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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
HyperX Cloud III (Black) — Gaming · 2023 · Black
HyperX

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Gaming · 2023 · Black

84
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and HyperX Cloud III (Black) 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 HyperX Cloud III (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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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 70).

Comfort

Bose QC45

Long-session wearability

Bose QC45 leads on comfort (87 vs 82).

Value for money

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HyperX Cloud III (Black) more score per dollar ($99 vs $329).

Bose QC45 88
vs
84 HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Score breakdown

Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
HyperX Cloud III (Black)
84
anc 70
sound 84
comfort 82
battery 86
features 84

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC45 versus HyperX Cloud III (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC45 HyperX Cloud III (Black)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2021
2023
Variant
—
Black

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

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: Bose QC45 vs HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Which is better, Bose QC45 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

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 HyperX Cloud III (Black) worth the price? +

At $99, HyperX Cloud III (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC45 or HyperX Cloud III (Black) 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 HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

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

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC45 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

Bose QC45 — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.