Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: A Comparison

When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, two names dominate the market: Bose and Sony. Both brands have set the bar high with their flagship models, offering an unmatched blend of comfort, sound quality, and advanced features. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are two of the best noise-canceling headphones available today, each with its own set of advantages. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, audiophile, or simply in search of the perfect headphones for everyday use, choosing between these two can be a daunting task. In this report, we’ll break down the key differences and similarities between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM4 to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your audio collection.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones offer an impressive combination of advanced features that enhance the overall listening experience. One standout is the spatial audio technology, which creates an immersive soundscape, making music feel more real and engaging. Bose’s CustomTune technology also ensures the audio is personalized to suit the listener’s ear shape, providing a more tailored and balanced sound. The headphones excel in noise cancellation with their Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode, making them ideal for different listening environments. Additionally, the built-in microphone ensures clear voice quality during calls, even in noisy surroundings, thanks to the background noise-filtering feature.

Comfort and convenience are further highlighted with soft ear cushions and an ergonomic design that evenly distributes pressure, making these headphones comfortable for long listening sessions. The 24-hour battery life ensures extended use, and the quick 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playtime. While most users appreciate the sound quality and noise cancellation, some feedback indicates mixed opinions on build quality and battery life, with some users reporting rapid battery drain. Functionality and connectivity are generally good, though there are occasional reports of connection issues with certain devices.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Spatial audio and CustomTune technology for personalized sound.
2. Advanced noise cancellation with Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode.
3. High-quality microphone for clear calls, even in noisy environments.
4. Up to 24 hours of battery life, with a 15-minute quick charge offering up to 2.5 hours of use.
5. Bluetooth 5.3 and SimpleSync technology for easy device pairing and syncing with Bose soundbars.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with immersive spatial audio.
2. Effective noise cancellation across different modes.
3. Comfortable design with soft ear cushions and even pressure distribution.
4. Clear voice quality for calls with background noise reduction.
5. Convenient touch controls and integration with the Bose app.

Cons:

1. Mixed feedback on build quality, with some describing them as flimsy.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones deliver a premium listening experience with exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality. Equipped with Dual Noise Sensor technology, these headphones effectively block out ambient noise, making them perfect for travel or noisy environments. The sound quality is impressive, with clear highs, deep lows, and a balanced midrange, further enhanced by the DSEE Extreme technology that upscales compressed digital music for a richer sound. Users also appreciate the long-lasting 30-hour battery life, with a quick 10-minute charge providing up to 5 hours of playback, making them ideal for extended use without frequent charging. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to the soft headband and updated design that reduces pressure on the head.

In terms of functionality, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a range of smart features, including touch sensor controls for volume, track skipping, and voice assistant activation, as well as Speak-to-Chat, which automatically reduces the volume during conversations. The superior call quality is another highlight, with five built-in microphones ensuring clear communication. The headphones also support multipoint connection, allowing users to pair with two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between them. However, some users report occasional connectivity issues, which can be a concern for those seeking seamless functionality.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Dual Noise Sensor technology for premium noise cancellation.
2. Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick 10-minute charge for 5 hours of playback.
3. Touch sensor controls for volume, track skipping, and voice assistant activation.
4. Speak-to-Chat function reduces volume during conversations.
5. Multipoint connection for seamless pairing with two devices.

Pros:

1. Excellent noise cancellation performance.
2. Superior sound quality with DSEE Extreme for enhanced audio.
3. Comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions.
4. Long battery life, ideal for travel and extended use.
5. Clear call quality with five built-in microphones.

Cons:

1. Some users report occasional connectivity issues.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, two brands consistently stand out: Bose and Sony. Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer excellent features, but which one is the better choice for your needs?

1. Design and Comfort

Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM4 are over-ear headphones designed for comfort, but each has its own approach to the overall design.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones offer a sleek, minimalist design with soft ear cushions that hug your ears for comfort during long listening sessions. The materials used in the headband and ear cups are premium and help distribute pressure evenly, making them comfortable for extended periods. The headphones have a more elegant, metallic finish with a modern appeal.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 also features an over-ear design, with plush ear cups and an updated headband that reduces pressure, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions. The headphones are lightweight and have a soft, breathable surface, making them ideal for all-day wear. Their design is more traditional compared to the Bose model, with smooth, matte finishes and a slightly bulkier build.

Comfort Comparison: Both headphones excel in comfort, though the Bose QuietComfort Ultra might feel slightly more comfortable due to its ergonomic pressure distribution and the plush materials. The Sony WH-1000XM4, while still comfortable, has a slightly bulkier feel but is still excellent for long-term use.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort Ultra	Sony WH-1000XM4
Headband Material	Premium metallic	Soft, lightweight material
Ear Cushions	Soft and plush	Plush and breathable
Weight	Lighter, more streamlined	Slightly heavier
Comfort for Long Wear	Excellent	Very good

2. Noise Cancellation and Sound Quality

Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM4 are equipped with cutting-edge noise-canceling technology, but there are differences in their approaches and performance.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose has long been known for its industry-leading noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra continues that legacy. With Dual Noise Sensor technology, these headphones provide excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) across different modes, including Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode. The Immersive Audio feature also sets the Bose headphones apart, creating an incredibly natural listening experience, thanks to the spatial audio technology. Bose’s CustomTune technology further enhances sound quality by adapting the audio to your unique ear shape.

Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony also offers top-tier noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology and adaptive sound control that adjusts to your environment. The Sony WH-1000XM4 focuses on delivering a highly customizable listening experience, allowing users to tweak sound profiles through the Sony Headphones Connect app. The DSEE Extreme feature upscales compressed music in real-time, ensuring superior audio quality. While both headphones offer incredible ANC, the Sony WH-1000XM4 provides more control over the sound profile.

Noise Cancellation and Sound Comparison: Both headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra may edge out the Sony model when it comes to overall immersion, thanks to its specialized audio modes. In terms of sound quality, both brands deliver clear, balanced audio with deep bass, but Sony WH-1000XM4 has the edge for those who prefer more customizable sound profiles.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort Ultra	Sony WH-1000XM4
Noise Cancellation	Excellent with multiple modes	Excellent, adaptive control
Sound Quality	Personalized with CustomTune	Customizable with DSEE Extreme
Spatial Audio/Immersive Mode	Yes	No

3. Battery Life

Battery life is a critical feature for wireless headphones, especially for long trips or daily use. Here’s how the two models compare:

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers up to 24 hours of battery life (18 hours with Immersive Audio). A quick 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of playtime. While it’s slightly lower than the Sony model, it’s still impressive, especially when paired with the Immersive Audio feature that enhances sound quality.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 excels in battery life, offering up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playtime. This makes Sony’s headphones ideal for long trips, as you don’t need to worry as much about recharging them.

Battery Life Comparison: In this category, Sony WH-1000XM4 has a clear advantage, offering a longer battery life compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort Ultra	Sony WH-1000XM4
Battery Life	24 hours (18 with Immersive Audio)	30 hours
Quick Charge	15 minutes = 2.5 hours	10 minutes = 5 hours

4. Additional Features

Both headphones come with a variety of smart features that make them easy and convenient to use.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra:

• Voice Assistant Integration: Supports Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Microphone Technology: Five microphones focus on your voice for clear calls.
• Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts the sound profile based on activity and surroundings.

Sony WH-1000XM4:

• Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses music during conversations.
• Multipoint Connection: Connects to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between them.
• Wearing Detection: Pauses music when headphones are removed.

Additional Features Comparison: While both headphones have impressive additional features, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out with its Multipoint Connection and Speak-to-Chat functionality, adding more convenience for multitaskers.

Feature	Bose QuietComfort Ultra	Sony WH-1000XM4
Voice Assistant	Alexa and Google Assistant	Alexa and Google Assistant
Call Quality	Excellent with five mics	Superior with five mics
Speak-to-Chat	No	Yes
Multipoint Connection	No	Yes
Wearing Detection	Yes	Yes

5. Price and Value for Money

The price difference between the two models is another important factor to consider.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose headphones tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, but they justify the price with their superior build quality, comfort, and innovative features such as Immersive Audio.

Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is generally more affordable compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, while still offering an excellent noise-canceling experience, premium sound quality, and long battery life. It provides excellent value for money, particularly if you’re looking for features like Multipoint Connection and Speak-to-Chat.

FAQ

What is the main difference between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sony WH-1000XM4?

The key difference between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sony WH-1000XM4 lies in the audio experience and customization options. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra focuses on delivering immersive, personalized sound with its spatial audio and CustomTune technology, which adapts the sound to your ear shape. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers superior customization options through the Sony Headphones Connect app, along with features like Multipoint Connection and Speak-to-Chat, making it a more versatile choice for those who want more control over their listening experience.

How is the comfort of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Both headphones are known for their comfort, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra might feel more comfortable for long listening sessions due to its lightweight design and soft ear cushions that distribute pressure evenly across your head. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also provides excellent comfort with its plush ear cups and updated headband, but its slightly bulkier build may not feel as lightweight as the Bose headphones. Overall, both are designed for all-day wear, with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra having a slight edge in terms of comfort for extended use.

How does the battery life of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra compare to the Sony WH-1000XM4?

The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a longer battery life, providing up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge, which is ideal for long trips or extended listening sessions. In comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers up to 24 hours of battery life, which is still impressive but falls slightly short of the Sony model. Both headphones offer quick charging capabilities, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 provides more playtime per charge, making it the better option for those who prioritize long battery life.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM4 support voice assistants?

Yes, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sony WH-1000XM4 support voice assistants. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music and manage tasks with voice commands. Similarly, the Sony WH-1000XM4 also supports Alexa and Google Assistant, giving users hands-free control. However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 also features the Speak-to-Chat function, which automatically pauses your music when it detects a conversation, adding extra convenience to the experience.

Which headphones are better for making calls, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Both headphones offer excellent call quality, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra has an advantage in this area. It features five microphones that focus on capturing your voice clearly while filtering out background noise, ensuring crystal-clear calls. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also has five microphones and performs very well during calls, but some users find the Bose QuietComfort Ultra to be slightly superior in terms of call clarity and noise cancellation. If making clear calls is a top priority for you, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra may be the better option.

Conclusion

Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM4 are excellent choices for those seeking premium noise-canceling headphones. If you prioritize immersive audio and superior comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for longer battery life, customizable sound, and extra smart features like Multipoint Connection, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the better value for money.