When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, Bose and Sony are two of the most prominent brands in the market. Both offer exceptional sound quality, top-notch noise cancellation, and features designed to enhance the listening experience. However, choosing between the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 can be a challenge. Each model offers its own set of advantages and unique features, from customizable noise cancellation and comfort to connectivity options and battery life. In this comparison, we will break down the key differences and similarities between these two top contenders to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a top-tier choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. With 11 levels of active noise cancellation, users can tailor the experience to their preference, whether they want to block out the world completely or let some sound in. The headphones deliver crisp, clear audio with impressive bass, ensuring an immersive listening experience. The four-microphone system is particularly noteworthy for its exceptional voice clarity during calls, even in noisy or windy environments. Additionally, these headphones offer a premium design with a lightweight stainless steel headband and comfortable earcups that make them ideal for extended use.
While the sound quality and noise cancellation are exceptional, the Bose 700 headphones come with some mixed reviews. Connectivity can be a hit or miss, as some users report seamless Bluetooth pairing, while others face issues with connection reliability and app functionality. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 20 hours of use on a single charge, but some users may find the price tag a bit steep, considering the occasional functionality hiccups.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- 11 levels of active noise cancellation
- Four-microphone system for clear calls
- Up to 20 hours of wireless battery life
- Intuitive touch controls on the earcups
- Alexa and Google Assistant integration
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Customizable noise cancellation settings
- Comfortable design for long-term wear
- Easy access to voice assistants and Spotify integration
- Effective microphone system for clear calls in noisy environments
Cons:
- Bluetooth connectivity issues reported by some users
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a standout choice in the premium noise-canceling headphone market, offering impressive sound quality and comfort. Featuring Dual Noise Sensor technology, they effectively block out ambient noise, providing an immersive listening experience. The adaptive sound control ensures a personalized experience, adjusting based on your activity and environment. With up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge, and a quick 10-minute charge providing up to 5 hours of playback, the WH-1000XM4 is ideal for long trips or extended listening sessions. The touch sensor controls make it easy to manage music, calls, and voice assistants without fumbling with buttons.
While the WH-1000XM4 headphones excel in many areas, there are a few drawbacks. Some users report connectivity issues, particularly when pairing with multiple devices, and there are occasional complaints about the functionality of certain features. The headphones also come with a premium price tag, which may deter budget-conscious buyers, even though many find the performance justifies the cost. The comfort level is generally praised, but some may find them a bit bulky after long wear.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- Dual Noise Sensor technology for premium noise cancellation
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging
- Touch sensor controls for easy music and call management
- Speak-to-Chat feature for automatic volume reduction during conversations
- Adaptive Sound Control for personalized listening
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality and noise cancellation
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Long battery life with quick charge functionality
- Seamless multiple-device pairing (Multipoint Connection)
- High-quality call clarity with five built-in microphones
Cons:
- Occasional connectivity issues when pairing with multiple devices
Comparison of Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4
When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, two names often dominate the conversation: Bose and Sony. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are both excellent options that promise superior sound, comfort, and noise cancellation. However, there are notable differences between the two, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific features you prioritize.
Sound Quality
Both the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 offer exceptional sound quality, but they have distinct sound signatures. The Bose 700 delivers crisp, clear audio with an emphasis on balanced sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more neutral listening experience. The bass is deep and full, but the focus remains on clarity and detail. The Bose 700 headphones are perfect for those who appreciate a more natural, accurate sound across a wide range of frequencies.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 uses Sony’s proprietary Edge AI technology to upscale compressed digital music files in real-time. This feature, combined with its DSEE Extreme engine, ensures that the sound is rich and vibrant, even with lower-quality audio files. The WH-1000XM4 tends to deliver punchier bass and a slightly warmer sound, making it ideal for bass enthusiasts and those who enjoy a more dynamic, immersive listening experience.
Noise Cancellation
Both headphones excel in the noise cancellation department, but there are subtle differences. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 offer 11 levels of active noise cancellation, allowing users to fine-tune the amount of noise isolation they desire. This feature is especially useful in various environments, as you can adjust it to suit different levels of background noise. The Bose 700 is renowned for its ability to block out external sounds effectively, making it a top choice for people who need to focus in noisy environments.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 also features excellent noise cancellation, thanks to its Dual Noise Sensor technology. This system uses two microphones on each earcup to capture ambient noise, which is then cancelled out using the headphones’ processing technology. While the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers impressive noise cancellation, it does not offer the same level of customization as the Bose 700. However, Sony’s adaptive sound control automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on your surroundings, making it convenient for users who want a more automatic experience.
Comfort and Design
Both headphones are designed for extended listening sessions, with a focus on comfort. The Bose 700 has a lightweight, stainless steel headband with earcups that are slightly tilted for a more natural fit. The earcups are generously padded, making them comfortable for long hours of use. Additionally, the headband is designed to relieve pressure, ensuring that users can wear them for extended periods without discomfort.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has also been designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush earcups and a soft, flexible headband. Sony has made improvements to the design, ensuring that the headphones provide a snug but comfortable fit. The WH-1000XM4 is slightly bulkier than the Bose 700, but the overall comfort is comparable, and both models can be worn for hours without causing significant discomfort.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM4 takes the lead. With up to 30 hours of playback time on a full charge, these headphones are ideal for long flights or all-day listening. Additionally, a 10-minute quick charge provides up to 5 hours of playback, making them convenient for users on the go.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, while still offering a solid 20 hours of battery life, falls short in comparison. However, it is still more than sufficient for most daily use cases. The quick charging capabilities of the Bose 700 are also impressive, with a 15-minute charge providing around 3.5 hours of playback.
Connectivity and Features
Both the Bose and Sony headphones offer excellent connectivity features, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 edges out with its multipoint connection. This feature allows the headphones to pair with two devices simultaneously, which is perfect for users who need to switch between devices like a laptop and smartphone seamlessly. The Bose 700 also offers Bluetooth connectivity, but it lacks the ability to connect to two devices at once.
In terms of extra features, both headphones come with voice assistant integration (Alexa and Google Assistant), touch controls for music and calls, and superior call quality thanks to advanced microphone systems. Sony’s WH-1000XM4 also includes the Speak-to-Chat feature, which automatically pauses music when the user starts talking, making it a convenient option for those who often have conversations while wearing headphones.
Price and Value for Money
The price of both headphones reflects their premium features, but there is a notable difference. The Sony WH-1000XM4 tends to be slightly more affordable than the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, making it a more attractive option for users looking for value. While some customers find both headphones well worth the investment, others have pointed out that the Bose 700 may be on the pricier side for the features offered.
| Feature | Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | 11 levels of noise cancellation | Dual Noise Sensor technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Quick Charge | 15 minutes for 3.5 hours | 10 minutes for 5 hours |
| Comfort | Lightweight, stainless steel design | Plush earcups, flexible headband |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, no multipoint support | Multipoint connection |
| Extra Features | Alexa/Google Assistant, Touch Controls | Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control |
| Price Range | Higher | Slightly more affordable |
FAQ
Which headphones offer better noise cancellation, the Bose 700 or the Sony WH-1000XM4?
Both the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer exceptional noise cancellation, but they do so in slightly different ways. The Bose 700 features 11 levels of active noise cancellation, allowing users to adjust the intensity depending on the environment. This makes it highly customizable for different scenarios. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 uses Dual Noise Sensor technology and adaptive sound control, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on your surroundings. While the Bose 700 provides more control, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a more automated, hands-off experience. Both are excellent, but the choice depends on whether you prefer manual adjustment or adaptive functionality.
How long do the batteries last on the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4?
Battery life is one of the strengths of both headphones, but there is a noticeable difference. The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge, which is ideal for long trips or all-day use. Additionally, it has a quick-charge feature, providing up to 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge. In comparison, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 provide up to 20 hours of battery life, which is still impressive but falls short of the Sony model. However, it also offers quick charging, with a 15-minute charge giving you about 3.5 hours of playback.
Are the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 comfortable for long listening sessions?
Both headphones are designed with comfort in mind, but there are subtle differences in their design. The Bose 700 has a lightweight stainless steel headband and earcups that are slightly tilted for a natural fit, offering comfort during extended use. The ear cups are generously padded, and the headband is designed to relieve pressure. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 uses plush ear cups and a soft, flexible headband that is also comfortable for long hours of use. While the Sony model may feel slightly bulkier, both are highly rated for comfort, and personal preference will play a role in your choice.
Can I connect both the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 to multiple devices at the same time?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a notable advantage in this area, as it supports multipoint connectivity, allowing you to pair the headphones with two devices simultaneously. This is ideal for people who need to switch between devices, like a phone and a laptop, without needing to manually disconnect and reconnect. Unfortunately, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 do not support this feature, so you’ll need to manually disconnect from one device before connecting to another.
How do the sound qualities of the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 compare?
Both headphones deliver excellent sound, but they have different sound signatures. The Bose 700 is known for its clear, balanced audio with deep bass that remains crisp even at higher volumes. It provides a neutral sound profile that is great for those who prefer accuracy and clarity in their listening experience. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 produces a more dynamic sound, with punchier bass and a slightly warmer tone, making it a better option for users who enjoy a more immersive, energetic listening experience. Both are superb, but your preference will depend on whether you lean towards a more natural or more vibrant sound profile.
Conclusion
Both the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are excellent choices for anyone seeking premium sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and long-lasting comfort. The Bose 700 is perfect for those who value a more customizable noise cancellation experience and a balanced sound profile. However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers better battery life, a more affordable price point, and added convenience features like multipoint connection and Speak-to-Chat.