Bose
Bose QC45 · Arctic White
Over-ear · 2021
88
/ 100
From $329
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 8
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 · Arctic White lands at 88 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Bose QC45 · Arctic White if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Bose QC45 · Arctic White 88
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
Bose QC45 · Arctic White
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QC45 · Arctic White | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Open-back |
| Release year | 2021 | — |
Bose QC45 · Arctic White
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
Focal Utopia 2022
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Bose QC45 · Arctic White vs Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, Bose QC45 · Arctic White or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Bose QC45 · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $329, Bose QC45 · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does Bose QC45 · Arctic White or Focal Utopia 2022 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.