Which has better noise cancellation?

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones II. It uses Bose's best ANC plus ActiveSense, which adjusts to your surroundings. The QC45 cancels well but some owners say loud workplace noise still gets through.

Is the Ultra II worth the extra money?

If you fly or work in noisy spaces and want spatial audio, yes. At $359.99 versus $94.99, the QC45 is the better value for casual listening.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

The Ultra II, at up to 30 hours, or 23 with Immersive Audio on. The QC45 is rated up to 24 hours.

Which is better for sports?

Neither is built for it. Both are over-ear with no water resistance, and the QC45's listing tags sports use but the fit is not secure for running.

Do both work with a cable?

Yes. The QC45 supports wired listening, and the Ultra II includes 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm and USB-C connections.

The QC45, at roughly 8.5 oz versus 9.3 oz for the Ultra II.

Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones II

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones II is the better headphone: stronger noise cancellation, spatial audio, CustomTune, 30 hours of battery and Bluetooth 5.4. The QuietComfort 45 is the value pick at $94.99 at eBay as of November 3, against $359.99 at Best Buy as of November 7 for the Ultra II. Buy the QC45 if price and light weight matter most; buy the Ultra II if you want Bose's best ANC and immersive sound.

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