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Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
VS
Bose QC45 wins by 6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black — Gaming · 2024 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Gaming · 2024 · Black

82
/ 100
From $129
Specdex verdict

Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black at 82. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 6 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight 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 82).

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 80).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($129 vs $329).

Bose QC45 88
vs
82 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black
82
anc 70
sound 82
comfort 80
battery 86
features 82

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC45 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC45 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2021
2024
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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Which is better, Bose QC45 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black? +

Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Does Bose QC45 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black? +

Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC45 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black? +

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