Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Worth it if you crave silence? In real-world use, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones' 24-hour battery with ANC keeps you in a bubble of silence for a full day of work. Key specs: Battery: 30h (Sony WH-1000XM4) vs 24h (Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones) and Bluetooth: 5.3 (Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones) vs 5.0 (Sony WH-1000XM4).
Why compare these? Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4 are premium flagship headphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Bose QuietComfort | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2★ (8,908 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (623 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Main Drawback | High price tag compared to competitors | No official IP water resistance rating |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
5.3
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon | ★4.5(623)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | Custom-designed proprietary drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) |
Frequency Response | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | Advanced array (12 microphones total) | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Not TWS) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5 mm) |
Water Resistance | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) | No IP Rating |
Weight | 254 g (0.56 lb) | 254 g (8.96 oz) |
Controls | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) |
App Eq | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio |
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
5.3
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune)
Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense)
Pros
- Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
Cons
- High price tag compared to competitors
- 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Cons
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
Which one is better?
Grab the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if you need superior ANC and immersive soundstage - it's a no-brainer for audiophiles.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if: you need top-tier ANC for noisy environments, enjoy immersive audio experiences, or demand superior microphone quality.
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you prioritize longer battery life, need a more portable design, or want a cost-effective flagship model.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.2★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 8,908 reviews vs 623
→ Choose Bose QuietComfort
Market-leading ANC suppresses Priority
Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
→ Choose Bose QuietComfort
Top-tier Active Noise Priority
Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Conclusion
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.2★. That said, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or Sony WH-1000XM4?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. Sony WH-1000XM4 wins if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Both are rated highly (4.2★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4?
Key differences: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offers market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise, while Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out with top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Consider that Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones high price tag compared to competitors. Meanwhile, Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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