Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: A Comparison

In the world of premium noise-canceling headphones, two names stand out: Bose and Sony. Both brands have earned their reputation for providing top-tier sound quality, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, with the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM4 representing the best of what each has to offer. If you’re in the market for a pair of noise-canceling headphones, deciding between these two can be a challenge. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the key features, sound quality, comfort, battery life, and additional functionalities of both models to help you determine which one is the right fit for you.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are a true testament to Bose’s dedication to delivering top-notch sound and comfort. With advanced noise-canceling technology, these headphones block out external noise to create an immersive listening experience. The Quiet Mode offers full noise cancellation, while the Aware Mode allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, making them versatile for various environments. The sound quality is impressive with deep bass and clear mids, thanks to the TriPort acoustic architecture and volume-optimized Active EQ. Despite some mixed reviews on sound clarity at high volumes, the overall audio experience remains rich and balanced. For comfort, Bose doesn’t disappoint with plush synthetic leather ear cushions and a lightweight design that ensures all-day wearability. With a 24-hour battery life, they offer reliable performance for long trips or work sessions, and a quick 15-minute charge provides 3 hours of listening, making these headphones highly convenient.

However, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones do have some drawbacks. While the noise cancellation is generally praised, some users have reported that sound still bleeds through, especially in noisy environments. Additionally, there are occasional concerns about functionality, with some users experiencing issues like the headphones unexpectedly stopping. The price point may also be a barrier for some, as there are cheaper alternatives that offer similar features.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Active Noise Cancelling with Quiet and Aware modes.
2. High-fidelity sound with TriPort acoustic architecture.
3. 24 hours of battery life with a quick 15-minute charge offering 3 hours.
4. Comfortable over-ear design with plush synthetic leather and lightweight build.
5. Bluetooth wireless connection with strong reliability within 30 feet.

Pros:

1. Excellent noise cancellation for an immersive experience.
2. Comfortable design ideal for all-day wear.
3. Rich and balanced sound with optimized bass.
4. Long-lasting battery life, with a quick charging option.
5. Easy-to-use Bose Music app for customization.

Cons:

1. Some sound leakage in noisy environments.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones stand out in the crowded noise-canceling headphone market thanks to their exceptional audio quality and comfort. Equipped with Dual Noise Sensor technology, they deliver outstanding noise cancellation, allowing for an immersive listening experience. Whether you’re listening to music, taking calls, or working in a noisy environment, the WH-1000XM4 ensures crystal-clear sound and effective isolation from external noise. The headphones feature advanced touch controls, allowing users to easily pause/play music, adjust volume, and even activate voice assistants with a simple swipe or tap. With a battery life of up to 30 hours and quick charging capabilities, these headphones are perfect for long trips or extended use. The addition of features like Speak-to-Chat, where the volume automatically reduces during conversations, and wearing detection, which pauses playback when the headphones are removed, adds an extra layer of convenience.

However, while the WH-1000XM4 is highly praised for its sound and comfort, there are some drawbacks to consider. Some users report occasional connectivity issues, especially with multipoint connections, where the headphones struggle to seamlessly pair with multiple devices. Additionally, while the price reflects the high-quality features, some customers feel that the headphones may not offer the best value for money, particularly when compared to other models in a similar price range.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Premium noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology.
2. 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours).
3. Touch sensor controls for play, volume, and voice assistant.
4. Speak-to-Chat feature that automatically reduces volume during conversations.
5. Multipoint connection for seamless pairing with multiple devices.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with effective noise cancellation.
2. Comfortable design suitable for extended wear.
3. Impressive battery life and quick charging.
4. Advanced features like wearing detection and adaptive sound control.
5. Superior call quality with five built-in microphones for clear voice pickup.

Cons:

1. Occasional connectivity issues with multipoint connections.

Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, two brands stand out above the rest: Bose and Sony. Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are among the best in the market, offering premium sound quality, comfort, and effective noise cancellation. However, each model has its unique features and strengths, making it important to weigh the differences based on your specific needs.

Noise Cancellation

One of the primary features that sets these headphones apart is their noise cancellation capabilities. Both the Bose QC45 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 excel in this department, but they take slightly different approaches.

• Bose QuietComfort 45: Bose has long been known for its superior noise-canceling technology, and the QC45 continues that tradition. Featuring a combination of hardware and software innovations, such as tiny microphones that continuously measure external sound and cancel it with opposite signals, the QC45 offers industry-leading noise cancellation. The headphones also come with two modes: Quiet Mode, for full noise cancellation, and Aware Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music. This makes the QC45 more versatile for people who need to balance isolation with environmental awareness.
• Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s noise-canceling technology is also top-tier, featuring Dual Noise Sensor technology that captures external noise and reduces it with opposite sound waves. The WH-1000XM4 also offers excellent noise isolation and includes an Adaptive Sound Control feature, which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation depending on your activity and environment. While the WH-1000XM4 also has an “Ambient Sound” mode for hearing the environment, its focus is more on customizable settings rather than the ability to easily toggle between full cancellation and environmental awareness.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	Sony WH-1000XM4
Noise Cancelling Mode	Quiet Mode & Aware Mode	Adaptive Sound Control
Technology	Dual microphones for noise cancellation	Dual Noise Sensors
Customization	Simple, two modes	Highly customizable

Sound Quality

Both headphones offer excellent sound, but they have different approaches when it comes to audio quality and features.

• Bose QuietComfort 45: The QC45 uses the TriPort acoustic architecture, which creates a rich, full sound with excellent depth and clarity. The volume-optimized Active EQ ensures that sound stays balanced even at higher or lower volumes. However, some users have noted that the bass might not be as pronounced as some might like compared to the Sony headphones, especially at higher volumes.
• Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s audio performance is generally regarded as being superior, partly thanks to the DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo. This feature upscales compressed music in real time, improving the overall listening experience. The sound on the WH-1000XM4 is dynamic, with powerful bass and clear mids and highs, which many users find superior for a wide range of music genres.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound Quality	Clear, balanced with deep bass	Dynamic, powerful bass and detailed mids
Audio Enhancement	Volume-optimized Active EQ	DSEE Extreme for real-time upscaling
Customizable Sound	No app control	Full control via the Sony Headphones Connect app

Comfort and Design

When it comes to comfort, both headphones are designed for long hours of use, but each model offers a slightly different experience.

• Bose QuietComfort 45: The QC45 has an incredibly lightweight design with plush synthetic leather ear cushions and minimal clamping force. This makes the headphones feel comfortable even after several hours of use. The design is simple and clean, with a focus on comfort and durability. The materials used, such as impact-resistant glass-filled nylon and cast-metal hinges, make them robust, but they are not as sleek as the Sony model.
• Sony WH-1000XM4: The WH-1000XM4 is also designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft memory foam ear cups and a lightweight design. The headphones fit snugly over your ears, creating a comfortable seal that contributes to effective noise cancellation. The headband design is adjustable and provides an excellent fit for a wide range of head sizes. While both headphones are comfortable, the WH-1000XM4 offers a slightly more premium feel with its smooth matte finish and streamlined design.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	Sony WH-1000XM4
Ear Cup Material	Synthetic leather	Memory foam
Clamping Force	Minimal	Slightly stronger
Durability	High (glass-filled nylon)	Premium materials, slightly more luxurious feel

Battery Life and Charging

Both headphones provide long-lasting battery life, but they differ in how quickly they charge and how long they last.

• Bose QuietComfort 45: The QC45 offers up to 24 hours of playback on a full charge, which is slightly lower than the Sony model. However, it does feature a quick 15-minute charge that gives you an additional 3 hours of playback, which can be convenient for users on the go.
• Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s headphones lead the pack with up to 30 hours of battery life, which is ideal for long-haul flights or long days at work. Additionally, a quick 10-minute charge gives you 5 hours of playback, making it a great option for users in a rush.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	Sony WH-1000XM4
Battery Life	24 hours	30 hours
Quick Charge	15 min for 3 hours	10 min for 5 hours

Connectivity and Features

In terms of connectivity and extra features, both models offer great options for seamless usage.

• Bose QuietComfort 45: The QC45 offers Bluetooth wireless connectivity and supports easy pairing with multiple devices. It also includes a Bose Music app for adjusting settings, managing Bluetooth connections, and accessing noise cancellation settings. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features like multi-device pairing.
• Sony WH-1000XM4: The WH-1000XM4 excels in this area with features such as multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful for people who need to switch between devices often. It also comes with the Sony Headphones Connect app for additional sound customization and settings, and features like Speak-to-Chat and wearing detection that enhance the user experience.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort 45	Sony WH-1000XM4
Multipoint Connection	No	Yes
App Features	Basic Bose Music app	Advanced Sony app with customizable settings
Additional Features	Speak-to-Chat (basic)	Speak-to-Chat, Wearing Detection, Adaptive Sound Control

FAQ

Which headphones have better noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort 45 or the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer excellent noise cancellation, but they have different approaches. The Bose QC45 uses Dual Noise Sensor technology that continuously adapts to external sounds for superior cancellation, and it offers two modes: Quiet Mode for full isolation and Aware Mode to allow some environmental sound. The Sony WH-1000XM4, with its Adaptive Sound Control, adjusts noise cancellation based on your activity and environment. While both are among the best in the market, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a bit more customization in this area, making it more versatile in varying environments.

How long do the batteries last on the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM4?

The battery life is one of the standout features of both models. The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers up to 24 hours of playback on a full charge. A quick 15-minute charge provides an additional 3 hours, making it quite convenient for short trips. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers up to 30 hours of battery life, with a quick 10-minute charge providing 5 hours of use. If battery longevity is your top priority, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has the edge.

Are the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM4 comfortable for extended wear?

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are designed with comfort in mind, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The QC45 features lightweight materials and plush synthetic leather ear cushions, providing a soft and comfortable fit with minimal clamping force. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also offers comfort with its memory foam ear cups and an adjustable headband. The Sony model has a slightly more premium feel, but both are comfortable enough for all-day wear, with no significant pressure on the ears or head.

Can you use the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM4 for making calls?

Yes, both headphones are equipped with microphones to facilitate phone calls. The Bose QC45 has superior call quality thanks to its five built-in microphones and advanced signal processing that ensures clear audio even in noisy environments. Similarly, the Sony WH-1000XM4 features multiple microphones and advanced noise-canceling technology to improve call quality. Both are excellent options for making hands-free calls, with the Sony WH-1000XM4 offering additional features like automatic volume reduction when talking.

Do the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM4 have voice assistant support?

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 support voice assistants, but with slight differences in how they work. The Bose QC45 allows you to activate your voice assistant via a dedicated button or through the Bose Music app, providing straightforward integration. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also supports voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, with the added convenience of touch controls to manage voice interactions. The Sony model offers more flexibility with its touch-sensitive controls, while the Bose model focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Conclusion

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are exceptional headphones, each with its strengths. If you’re primarily looking for ultimate comfort and superb noise cancellation for long sessions, the Bose QC45 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re after better sound quality, more advanced features like multipoint connection and adaptive sound control, and a longer battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better option.