Nothing Headphone (a) vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Updated Sep 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Nothing Headphone (a) is the better pick — it scores 80/100 to the Bose QuietComfort 45's 73, leading on Wireless and Battery. Choose the Bose QuietComfort 45 instead if comfort & build matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Sound quality isn't scored yet (we have no measured audio data), so the score covers features, battery, noise cancelling and build.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Nothing Headphone (a) leads overall

Nothing Headphone (a)

Bose QuietComfort 45

Why it stands out

Battery Life (ANC On): 75 h (213% more)
Wireless Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4

Winner by category for Nothing Headphone (a) vs Bose QuietComfort 45
Category	Nothing Headphone (a)	Bose QuietComfort 45	Winner
Noise Cancelling	85	85	Tie
Wireless	86	79	Nothing Headphone (a)
Battery	91	52	Nothing Headphone (a)
Comfort & Build	39	61	Bose QuietComfort 45
Connectivity	85	85	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Sep 2026.

Nothing Headphone (a)

The Nothing Headphone (a) is a wireless headphone designed to deliver active noise cancellation and high comfort for daily use. Positioned as a budget-friendly option, it targets value-conscious listeners and audiophiles who want key features without premium pricing. No specific processor or chip details are disclosed in the provided source material.

Best for Budget-conscious listeners seeking active noise cancellationBest for Users prioritizing physical comfort for extended wear

Pros

Provides built-in active noise cancellation performance
Designed with a focus on wearing comfort during long sessions
Positioned as a high-value option compared to flagship headphones

Cons

Requires external hardware adapters to achieve high-resolution codec support like LDAC or aptX on standard playback devices

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of over-ear, active noise-canceling headphones designed primarily for commuters and frequent travelers. They serve as a successor in Bose's well-established line of portable audio gear, focusing heavily on physical comfort and ambient noise isolation.

Best for blocking out persistent background rumble during flights and daily commutesBest for extended listening sessions where a lightweight fit and low clamping force are…

Pros

Highly effective active noise cancellation capable of isolating ambient environmental sound
Lightweight and folding physical design that ensures long-term wearing comfort
Tactile physical button controls that offer reliable, physical feedback over touch-sensitive alternatives

Cons

Face stiff market competition from both newer releases and prominent rivals in the same segment

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Nothing Headphone (a)

Check Price on Amazon

Bose QuietComfort 45

Check Price on Amazon

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Nothing Headphone (a)Bose QuietComfort 45

Nothing Headphone (a) is 70 g (29%) heavier than Bose QuietComfort 45.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Noise Cancelling

Feature	Nothing Headphone (a)	Bose QuietComfort 45
Active Noise Cancelling	Yes	Yes
Transparency Mode	Yes	Yes

Wireless

Feature	Nothing Headphone (a)	Bose QuietComfort 45
Wireless	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth Version
Supported Codecs	SBC, AAC, LDAC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint Connection	Yes	Yes

Battery

Feature	Nothing Headphone (a)	Bose QuietComfort 45
Battery Life (ANC On)	75 h213% more	24 h
Quick Charge	Yes	Yes

Comfort & Build

Feature	Nothing Headphone (a)	Bose QuietComfort 45
Weight	310 g	240 g23% less
Folding Design	No	Yes
Water Resistance	IP52	N/A
Dimensions	17.7 × 19 × 7.8 cm	15.2 × 18.4 × 7.6 cm

Connectivity

Feature	Nothing Headphone (a)	Bose QuietComfort 45
Wired Connection	3.5mm and USB-C	2.5mm to 3.5mm
Detachable Cable	N/A	Yes
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nothing Headphone (a) vs Bose QuietComfort 45 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Nothing Headphone (a) rates higher at 83/100 versus 77/100 for Bose QuietComfort 45 — a 6-point lead. Nothing Headphone (a) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Nothing Headphone (a) and Bose QuietComfort 45 are compared side by side above across every spec in the headphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 83/100 for Nothing Headphone (a) and 77/100 for Bose QuietComfort 45.

At launch, Nothing Headphone (a) was the more affordable option ($199) versus Bose QuietComfort 45 ($329). Weigh that against the overall scores (83/100 vs 77/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.

If you want the higher-rated headphones option overall, Nothing Headphone (a) (83/100) edges out Bose QuietComfort 45 (77/100). But if Bose QuietComfort 45 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.