Bose
Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
88
/ 100
From $329
VS
HiFiMan
HiFiMan Edition XS
Planar magnetic
88
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and HiFiMan Edition XS at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Bose QC45 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick HiFiMan Edition XS if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Bose QC45 88
vs 88 HiFiMan Edition XS
Score breakdown
Bose QC45
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
HiFiMan Edition XS
88 anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QC45 | HiFiMan Edition XS |
|---|---|---|
| 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
HiFiMan Edition XS
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 HiFiMan Edition XS
Which is better, Bose QC45 or HiFiMan Edition XS? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +
At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Does Bose QC45 or HiFiMan Edition XS 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.