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Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
VS
Bose QC45 wins by 1
Sonos Ace · Arctic White — Over-ear · 2024
Sonos

Sonos Ace · Arctic White

Over-ear · 2024

87
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict

Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and Sonos Ace · Arctic White at 87. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 1 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 Sonos Ace · Arctic White if…

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

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

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

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

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

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

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 $449).

Bose QC45 88
vs
87 Sonos Ace · Arctic White

Score breakdown

Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Sonos Ace · Arctic White
87
anc 85
sound 87
comfort 86
battery 82
features 83

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC45 versus Sonos Ace · Arctic White — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC45 Sonos Ace · Arctic White
Type
Over-ear
Over-ear
Release year
2021
2024

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

Sonos Ace · Arctic White

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

FAQ: Bose QC45 vs Sonos Ace · Arctic White

Which is better, Bose QC45 or Sonos Ace · Arctic White? +

Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 Sonos Ace · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $449, Sonos Ace · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in sound.

Does Bose QC45 or Sonos Ace · Arctic White 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 the better value, Bose QC45 or Sonos Ace · Arctic White? +

Bose QC45 — more score per dollar ($329 vs $449). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.