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Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
VS
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) wins by 2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) — Gaming · 2022 · White
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)

Gaming · 2022 · White

90
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC45 lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) at 90. That puts SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) ahead by 2 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) 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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)

Tuning, detail, and staging

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) leads on sound (90 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Bose QC45

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Bose QC45 88
vs
90 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)

Score breakdown

Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)
90
anc 70
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 86
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Bose QC45 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QC45 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2021
2022
Variant
—
White

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 Pro Wireless (White)

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 Pro Wireless (White)

Which is better, Bose QC45 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 Pro Wireless (White) worth the price? +

At $349, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Does Bose QC45 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (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 better for sound quality, Bose QC45 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) — leads on sound (90 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QC45 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +

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