Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green
IEM
Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green at 74. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 14 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 KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Bose QC45Tuning, detail, and staging
Bose QC45 leads on sound (88 vs 74).
Noise cancelling
Bose QC45ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 0).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss GreenSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green more score per dollar ($25 vs $329).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QC45 | KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | IEM |
| Release year | 2021 | — |
Bose QC45
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Bose QC45 vs KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green
Which is better, Bose QC45 or KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green? +
Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 14. 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 KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green worth the price? +
At $25, KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green delivers a Specdex score of 74 — strongest in battery.
Does Bose QC45 or KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green 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 KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green? +
Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 74). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC45 or KZ ZSN Pro X · Moss Green? +
Bose QC45 — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.