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Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 8
Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and Audeze LCD-5 at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Bose QC45 if…

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

Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…

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

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

Sound quality

Audeze LCD-5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Bose QC45

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

Bose QC45

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QC45 more score per dollar ($329 vs $4,500).

Bose QC45 88
vs
96 Audeze LCD-5

Score breakdown

Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC45 versus Audeze LCD-5 — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC45 Audeze LCD-5
Type
Over-ear
Planar magnetic
Release year
2021
—

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

Audeze LCD-5

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 vs Audeze LCD-5

Which is better, Bose QC45 or Audeze LCD-5? +

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +

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

Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +

At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC45 or Audeze LCD-5 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, Bose QC45 or Audeze LCD-5? +

Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC45 or Audeze LCD-5? +

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