The QuietComfort 25, QuietComfort 35 II and QuietComfort 45 represent three different stages of Bose’s noise-cancelling headphone design. The useful comparison is not a universal winner; it is whether you want a legacy wired system, an older rechargeable Bluetooth model, or the later QC45 generation.
Quick answer: QC25 is the simplest wired choice and uses an AAA battery for noise cancellation. QC35 II adds Bluetooth, a rechargeable battery and an audio cable. QC45 keeps the cable option while moving to USB-C charging, Bluetooth 5.1 and Bose’s Quiet/Aware mode generation.
QC25 vs QC35 II vs QC45 at a Glance
| Feature | QC25 | QC35 II | QC45 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary era | Introduced 2014 | Sold 2017–2022 | Sold 2022–2024 |
| Bluetooth | No | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Power | AAA battery for ANC | Rechargeable lithium-ion | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Rated battery figure | Up to 35 hours of noise cancellation in Bose’s launch material | 20 hours | 22 hours on Bose’s current support specification |
| Charging | Replaceable AAA cell | USB Micro-B | USB-C |
| Analog cable | Core audio path | Included 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable | Included 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable |
Bose documents the QC35 II specifications and QC45 specifications separately; the QC25 launch history is covered in Bose’s QC25 announcement.
QC25: Best Understood as a Legacy Wired ANC Headphone
The QC25 has no Bluetooth audio path. Its cable carries the source audio, while a AAA battery powers the active noise-cancelling system. That is useful for owners who prefer replaceable batteries and analog sources, but phones and laptops without a headphone jack need an adapter.
QC35 II: The Wireless Transition
QC35 II added Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery while retaining an analog cable. Bose lists Bluetooth 4.1, up to 20 hours of battery life and USB Micro-B charging. It remains usable as an older wireless model, but cable, battery condition and long-term parts support matter on used units.
QC45: USB-C and a Later Noise-Control Generation
Bose lists Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C charging, an analog cable and a 22-hour battery figure on its current support page. Bose’s launch material also introduced Quiet and Aware listening modes. That makes QC45 easier to integrate with newer charging setups than QC35 II.
Which Generation Fits Your Use?
- Choose around QC25 if you specifically want a wired legacy model and are comfortable with AAA-powered ANC.
- Consider QC35 II when buying used if its battery, pads and Micro-USB workflow are acceptable.
- Consider QC45 if USB-C charging and the later Bluetooth/ANC feature set matter more.
For the broader wired-vs-current Bose context, see Bose wired headphones and current cable options.
Bose QC Comparison FAQ
Does QC25 have Bluetooth?
No. QC25 is a wired headphone; its AAA battery powers active noise cancellation rather than a Bluetooth radio.
Does QC35 II use USB-C?
No. Bose lists USB Micro-B charging for QC35 II.
Does QC45 include an analog cable?
Yes. Bose lists a 3.5 mm-to-2.5 mm audio cable with QC45.
Is QC45 automatically better sounding than QC35 II?
No universal conclusion follows from generation alone. Fit, tuning preference, source, condition and use case all affect the better choice.
