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Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
VS
Bose QC45 wins by 4
Grado SR325x · Rose Gold — Open-back
Grado

Grado SR325x · Rose Gold

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and Grado SR325x · Rose Gold at 84. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 4 points — a narrow 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 Grado SR325x · Rose Gold 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

Bose QC45

Tuning, detail, and staging

Bose QC45 leads on sound (88 vs 84).

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 $349).

Bose QC45 88
vs
84 Grado SR325x · Rose Gold

Score breakdown

Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Grado SR325x · Rose Gold
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC45 versus Grado SR325x · Rose Gold — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC45 Grado SR325x · Rose Gold
Type
Over-ear
Open-back
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

Grado SR325x · Rose Gold

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 Grado SR325x · Rose Gold

Which is better, Bose QC45 or Grado SR325x · Rose Gold? +

Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. 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 Grado SR325x · Rose Gold worth the price? +

At $349, Grado SR325x · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC45 or Grado SR325x · Rose Gold 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 Grado SR325x · Rose Gold? +

Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC45 or Grado SR325x · Rose Gold? +

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