Sony WH-1000XM4 Black
Score: 90/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are premium over-ear headphones featuring industry-leading active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio via LDAC. Their bulk and premium price may deter some users. Perfect for travelers and audiophiles who value top-tier ANC and sound quality.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) offers best-in-class ANC, CustomTune personalization and Spatial Immersive Audio in a lightweight over-ear package with up to 24 hours of playtime. It lacks water resistance and a dedicated EQ app, and its bulkier design may not suit active use. Ideal for commuters, travelers and audiophiles who prioritize ANC and comfort.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 24 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 254 g | 250 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | 15 minutes |
40,000 Hzbest | — | |
40 mmbest | — | |
10 mbest | 9 m | |
16 Ωbest | — | |
105 dBbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 30 hours | 24 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 10 m | 9 m |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 254 g | 250 g |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
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.
“won't "drag ears down" even after hours”
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra for its best-in-class ANC, comfortable lightweight build, and innovative CustomTune calibration that keeps sound consistent across different fits. They also note the strong battery performance and robust Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, while flagging the bulkier form factor, lack of water resistance, and the fact that a newer generation has already been released.
Users consistently praise the headphones for their comfort, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation that makes commuting and travel pleasant. Common complaints revolve around the bulkiness for active use, occasional bass variability depending on head shape or glasses, and the missing IP rating for sweat-prone activities.
