Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort SC
If you're looking for the best noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the premium choice with its industry-leading ANC. The Bose QuietComfort SC is more budget-friendly but still delivers impressive adjustable noise cancellation. You get 24 hours of battery life, which is solid but falls short of what the Sony offers.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Bose QuietComfort SC
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: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Sony WH-1000XM4
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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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)
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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)
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Which one is better?
Grab the Bose if you need something lighter and more comfortable for all-day wear - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want industry-leading noise cancellation, need 30 hours of battery for long trips, or prefer touch controls for a modern feel.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you want a comfortable fit for all-day use, appreciate physical buttons for easy control, or need a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much quality. (8.47 oz weight)
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?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Bose QuietComfort SC is better if you prioritize world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. 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.
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