HiFiMan
HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black
Planar magnetic
88
/ 100
From $499
VS
Bose
Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
88
/ 100
From $329
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black lands at 88 and Bose QC45 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black 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)
HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black 88
vs 88 Bose QC45
Score breakdown
HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black
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
| Spec | HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Planar magnetic | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2021 |
HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black
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: HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black vs Bose QC45
Which is better, HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black or Bose QC45? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black 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 HiFiMan Edition XS · Midnight Black 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.