Bose QuietComfort SC vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Choosing between Bose QuietComfort SC and Sony WH-1000XM4 can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bose QuietComfort SC
Sony WH-1000XM4
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort SC vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Bose QuietComfort SC
Sony WH-1000XM4
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort SC | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.5(623)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) |
Frequency Response | Not disclosed by manufacturer | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Not TWS) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) | Yes (3.5 mm) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No IP Rating |
Weight | 8.5 oz (240 g) | 254 g (8.96 oz) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Bose QuietComfort SC
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
Bose QuietComfort SC is stronger in quality and performance, but Sony WH-1000XM4 could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Bose QuietComfort SC suits buyers who need World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block, Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- Sony WH-1000XM4 suits buyers who want Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort SC excels if you value world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. Sony WH-1000XM4 is better if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.