened to this while wearing QC 35 2s. It's the usb c charging that excites me the most. On my days off I wear these headphones for 16 hours straight, never had a problem with them.
I would prefer that you use the Bose QC45 for as long as you can so that it would be comparable to your usage of the Sony. I can’t wait for another 2 or 3 months for your unbiased review of the 2 overhead phones. Fair enough?
There pretty much the same as the QC35II as far as sound goes. The extra mic will help for noise canceling and calls. But Bose only uses SBC and AAC codecs. No comparison to Sonys LDAC. In my opinion.
@@Ed.die666 true. But the sound of the qc35 is light years away compared to Sony xm4. The Sony sounds fake. The sound is heavily tuned to be in a specific way (bad way). Horrible!
Neither one is an audiophile headphone. Comparing them as light years away???
@@sunillekhi7924 They do play Audio files though.
@@Ed.die666 oh I find the qc 45 sound better with better base and clarity then the QC 35 ii. And better noise cancelling. I just love the simplicity of of them and no bloody touch pads. I have xm4 as well as Bose 700 too. They are all comfortable but Bose qc 45 I can where all day long while work and after work. The feel comfy and cozy to me
I tried out both at a local store. Bose outperformed Sony in Noise Cancellation and Mid Notes. However the sheer comfort of transparency mode and smart features of Sony kick Bose out of the playing field. I decided to buy the Sony today,a nd used the equaliser to make it sound if not better than the QC45.
Pro Tip: Keep wearing the headphones for over half an hour and see if it is comfortable or not. It will all boil down to that. Your ears will get attenuated to the Sound after a few weeks and you wont find the difference between the two. For me the xm4 fit perfectly, and so i went with it.
I'm so sorry for that. Hopefully you'll give a chance to Bose one day.
I own the Bose and Sony. I prefer the Bose for simplicity and actual buttons! Sound quality isn’t a big deal in noisy environments using Bluetooth..
It is when you will go for LDAC, then quality is somewhere else on bluetooth with good source like Tidal or FLAC file.
To anyone considering the qc45 because of the better ANC, you should take into consideration the cabin pressure that they have. I bought a pair yesterday, I'm returning them today. The pressure is a bit too strong for me, I'd rather go for the XM4s (slightly less anc, but almost no cabin pressure)
While this is true, you'll only notice it for maybe 2 days. I had it with both pairs or qc35iis
What do you mean by cabin pressure?
When I finally did a custom EQ on my XM3 this year, they transformed the sound, before in my opinion they were just ok...
Maybe I should give it a go!
You should be aware, that on XM3 turning EQ on, means you stuck with low quality sound connection. No LDAC with EQ on XM3. However, XM4 are capable to use equalizer with LDAC (high quality sound codec over Bluetooth).
@@tomashcraft If you EQ via a system level EQ rather than the Sony app, you maintain fidelity, but you'll need to know how to jailbreak / root your phone.
@@tsujimasen what tweak do you use for system EQ?
The Bose are light weight but very rugged, I've owned the same QC35II since 2016 and so many times I've rounded a corner and got to close to corner and knocked the headphone straight into the wall while wearing them. These impacts have been very rough but the Bose has zero issues handling these impacts, the QC45's are the same build so I would certainly not worry about how tough they are. Also honestly I never use the included case so they get tossed around a lot in between listening sessions and again not a problem.
Also the internal battery on the Bose has lasted me going on 5yrs now and the battery is still lasting about the same as it did when new, I've only had to change the ear pads I couple times but that going to happen with any headphones if you use them enough.
In short the Bose are made to last it seems forever, because of this I've not been forced to buy a different pair so i can't comment on Sony XM4, I'm sure they are good but I know what I'm getting with Bose so why change. I'm going to order the QC45's even though my 35's are still going strong surely after 5yrs the battery can't last forever or can it.🤔
Listened to this review with my XM4s. Still one of the best electronic purchases I’ve made. Great review as always.
Thank you.
I like wearing headphones while working, they can be on for 5-6 hours straight and that’s where nothing beats QC… the light weight helps a lot, yet I’ve never had any issues throwing them around in their case while traveling.
I find it really helpful to test them out with the type of music you listen to because it can vary from person to person. I found that the sony's sounded really muffled while the bose were nice and clear, and have pretty good noise cancelling for me. Also personally, the sony headphones were too big for my head unfortunately LOL. They didnt fit snug even in the smallest setting, so all the weight was pressured on top of my head where the headband is, making them hurt after 2 hours. Its a shame, but the bose fit me perfectly and sound great. I def recommend if you can to buy them both, test them out for a couple of hours and decide based off of that!
I think this is super helpful,I was able to get the QC45s for $250 US and I honestly am pretty satisfied. I would like to try the Sonys but ironically there’s no sales at the moment, so they currently are above 300 US.
Any cons that you’ve found thinking about picking up a pair
If you check prices on this one or Sony, both have a higher price hike. Just nuts. I have a pair used from eBay and I think even used are surprisingly higher than what they should be.
The Bose are just way more comfier by any comparison. The Sonys will slip forward or back if you tilt your head. The bose basically disappear. I don't own either but i have worn both for extended flights even switching between them in the same flights. Sony has the sound edge but the sonys move more and are way more apparent
I own the Sony XM4 and very old wired Bose QC15 headsets. The Bose are more comfortable to wear as you said, the Sony XM4 slips when you move your head. My XM4 do have great isolation and sound. I don’t like phone call quality on my Sonys.
Same here, they basically disapper. there are lot of times i would just leave my house and then 2min away, you have been disconnected from your laptop.
And i would be surprised that i have headphones on with no sound :)
I bought xm4s and returned them. They press on me head hard as f. Qc or nothing tbh.
As far as Bose build quality I'd like to share my personal experience with the 35's.. You mentioned you had concerns about the build quality or durability with the Bose 45's. I use my headphones while working construction and mowing lawns. I've used them in this fashion for over 3 years and hundreds of hours. They have been in the rain, dropped, thrown around, and covered in dirt/dust. Yet they still work flawlessly. Admittedly they are no longer cosmetically perfect. However, that is no fault of the headphones, but more a result of the sheer abuse they have survived. There are scratches and the ear cuffs had to be replaced, but no cracks/ or mechanical failures of any sort. Not saying the Sony's wouldn't hold up aswell, but when I do go for a replacement pair it will be Bose. They seemingly can't be destroyed. Great comparison though! Very clear and concise video.
Mine finally failed after 7 years of heavy use.
That's amazing. I have the XM4s and I love them but they are not waterproof and are plagued by issues like moisture build up from sweat causing crackling. I'm extremely careful with mine, only using them indoors for work and listening to music, podcasts etc. Despite that they've developed a fault after 7 months and a quick google shows many people having all sorts of issues within the first year. I don't think the Sony's would survive long at all with the kind of use you're describing.
Over the ear headphones and construction... lol
8:50 How crazy would it be if you were walking down the street, tapped the ear cup on the Sony’s for the remaining battery life, and the stranger walking nearest you leaned in and whispered, “30% remaining,” and kept on walking?
I'd pay for that service.
The XM4's are great, but my problem with them is that they are very uncomfortable with their earcups. They depth of the earcups are very shallow and they can be quite cramped. Looking at the QC45 and the Airpods Max, they are much better in terms of comfort. I hope the XM5's have a bigger and deeper earcups.
Yes it's true and the XM4 are already deeper than the XM3 which actually touched my whole ears on the inside all the time :)
Totally agreed. The XM4 pressure is just too high for me, and over too long a period of time that simply makes them not an option for me. My old QuietComfort 2s finally stopped working and I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth upgrading to the QC45s or just buying a pair of used QC2s since I know they're comfortable to me. Lightweight isn't necessarily a bad thing in the case of headphones designed for comfort above audio quality, but I wish reviews included quantitative data for the clamping force and cup depth to be able to compare this with different head shapes.
If you have not done complete testing why do this video?
Dua Lipa don’t start now???? Really………
Classical music, ambient, indie rock, soul, and jazz should always be the baseline for testing audio.
That’s how you can make a judgment on sound. Everything is not about the base
It was Dua or Bob the Builder, mate.
I would consider the lower weight on the Bose a benefit.
I had mentioned I had the XM3's before. One thing I use headphones a lot for is weightlifting. The biggest 2 issues with the XM3's which probably follows suit with the XM4's was my ears were on fire wearing these at the gym, it got so hot I would have to take them off in the middle of working out, thats how bad it was. The second thing was when doing certain exercises, my shoulder would brush up against the side of the headphones and start changing tracks, etc.
The Bose QC45's I have not had these issues with. They're much more comfortable than the XM3's and my ears aren't even near hot wearing them. Having the physical buttons is something I prefer and don't have to worry about my shoulder rubbing up against the headphones changing tracks, volume, etc.
I've had every model of Sony's flagship headphones since the XM1s (I think they were actually called MDR-1000X) and I just picked up the QC45s. The biggest difference I've noticed is the QC45 are much more spacious and comfortable on the head/ears and have better noise cancelling. But for good music and sound quality (and a few more features, which I don't use), Sony does much better. So if you use your headphones for work (like I do) or just listen to books or podcasts, I personally think the QC45s are a better choice. Either way, I'm keeping my Sony XM4s for when I want to listen to some good music.
I feel the QC45's actually do best the XM4's in sound, mainly because the 45's have a much more detailed sound profile. You hear every little thing at all times, while with the XM4's the bass can be a bit overpowering. If you like a heavy bass, XM4's are definitely for you, but I prefer the 45's.
@@jacktjong1266 thank you.. I’m going for qc45.. not a fan of bass
The qc are so comfy , I was a Sony wearer myself. But the qc series.....has a nice slant on the inside which is amazing esp for comfort . And the 2nd major plus...the qc ear cups are replaceable. It will take alot for Sony to win me back.
@@jacktjong1266 I do agree with this as far as acoustic songs/softer songs go. And I do like my fair share of songs like that. But I also listen to metal and the Sonys excel at that.
@@packers12to80 Yeah, the comfort is a game changer for me, especially on my long flights for work.
The design was pretty much perfect on the qc35s so im pretty happy that they didnt change too much. Also the earpads just felt so super nice and premium. The bose also dont lose energy in standby. Ive had them in the case for the last 6 months or so and they lost like 5% battery.
Not sure what you mean by "standby". To clarify when they are turned OFF they don't loose much battery. In standby meaning ON but no music playing the battery is drained in 1-2 days.
i have many expensive headphones. i just came back from 12 hour journey flights. the QC35 really make it more comfortable. you wear them and don't notice you have them on too much. i get sweaty ears with most large headphones but not with the Bose qc35. for the travel they always come along. then after i just leave them near the bed if i want to watch something without disturbing the mean lady next to me :)
I have Sony and the QC45, I love the Bose better. Of course, I have purchased them in 2022 with the upgrades.
I could find literally no difference between the QC45s and the XM4s other than that the QCs literally do not touch my ears at all, and combined with the lightness, there’s been a couple of times I’ve legitimately forgotten that I was even wearing them. Comfort is 11/10
By the way Mark! The pleats are those dents in the leather ear cup, around the edges. The difference is immediately noticeable if you have seen a pair of the QC 35's. These new cups are much more refined visually. It's an aesthetic upgrade.
I think the previous cups looked better actually. But I don't own majority shares nor am I an engineer or a focus group analyst
Love your videos Mark. You should check out Herman Miller and make an office chair video when you upgrade yours
After researching both I ended up buying the QC45s. They arrived tomorrow and I hope I made the right decision. What decided it for me was the physical control buttons. Touch controls do not belong on headphones and I have never had a pair of headphones with touch controls that I liked.
So, what's your opinion now after 1 month?
@@jeshkam for the most part they are really good. The one annoying thing is that for some reason some of the time the dual Bluetooth connection is glitchy. It's almost a deal-breaker for me but the headphones are good enough that I decided to keep them anyway. The noise cancellation and hear through are absolutely spot-on
@@DoRC Thank you.
@@DoRC hello friend,
I'm very much considering these. How is the comfort factor on these? And is the treble/top pleasant? I have sensitive ears so I'm curious if the treble is harsh.
@@ekyanso4253 had these for a while now and they're not perfect but they are very good. I think it's a pretty flat sound profile I don't think you'll be upset by the highs.
Overall I've been very happy with them
I bought qc 45 a few weeks ago, i watched alot of reviews of xm4 and qc 45. I love the build quality if qc 45 and phyical buttons, the sound is good and my ears dont hurt while wearing them
I'm debating between the two now - coming from Samsung level on pros that I've used for 6 years.
I own the Q45 and the XM4. I also have the Bose 700 and the Apple Max. Yes, I am a bit Ill, but no matter. I wear the Max at home and keep the Bose models in my work bag. Wearables have to be comfortable and we are not all comfortable in the same shoes. No difference with headphones. If you can try them on before buying, it’s a good idea. Sound preference is another personal choice. And, I use my headphones for phone calls, so voice quality is important to me. All of these headphones are good. One thing I will say for the Bose is that they are particularly stable with my iPhone and iPad.
I have a pair of Bose Ae2i headphones I got in 2013 and still used everyday. I'm thinking of upgrading and I'm tossing up between the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QC45. Many reviews I've seen lean towards the Sony as the better headphone, however, having had a pair of Bose headphones for 8+ years I have a lot of respect for Bose headphones and their quality/longevity. The pair of Bose Ae2i's I have are still perfectly functional and I'm only considering upgrading as the tech has advanced significantly. Finding it hard not to buy the Bose QC45 when I've had such a fantastic experience with the Ae2i's.
I reckon the Bose will be better on calls which is why people use them for work.
Hey Mark! I’ve heard that the 45s recently got an update that allows you customize the EQ now? Has that affected the sound quality or fit your preference more? I was leaning on getting the Sony XM4s but with this new update, it’s quite a debate for me
9:10 you can if you slide the power button all the way (how you connect them with Bluetooth) but don't hold it there :)
3:02 Look at the side of the ear cups, it's smooth. Pleated like a Chef's hat, so on QC 35's they have folds and wrinkly. It's a comfort thing, not sure of any other benefits.
Them Bose headphones are strong. I use mine for 2 jobs. Landscaping and Warehouse. I just throw them down where I'm sitting. Even at home. And to talk about having them in those case, there is no reason to. Especially when I've had mine over 5 years now. That's why I'm here to find the replacement. The 45. And trust me, it's still working fine. I'm just tired of Micro USB. All my product is Type -C now.
I am just starting to get into the market of buying decent consumer headphones with just recently purchasing the Sony XN900N...basically a step-down or two from the XM4. Believe me after years of buying sub £100 headphones they are a big step up for me! When researching my purchase I found the biggest problem with headphones wasn't the sound but the comfort, AirPods Max sounded nice but I felt like my head was in a vice with only a few minutes wear, Bose just sat awkwardly on my head and didn't feel secure and the Sony's were the only ones which didn't cause pain or awkwardness. I only ended up with the XN9's because they were a hundred quid cheaper than the XM4s and my ear didn't really notice much difference in sound quality.
When buying things like headphones we tend to forget the basics like comfort and go for what the current fashion is dictating and manufacturers are playing to this by producing a headphone that looks good but doesn't feel that good when wearing them.
Anyway to the point...kind of. Sony and Bose do seem to have produced. a set of headphones here that are functional and do the job. While I personally didn't like the Bose because of how they sat on my head, for the vast majority of people they will be comfortable headphones and viable. It will just come down to whether or not you want to spend 60 or 70 quid more.
Good to see Bose still use psychical buttons, I would pick Bose just for that over Sony. I don’t care how good they sound or how good the ANC is, the ones who can bring me convenience win me. Although, this design is recognisable but very dated. Bose proved they can make cool looking headphones with their NC 700, which almost got me buying (I didn’t because I watch some reviews saying the app was terrible). But the good thing is people will think you have a pair of £80 headphones so you won’t get yourself robbed lol.
It’s so weird. You said you don’t care how your headphones sound… so why you need headphones? You better buy some toy with buttons, it will be easier and cheaper;)
You would buy 329 dollar headphones JUST for the buttons 😀
Came looking to buy Bose, left and bought the Sony ones 😂😂
I have been a Bose fan for years (and still) and have owned the QC15, (and the one before that) and now the QC45. I also own the XM4 and I love it. In my humble opinion, the MX4 has better sound quality.
but bose had way better build quality than sony that can last for years.. xm3 xm4 haa that weak plastic joint that must be aware off to break after couple of months.
@@vincentforonda7381 Which Bose do you have and how long have they lasted? Did you own the xm3 or xm4s? I have the XM2s (Sony WH1000XM2) and that connection hasn't broken are the newer models more prone to breaking?. It feels uncomfortable trying to rest head again side of a plane because of the plastic joint but not for fear of it breaking. Maybe I've been lucky? Only thing I've seen after many years is the fit is looser on my head. Wouldn't trust leaning over a river. Otherwise, still good.
@@엘렌메리 the bose qc35ii i have it for 3 yrs so durable and i wont treat ir carefully, i have own xm3 once and i hear very queeky sounds on the hinges which not good build quLity for an expwnsive headphones , so i returned it and keep my qc35ii until the battery deteriorates after 3 yrs.
If you travel a lot QC45 is God sent and Sony WH-XM is not even in the same ball-park.
Actually let me scratch that - Sony WH-XM should not be even compared to QC45. It's like buying egg sandwich at your local 711 and comparing it to Carrabbas. Its like buying a cheap phone at Boost mobile and comparing it to iPhone Pro.
XM is a piece of expensive junk that's only better if you hate yourself and your ears . If you think you are leading a peaceful and happy life and want to change it, go ahead and buy this crap. If your frustration and anger levels are not up to the mark these days, please go ahead and buy this and I assure you, after using the XM 'touch panel' - your will want to punch all the walls in your room.
If you are still debating whether to buy the Sony WH-1000XM4, ask yourself - "Did my mom smoke meth when she was pregnant with me?"
I just got the Sony wh-1000xm4. They are worth the best hands-down.
I am still using my Bose 15 (?). As another comment stated, I use mine for flights, work around the hose AND while mowing the lawn. They work well but I am looking forward to upgrading them. Sounds like the 35II might be a good option for me (a little less expensive?)
Thanks for the comparison. I was able to try them out in a local store and contrary to to XF4 I was quite surprised by the plasticky and cheap feel of the XM4s. The Bose feel much sturdier and worth the money but I agree, they are simply too expensive at the moment and I hope that the price will drop after Christmas or even in some sales prior
Try offerup. I bought mine for $40
Nice review thanks a lot. Speaking about low-freq and balance, my reference sound is Stolen Car by Sting. It would be nice to have a comparison with the Bose 700. Low ends are quite a stress test for most of the headphones (pro reference speakers as well) and frequency response gets easily messed up or distorted by poor codec processing. It would be nice to test them with this song if you have’t tried yet. Cheers!
It would be good to. See the Bose compared to Apple AirPods Max
markellisreviews.com/are-the-bose-qc45-headphones-better-than-airpods-max/
Had my QC 35s for over three years. Love them. Replaced my cushions three times. Don’t think I have to replace them as yet
Would you recommend the QC45 over the XM4 when they're $40 cheaper?
I own Bose QC 35ii, and thinking to buy new one, QC45 or WH-1000XM4. I like the featuers Sony offers, but I'm not satisfied with sound, at least when its on default EQ. It's too boomy, and details of mids and high are lost because of the strong base.
Can this be fixed with EQ on Sony app?
Sony headphones are absolute trash. I love the sound but the build quality is absolutely terrible. Headstrap is quick to break, microphone often breaks. I know a lot of people who have sony headphones and everybody has had issues with it. I personally have owned the xm1 and xm4 and both broken headstraps and with the 4 the mic also broke (just within warrenty and i got my money back)
Never another sony. Too many problems
I’ve just hit the “buy” button on a refurbished pair of QC45s direct from Bose for £180 including full warranty. Upgrading from Sony XM3s which squeeze my head after 3-4 hours.
A big part of me following you is your headphone reviews. It sounds ridiculous but as a bald man I love to see how they look on other bald men as I struggle with a close fit. I’d love to see a little more time with the headphones on with you face on if that makes sense.
I had both the xm4 and the bose qc 45. For me personally i liked the sound quality better on the bose. Which is the main thing for me. The battery lasts suuper long. It fully charges pretty quickly. Very comfy. Can adjust the settings on the app.
Better to buy QC25 And run it through a quality bluetooth adapter/amp. You will have a massive increase in sound quality and a huge drop in price. And it even has a replaceable AAA battery, for longitivity and convenience. QC25 is the real upgrade, and many people miss that point.
I just took my sony xm4s in today and got a pair of Bose QC 45'S so far only had them on for less than 5 minutes gonna give them a few days or more but then i might just get the Sony's again unless a EQ comes out to improve the sound im not sure id use these over the Sony xm4
I think the Apple product is very overpriced for what is offered. The Sony while very good, would not be a headphone that an audiophile would pick as the bass is a bit overblown and the midrange is a little recessed (even with the available eq adjustment). Many say the Bose is lacking in bass, however; I think many people have become accustomed to headphones that are bass heavy. I also think the soundstage from the Bose is more open sounding with better special characteristics. I have used both the Sony and Bose for phone calls as I am on the phone with clients a tremendous amount through the day. All of my clients say that the call quality is much better with the Bose and prefer that I use them for calls. I don’t think the Sony product is bad, just not as good for phone calls and offer a different kind of listening experience than what an audiophile would prefer.
These definitely aren’t audiophile headphones, mate 😉
Your reviews are quiet detailed but the amount of jump cuts are very distracting for me. I'd suggest covering them with your B-roll and also add a tiny tiny bit of pause between them. Some of the time I feel like you're not finished with a word and it cuts to the continuation of the sentence.
The joys of being a solo/part time TH-camr 😉 Appreciate the feedback - thank you. Trust me, there’s a whole bunch more jump cuts already hidden by b-roll! Most of this comes from a lack of script and time. The former will remain, but the latter is something I’m forever working on 😊
I eq the base on my 35 ii since they now can use the Bose music app. Not having an off button for anc sux
That was a great review, Mark! However I beg to differ regarding the touch panels. The touch controls are really very useful when you’re walking around and I find them the best part of the Sony XM4s
I really missed them when I bought a pair of AirPods Max because just swiping through to the next playlist or increasing the volume with the flick of your finger is far more comfortable for me ,so I guess it’s an individual thing
I really don’t like the buttons on the Bose headphones
Thanks! And I'm genuinely glad that someone benefits from touch controls!
XM4s didn’t work (tried for a few hours about a year ago) with MS Teams… absolute blocker for professional use, returned them and switched to Bose 700s, was really sad
My QC 35 as well as my wife’s pair started powering up spontaneously in the second year draining the battery. They became practical unusable because it. I learned in user groups this was a common problem. I doubt Bose addressed this problem as I hear the update aspects in this review. The ear pads are a nightmare and need to be replaced rather quickly for a premium price. We went with Sony because of it and we never regretted it. A better sound quality at a lower price point and none of the negatives we had with the Bose.
@@Themozartthug This happened a couple of years ago. Didn’t know Bose gives two years of warranty though. But it’s okay, they are collecting dust in a drawer somewhere and I really lost interest in them. Even if they were useable now I wouldn’t use them. Prefer the sound of the XM3 over the QC35 by far.
@@leokuiper2593 just an idea versus gathering dust: you could consider donating them to a local nursing home to help patients with Zoom calls from family & friends... or a school?
@@엘렌메리 Doubt they are waiting for a headphones with an error
Hey Mark, I've got the XM4 and they are good but not impressive for me, at least on Bluetooth. I’m planning to get the qc45 since a lot of people says that anc is supreme, but don’t know if the sound quality is good enough or better than xm4. Thanks for your videos, I’m a big fan of your channel. Greetings from Argentina.
Not sure if you've gotten the headphones yet but as the video stated, the Sony has more bass right out of the box and both of them sound fantastic
@@racerxtreme A friend borrowed me a couple of QC35, and i really must say that i didn't like them at all, the noise cancelling it's really weak, and the sound was horrible.
I got the Sony WH1000XM4 and i get the earbuds version, WF1000XM4 recently (the noise cancelling on the earbuds is extremely good, as the sound quality for bluetooth earbuds)
For summarize i got to say that Bose in my experience sounded really bad, and they are really overpriced.
For the same price or less (depending on where you are) you can get a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770PRO, they are more studio/monitors headphones, but the quality is amazing, they are wired only, and for other purposes. Basically, if you want a couple of good earbuds or headphones, get the Sony's.
Honestly your review sounds so bias towards Sony. I don't own any of the two yet, but some of the items you mentioned are so subjective to the person. Is it leather? Just keep thy Sony.
How is the touch sensitivity on the xm4s in the winter cold, rain wearing gloves etc.? I prefer buttons for this reason
I have the Wh-1000xm3 and considering going to the qc45. I have them specifically for blocking out neighbor's EDM while sleeping, which comes through at 40-80 Hz. They work very well, but my ears get sore after 2 hours. QC35's were quite comfortable for me. Can you test how well the QC45 blocks out those frequencies compared to your Sonys?
Been using QC 45 for a couple months now and thought i'd give people a heads up since I wanted to read comments like these before buying it. They feel really great, battery is really good, noise cancellation is good and i think the sound quality is good as well. With my headphones though there is a weird issue where my left side randomly starts rustling / making static noise that gets louder and louder as time goes on. Weirdly enough pressing the power slider down (normally you would slide it left to right) makes the rustling louder. And somehow once it gets really loud, the noise completely cuts out and then the headphones work as intended without any weird noises. The noise started showing up after like a month after usage and it occurs really randomly. I could send mine to repair cuz it still has warranty, but i cba because the noise can be fixed with that weird trick. Hopefully im the only one with this issue though. Apart from that i really recommend these headphones and they are definitely worth the price.
you should send it for repair.. heard Bose is really good with customer service so def get your moneys worth!
With glasses which one are more comfy?
Props for called out Apple and for their headphone hand bag.
Am interested in your EQ calibration for the Bose QC45 please.
Nada. Straight out of the box.
These are actually crap because you cant turn the ANC off........what were they thinking when they designed them?
Great video. I am still a fan of the QC35's due to comfort and NC. The key to their success is weight and padding. I agree they feel inexpensive in your hands due to the light weight, but that does not matter because they are on my head the majority of the time. I wore these headphones for 17 hours straight on a flight overseas and they are fantastic. Durability is also excellent. I like the Sonys but a bit too heavy. I returned the Sony's after a few flights. I assume the 45's would be a slightly better version to the 35's?
No, not at all. QC35 II all the way, they came out in 2017, but they're still better all in all than the newer QC45.
How do you only have 36k subscribers? Absolutely blows my mind.
That’s incredibly kind! I’ve only just started (well, technically, last year… but you get my point 😉).
I thought the AirPod max’s sounded shockingly bad for the price .
I disagree about comfort. Bose are way more comfortable than Sony.
Fair enough!
Here in sweden, the XM4 kosts about 15% more than the QC45, does this make the QC45 a more attractive option?
You can purchase Bose QC35ii for less than £200 now. You won’t find a better work horse for under £350 that will replace them. Lightweight, maximum comfort.
Great price!
I found the Sony XM4 to be very uncomfortable. The ear cups are too shallow. I went with the Bose 700 and love them.
Glad you found a pair that work for you. The 700s are superb headphones.
@MBS How do they (Bose 700) do for making calls?
@@엘렌메리 they perform very well on phone calls, no problems.
I'm in the market for some ANC headphones, and your in-depth, no nonsense reviews are super helpful. thank you, Mark!
I remember returning the XM3 after 2 days of use and going back to my old QC35 2 because of comfort. The Bose were much more comfortable.
My dad had the QC 25 (still has them) and I got the Bose QC 35 when they came out (can't remember when that was, but MANY years ago). I babyed them in the beginning, but now I throw them around and into bags without a case and I've lost count on how many times I've dropped them, both from head height, waist height, or bumped them off my desk (yes, I'm a klutz), and they're absolutely fine! I would say the build quality is great, and they've held up great. When you're wearing them for hours on end, light is better in my opinion, and I live in my Bose. Went into a store to try on the Sony on, after hearing so much hype, and they felt very uncomfortable on my head. Possible I would've gotten used to them, but Bose have been an absolute dream, so after feeling the Sonys, I'm even more sure I'll continue with Bose when it's time to upgrade.
Noise Canceling which is number for you? AirPods Max or QC45?
2nd question, which do you recommend AirPods Max or QC45?
QC45 have slightly better noise cancellation. And they're the ones to go for if you don't want to spend a fortune on AirPods Max. Otherwise, go for the latter if you want all of the cool Apple ecosystem stuff.
I feel like the sound from qc45 is worse than the 35s. Just got my qc45 and they're much louder and feels less warm in sound. My qc35s i dropped in a bucket of dirty soapy mop water. Had them soaked in a bucket of rice overnight and they still function with horrible battery life and 2 broken buttons. However, the sound is just amazing and soft on the ears.
This review helped me decide on the following options following water damage on the old 35 ii’s:
1. Go Sony (first time)
2. Get Qc45
3. Re-buy 35’s at discount
Opted for: rebuy 35s and wait for the QC55 or Xm5 before upgrading. The upgrades don’t seem worth it and I’m not drawn to the Sony’s.
Suggestion for another song to test the bass quality of headphones: Drop It Like It's Hot by Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell.
Tune.
I have to say, in this video you say Bose has the best ANC. In the XM4 vs XM5 video, you say Sony has the best ANC. And in the XM4 vs Airpods video, you say Airpods have the best ANC. Which is it?
This all compares different sets, and at different times (possibly even different updates).
General list would be;
XM4
Airport Max
QC45
XM5
But there's still things to consider, even though after updates that improved the QC45 nc (and one that made the Max worse from Apple) the QC45 is the general winner, the Max isn't massively behind and in some specific areas some people prefer the Max. The XM5 is the best, but you can't turn off the adaptive nc which means in some situations you get annoying changing of nc levels that can be distracting.
The qc45 isn't that far behind, especially as you can get them so cheap in sales as the Quietcomfort SE which is just the new name not a new product.
I just got the sony headphones and despite loving a nice deep bass :'D I've found with a lot of songs (Mostly EDM) Its a bit much and it takes over the rest of the music. Otherwise they are great :O :O very comfortable so far!!! I also have the bose QC 35's and if you are after a good EQ for bose, I've found Boom 3D REALLY makes the sound pop!!!! Its a great program!!!!
Maaan I had the exact same problem. The bass eat up all the mids and soundstage. So I returned it. The real question is... how could you possibly be in love with them even after admitting a big massive major fault..
@@ardaarsen It's a shame huh boom 3D kinda worked but not really well enough. Perhaps another EQ program will work better... And because there is more factors for headphones then just bass quality! A major one for me despite loving a nice quality bass, is headband quality and clamp force!!! I get terrible migraines and the bose clamp force sometimes makes them worse. Had no issues with the sony with that problem but had with other brands, so yes I do love them.. for some its a minor fault that can be worked around for comfort reasons, for others its the deciding factor. Not everyones the same in reasons why a pair of headphones are good or bad.
I thought the same way...a little too much bass. I almost enjoyed going BACK to the QC35s. How have your thoughts changed over time if any?
@@tadeuszlufik Whoops sorry did not see this till now!!! Yeah it's not a very good bass either and overpowers a lot of the music, I tried for a few more days because they really didn't hurt my head like the QC35's did but in the end I exchanged them for the QC 45's because the sound was dreadful and it was the best move, they really improved on the headband and the sound is really good, you can use it with or without an EQ program and the sound still is good no overpowering bass etc. I've had them for a bit now and wear them often, they are a lot more comfy to wear (the QC45's) then the 35's. Hope that helps
The most biased video I've ever seen
I’ll take that - thanks!
I have to give Bose props for their customer service, I was having some issues with replacing the air cops on the website. And one of the managers actually told me that he would waive the fee for replacing the Era pads because I was having issues with processing my payment method. Plus, I like how you can replace the air pads yourself. I have the 700s.
The Bose connect to multiple device by Bluetooth so I don’t have to do that switching off on one device for it to show up another device, etc.
Maybe you can do it on the Sony but it just didn’t happen natively for me, and it did for the Bose
A massive qol difference like that, and that made the decision easily
But in my case they were the same price