Sony WH-1000XM4 Black
Score: 84/100
Bose QuietComfort
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are flagship over-ear wireless headphones delivering industry-leading ANC and up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging. Their bulkier build and higher latency may deter gamers and gym-goers. They excel for frequent travelers and users seeking high-resolution audio with a robust feature set.
Bose QuietComfort headphones deliver strong active noise cancellation, lightweight comfort, and dual-device Bluetooth connectivity with NFC pairing. Their battery life is limited to 24 hours and they lack water resistance and wireless charging. Best suited for frequent travelers and professionals seeking premium ANC.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 24 hours | |
38 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 254 g | 240 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | — |
40 mmbest | — | |
16 Ωbest | — | |
10 mbest | 9 m | |
5best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 30 hours | 24 hours |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 10 m | 9 m |
Audio(1) | ||
Microphone Count | 5 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 254 g | 240 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the WH-1000XM4 for its industry-leading ANC, long battery life, and warm, low-distortion sound enabled by the QN1 processor, while noting the bulkier chassis and higher latency make it less suitable for gaming or ultra-portable scenarios.
Everyday users consistently praise the headphones for blocking airplane and commuter noise, lasting battery life, and comfortable all-day wear, but they frequently mention the bulkiness, occasional app connectivity issues, and a bass-heavy default sound that may need EQ tweaking.
Professional reviewers such as RTINGS note that the Bose QuietComfort headphones deliver strong active-noise-cancellation performance, comfortable all-day wear, and a long-lasting battery, making them a solid choice in the premium ANC market.
Pros: Active noise cancellation reduces ambient sound, providing a quiet listening environment for travel and work.; Lightweight over-ear design at only 8.5 oz ensures comfort during long listening sessions.; Up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge supports marathon use without frequent recharging.; Bluetooth 5.1 with a 30-foot wireless range and dual-device connectivity offers stable, flexible connections.; Included accessories such as a USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm audio cable, and hard leather carrying case add value.; NFC one-touch pairing simplifies initial setup with compatible smartphones.; SimpleSync compatibility lets the headphones sync audio with Bose soundbars for home entertainment.; Removable protein-leather ear cushions are replaceable for extended durability and comfort.
