The Bose QC45 has been on the market long enough that it's often on sale for $200-230 — $100-150 less than Sony's XM6. If you don't need the latest ANC processor or all the features Sony packs in, the QC45 remains a legitimate pick in 2026. But the XM6 is better at its job in ways that matter.
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony XM6 is the better headphone; the QC45 is a solid choice if you find it $100+ cheaper and don't need the XM6's extra features.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 45 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Performance | Good | Class-leading |
| Weight | 238g | 254g |
| Battery Life | 24 hours | 30 hours |
| Multipoint BT | No | Yes |
| Hi-Res Codec | aptX | LDAC |
| Microphones | 4 | 8 |
| Sale Price | ~$210-230 | ~$349 |
ANC: The Core Difference
The XM6 uses Sony's QN3 processor and outperforms the QC45 on ANC across most frequency bands. The QC45 was competitive when it launched but has been surpassed by Bose's own QC Ultra and Sony's current generation.
The QC45's bass-heavy ANC is still effective on low-frequency noise — airplane engine rumble, subway rumble, and air conditioning all attenuate well. It's the mid-frequency performance where the XM6 pulls ahead.
For airplane use specifically, the QC45 is adequate. For a busy office with voice noise, the XM6 is a noticeable step up.
Comfort and Practicality
The QC45 remains one of the most comfortable headphones available — Bose's oval earcup design and light 238g weight are genuinely excellent for long sessions. It's more comfortable than the XM6 for most users.
Both fold flat. The QC45 travel case is simpler. Sony's case is a bit nicer but neither is going to frustrate you.
The QC45 has a 3.5mm input for wired listening; so does the XM6. Both charge via USB-C.
The Price vs Features Argument
The XM6 has multipoint Bluetooth, Speak-to-Chat, LDAC support, better call quality (8 mics vs 4), and superior spatial audio. The QC45 doesn't have most of these.
If you just want to cancel noise and listen to music, the QC45 does the job at a lower price. If you want the full modern feature set — simultaneous device connections, hi-res audio, smart features — the XM6 is the modern product.
At $230 QC45 vs $349 XM6, the value question is genuine. At $280 QC45 vs $349 XM6, pay the extra $70 for the XM6.
Price Sensitivity Guide
At $230 QC45 vs $349 XM6 ($119 gap): the XM6's superior ANC, multipoint BT, and 8-mic array are worth paying for. The gap is significant but so is the performance difference.
At $260 QC45 vs $349 XM6 ($89 gap): this is the tipping point. At $89 difference, the XM6's advantages are harder to justify for a buyer whose primary need is 'good ANC headphones.'
At $280+ QC45: just pay the extra $70 for the XM6. At that spread the QC45 isn't the value play anymore.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Strengths
- 238g — lighter and more comfortable for long sessions
- Often available at $200-230 on sale
- Bose's reliable, time-tested ANC in bass frequencies
- Simple, uncomplicated interface
Sony WH-1000XM6 Strengths
- Superior ANC across more frequency ranges
- 8-mic array for better call quality
- Multipoint Bluetooth, LDAC, Speak-to-Chat
- More modern feature set overall
Bose QuietComfort 45 Weaknesses
- ANC performance surpassed by current generation headphones
- No multipoint Bluetooth — only one device at a time
- No LDAC or aptX Adaptive support
- Call quality trails XM6's 8-mic array
Sony WH-1000XM6 Weaknesses
- Costs $100-150 more than QC45 at sale prices
- Slightly heavier than QC45
- More complex app with more options to navigate
Best For
- a: Comfort-first buyers on a tighter budget who find the QC45 at $200-220
- b: Buyers who want the best current-gen ANC and feature set and can justify the premium
FAQ
Is the Bose QC45 outdated in 2026?
Not outdated — just no longer class-leading. The hardware is solid and it still sounds good and cancels noise well. At $200-230 sale prices it's a legitimate buy. At $280+ full price, the QC Ultra or XM6 are better investments.
Which is better for airplane travel?
Both handle airplane engine noise well. The XM6 edges ahead on mid-frequency noise (announcements, people talking) and has significantly longer battery life for long flights. For international travel, the XM6's 30-hour battery is a meaningful advantage.