Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
If you are torn between Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | Custom-designed proprietary drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | Advanced array (12 microphones total) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 254 g (0.56 lb) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection |
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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 Ultra Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- • Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
- • Extremely comfortable with plush earcups and headband
- • Supports aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for Android
- • Foldable design makes it more portable than the NC700
✗ Cons:
- • High price tag compared to competitors
- • 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
- • USB-C port is for charging only (no USB audio)
- • Cannot fully turn off ANC (only switch modes)
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Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, Sony WH-1000XM4 has a slight edge for specific features. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
Choose Sony WH-1000XM4 if:
- You want Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- Rating: 4.5★ (623 reviews)
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if:
- You prefer Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise, Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
- Rating: 4.2★ (8908 reviews)
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. 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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