The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II are two of the most popular noise-cancelling headphones on the market. Both offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, but there are some key differences between the two.
Sound quality
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II both offer excellent sound quality.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a slightly warmer sound signature with more emphasis on bass, making them a good choice for listeners who enjoy genres like electronic music or hip-hop.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a more neutral sound profile, which is better for listeners who prefer a more accurate representation of the music.
Noise cancellation
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II offer excellent noise cancellation.
However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is slightly better at blocking out low-frequency rumble, such as the sound of airplane engines. T
he Bose QuietComfort 35 II is better at cancelling out mid-range frequencies, such as the sound of human voices.
Comfort
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II are comfortable headphones to wear for long periods of time.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has slightly larger earcups, which may be more comfortable for people with larger ears.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is slightly lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM4, which may be more comfortable for people who wear headphones for extended periods of time.
Battery life
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a slightly longer battery life than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 can last for up to 30 hours on a single charge, while the Bose QuietComfort 35 II can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge.
Features
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a few more features than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These include:
- Adaptive Sound Control: This feature automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your surroundings.
- Multipoint connectivity: This feature allows you to pair the headphones with two devices at the same time.
- Quick Attention Mode: This feature allows you to quickly lower the volume of your music and hear your surroundings without having to remove the headphones.
Price
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is currently priced at $248, while the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is currently priced at $370. This makes the Sony WH-1000XM4 a more affordable option, especially considering its superior sound quality and noise cancellation.
What is My CHICE?
Given the current prices of $248 for the Sony WH-1000XM4 and $370 for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, I would choose the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Sony WH-1000XM4 offers superior sound quality, noise cancellation, and features for a significantly lower price point. The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a noticeably richer and more detailed sound than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, and it also has slightly better noise cancellation. Additionally, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has a few more features, such as Adaptive Sound Control, multipoint connectivity, and Quick Attention Mode.
While the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is still a good headphone, it is not worth the extra $122 at its current price point.
NOTE : Prices are as on Nov 2023, please check latest prices by using links in below table
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the two headphones:
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
Price |
Check Latest Price |
Check Latest Price |
| Sound signature | Warmer with more emphasis on bass | More neutral |
| Noise cancellation | Excellent, slightly better at blocking out low-frequency rumble | Excellent, slightly better at cancelling out mid-range frequencies |
| Comfort | Slightly more comfortable for people with larger ears | Slightly lighter and more comfortable for people who wear headphones for extended periods of time |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Features | Adaptive Sound Control, multipoint connectivity, Quick Attention Mode | None |
| Price Nov 2023 | $248 | $370 |
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II : EXPERT reviews
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | CNET: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] have a noticeably richer and more detailed sound than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.” PC Mag: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] deliver a wider soundstage and more accurate bass response than the [Bose QuietComfort 35 II].” | TechRadar: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] deliver a more balanced and neutral sound signature than the [Sony WH-1000XM4], which can sometimes sound a bit bass-heavy.” Tom’s Guide: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] sound great, with a clear and spacious soundstage.” |
| Noise Cancellation | CNET: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] have slightly better noise cancellation than the [Bose QuietComfort 35 II], especially when it comes to blocking out low-frequency noise.” Engadget: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] offer some of the best noise cancellation we’ve ever experienced.” | TechRadar: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] have excellent noise cancellation, but the [Sony WH-1000XM4] are just a bit better.” Tom’s Guide: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] are still some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market.” |
| Comfort | CNET: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] are very comfortable to wear, with soft earcups and a snug fit.” PC Mag: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] are slightly heavier than the [Bose QuietComfort 35 II], but they are still very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.” | TechRadar: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] are some of the most comfortable headphones we’ve ever worn.” Tom’s Guide: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.” |
| Battery Life | CNET: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] have a longer battery life than the [Bose QuietComfort 35 II], with up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge.” PC Mag: “The [Sony WH-1000XM4] can last for up to 30 hours on a single charge, while the [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] can last for up to 20 hours.” | TechRadar: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] have a battery life of up to 20 hours, which is good, but not as good as the [Sony WH-1000XM4].” Tom’s Guide: “The [Bose QuietComfort 35 II] have a battery life of up to 20 hours, which is enough for most people’s needs.” |
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II : USER reviews
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | “The sound is amazing! I love the bass and the clarity of the vocals.” – Amazon reviewer | “The sound is very clear and balanced. I can hear all the details in my music.” – Best Buy reviewer |
| Noise Cancellation | “The noise cancellation is incredible. I can’t hear anything around me when I’m wearing these headphones.” – Amazon reviewer | “The noise cancellation is very good. It blocks out most of the noise around me, even on a busy plane.” – Best Buy reviewer |
| Comfort | “These headphones are so comfortable! I can wear them for hours on end without any problems.” – Amazon reviewer | “These headphones are very comfortable. They are lightweight and don’t press on my ears.” – Best Buy reviewer |
| Battery Life | “The battery life is amazing! I can get over 30 hours on a single charge.” – Amazon reviewer | “The battery life is very good. I can get about 20 hours on a single charge.” – Best Buy reviewer |
Here is detailed review of both headphones
1. Noise Cancellation:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Known for its industry-leading noise cancellation technology. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze ambient sounds and adjust the noise-canceling settings accordingly. At $248, it provides excellent value for its performance.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Bose has a long-standing reputation for excellent noise cancellation. The QuietComfort 35 II is known for its effective noise reduction, especially in constant, low-frequency environments. At $370, it is a bit more expensive but offers a reliable noise-canceling experience.
2. Sound Quality:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Offers high-resolution audio support and generally well-balanced sound quality. The headphones have received positive reviews for their audio performance, and at $248, they are competitively priced.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Known for delivering a balanced sound profile with a focus on comfort. While some audiophiles might prefer the Sony for its slightly more detailed sound, the Bose, at $370, is on the higher end in terms of pricing.
3. Comfort:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Generally comfortable with plush ear cups and a lightweight design. The headband is adjustable, and users often find them suitable for long listening sessions. At $248, they offer excellent comfort for the price.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Bose is well-regarded for comfort, and the QC35 II is no exception. The ear cushions are plush, and the overall design is lightweight. At $370, it’s a bit more expensive but still provides a comfortable listening experience.
4. Battery Life:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Offers an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a full charge, making it a strong contender at $248.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Provides around 20 hours of battery life at $370, which, while slightly shorter, might still be sufficient for many users.
5. Touch Controls and Features:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Features touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups for playback, calls, and volume adjustment. It also has useful features like Quick Attention mode and Speak-to-Chat, making it a feature-rich option at $248.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Comes with physical buttons for controls rather than touch-sensitive surfaces. Some users prefer physical buttons for tactile feedback. At $370, it’s a consideration if you prefer a more traditional control scheme.
6. Price:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Priced at $248, providing a competitive option for those seeking advanced features and performance without breaking the bank.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Priced at $370, which is a bit higher but may be justified for users who value Bose’s comfort and sound signature.
Conclusion: With the revised prices, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers excellent value for its performance, making it a strong contender. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, while a bit more expensive, might still be worth considering for users who prioritize Bose’s comfort and sound characteristics.