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Focal Celestee — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
VS
Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Celestee lands at 88 and Bose QC45 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Focal Celestee if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Bose QC45 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

Bose QC45

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 0).

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 $999).

Focal Celestee 88
vs
88 Bose QC45

Score breakdown

Focal Celestee
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

Focal Celestee versus Bose QC45 — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Celestee Bose QC45
Type
Closed-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2021

Focal Celestee

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

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

FAQ: Focal Celestee vs Bose QC45

Which is better, Focal Celestee or Bose QC45? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Celestee worth the price? +

At $999, Focal Celestee delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +

At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does Focal Celestee or Bose QC45 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 noise cancelling, Focal Celestee or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is the better value, Focal Celestee or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 — more score per dollar ($329 vs $999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.