Sennheiser Accentum Plus
Battery: 50 hours
ANC: Yes (Adaptive)
The 2024 Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones offer smart features and impressive sound for $200. They deliver vibrant, detailed audio and versatile EQ functions for a customizable sound profile. With 50 hours of battery life, they perform well. Although their rigid construction affects portability and fit, these over-ear headphones provide excellent value.
Pros
- Bold, assertive sound
- Long battery life
- Well-made and comfortable
Cons
- Slightly blunt sound
- Fit may not suit everyone
- Inconsistent on-ear volume control
Bose QuietComfort 45
Battery: 25 hours
ANC: Yes
The Bose QuietComfort 45, despite being on the market for three years, still deliver superb audio and comfort. They offer consistently excellent sound and a soft, pliable build. The battery life, though shorter than some newer models, is adequate. While missing some advanced features, these headphones are perfect for extended wear.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Intuitive controls
- Lightweight and comfortable
- New ambient aware mode
Cons
- Lacks some features
- Average clarity
- Poor call quality
- Occasional dropout
It’s a great time to shop for the best over-ear headphones. With options like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus and Bose QuietComfort 45, there are many quality headphones available. These headphones can enhance your audio experience, block out noise, and provide comfort for long listening sessions.
But how do you choose the right headphones? This guide compares the Bose QuietComfort 45, a top model since 2021, and the new Sennheiser Accentum Plus. We’ll highlight their differences to help you decide between the reliable classic and the modern newcomer.
Price and Release Dates
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus, at £199.99 / $229.99 / AU$399.99, offers affordable ANC headphones with touch controls and a premium finish. This price is slightly higher than the £159 / $179 / AU$299 Sennheiser Accentum but is a worthwhile upgrade for those who can afford it.
The Bose QC45 headphones cost $329 / £329 / AU$499 and have been available since 2021. With the release of the new QuietComfort model, finding QC45s in stock is becoming difficult. The Accentum Plus, launched in early 2024, offers a more current option.
Features
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus, introduced in 2024, stands out with its touch controls, offering easy navigation through touch-based gestures on the right earcup. Conversely, the Bose QC45s feature clickable buttons and a switch on the left earcup for toggling between noise cancellation modes.
Preference plays a significant role here: while touch controls offer a sleek experience, they may be prone to accidental activation. ANC is a standard feature in both models, essential for enhancing audio clarity in noisy environments.
Bose QC45s offer standard ANC with options for noise suppression or allowing external sounds. Their Music app provides EQ settings for audio customization, particularly useful for adjusting bass output. Conversely, Sennheiser’s Smart Control app offers preset sound profiles and adaptive ANC functionality, tailoring the listening experience to environmental conditions.
Neither headphone includes a built-in smart assistant, relying instead on the phone’s active assistant. The Accentum Plus edges slightly ahead with Bluetooth 5.2, including Bluetooth LE for enhanced power efficiency and longer battery life.
Preferences
When comparing the audio performance of the Sennheiser Accentum Plus and the Bose QuietComfort 45, it’s clear that sound quality is paramount. Over-ear headphones like these excel in delivering detailed audio and expansive soundstages due to their larger drivers.
The Bose QC45s offer a balanced sound with clear vocals and instrumental separation, catering to long-term listening without causing ear fatigue. While they may lack some precision in audio reproduction compared to newer models, their overall balance makes them suitable for various music genres and preferences.
On the other hand, Sennheiser’s Accentum Plus headphones provide a similar sound profile with a slightly fresher approach. With balanced frequencies and 37mm drivers, they offer consistent bass response without overpowering other elements. Additionally, Sennheiser’s advanced EQ settings and bass boost feature enhance the listening experience, particularly for discerning users.
Despite both models delivering quality audio, the Accentum Plus shines with its smart features and slightly enhanced audio performance. It offers a wider soundstage, sharper vocals, and finer audio details, enriching the listening experience across various music genres and tracks.
Design
When considering the design of the Bose QC45s versus the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, notable differences emerge.
Bose prioritizes comfort, evident in its plush design tailored for extended use, while Sennheiser opts for a sturdier build with a snug fit.
While Bose offers collapsible features for easy portability and a durable hard case, Sennheiser provides a semi-structured soft case with less protection.
Battery life
Sennheiser outperforms Bose with a substantial 50-hour listed duration and the convenience of gaining five hours from a brief 10-minute charge. Conversely, the Bose QC45s offer up to 25 hours of playback, with a fast charge feature providing three hours after just 15 minutes.
While both options suffice for a day’s use, Sennheiser’s longer battery life significantly reduces the frequency of recharges, enhancing convenience for users.
Warp-up
In the comparison between the Sennheiser Accentum Plus and the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Sennheiser emerges as the standout choice. It offers advanced touch controls, superior ANC, and better audio detail at a lower price point.
However, the Bose QC45s shouldn’t be dismissed. They excel in physical comfort and relaxed sound reproduction, making them ideal for long listening sessions and travel. While Bose’s model is aging, exploring newer options like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra may be worthwhile for those seeking premium features. Yet, considering the value proposition, Sennheiser’s newer model with its modern enhancements is a compelling choice.
