Sony and Bose are two of the most popular brands in the world. And they both produce high-end quality headphones. In addition, when it comes to headphones with active noise-canceling features. Then Sony or Bose is the industry’s true leader in manufacturing ANC headphones.
Although, three years ago, in 2019, Bose officially released its latest flagship model, the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700. And the main goal of this release is to capture all attention in the title of best ANC headphones from Sony. On the other hand, Sony with the launch of Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, the company is attempting to regain its title. However, the Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 are both truly wireless headsets. And if you’re unsure which is the best and most worthwhile purchase for you. Then keep reading.
Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4- Quick Specs Comparison
| Bose 700 Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones | |
| Price | $399.95. And $429.95 (with charging case) | $349.99 |
| Design | Non-foldable | Foldable |
| Size | 8 x 6.5 x 2 inches | 9.94 x 7.27 x 3.03 inches |
| Battery Life | 20 hours ( ANC on) | 30 hours ( ANC on), 38 hours (ANC off) |
| Weight | 8.95 ounces | 8.95 ounces |
| Wearing Detection | Not available | Available |
| Companion App | Yes | Yes |
| Extra Features | Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adjustable ANC, intelligent controls, tri-digital assistant support, multipoint technology, and Bose AR-enabled | NFC, tri-digital assistant support, Active noise cancellation, Sony 360 Reality Audio, adjustable ambient listening, intelligent controls, multipoint technology, and customizable EQ. |
| Buy Now | Buy Now |
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700- Design & Comfort
First, let’s compare the design and comfort of the Bose 700 and the Sony 1000XM4. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is quite similar to the XM3 headphone pair that came before them. Furthermore, The Sony 1000XM4 has a more traditional design with black and silver accents. Meanwhile, the Bose 700 has a much more modern and premium appearance than Sony. Particularly with the two poles that come down along the earcups and are mounted on the outside of it.
Aside from that, Bose has a more modern headband with a grippy silicone touch. And when it comes to the comfort of both Sony vs Bose headphones. Then we compared both headphones. While Bose had the advantage in terms of comfort and seemed to put less pressure on your head crown. However, they are ideal for wearing for an extended period, such as during a long gaming session or long flights.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 significantly changed the radius of the headband a little. In addition, they also increased the size of the earcups larger in comparison to their XM3 headphone. Which has the impact of spreading out the compressive force a little more around the ears but less on the crown. Even so, this headphone is also much more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
However, in terms of design and comfort, the battle is drawn between the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose 700.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700- Battery Performance
Now next, let’s compare the battery performance of the Bose 700 and the Sony 1000XM4. The Bose will provide approximately 20 hours of battery life. Furthermore, if you charge them from the dead to fully, it will take only two and a half hours. However, with only 15 minutes of charging, you can easily get two hours of battery performance.
Meanwhile, when comparing Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones to Bose. Then Sony provides 30 hours of battery performance time. In addition, if you turn off the noise canceling, then they offer 38 hours of battery life, which is incredible. Moreover, if you want to charge them, you’ll get 5 hours of battery life in just 10 minutes of charging time. This means that if you only plug them in for a short time. Then you’ll be able to jam with them for long hours with ease.
However, in terms of battery performance, Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are the clear winner of this battle.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700- Noise Canceling
The noise canceling feature is the most important aspect of this battle between the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. the Bose 700. This is one of the primary reasons you purchased noise-canceling headphones in the first place. However, in this regard, Bose has always been highly rated.
Furthermore, noise cancellation is the main focus feature of the Bose 700. And because of that, they have a solid grasp of the technology. And with noise canceling 700, it’s an excellent headphone. Particularly in airplanes, where they successfully performed in reducing the sound of airplane noise. But still, there are numerous other sounds that we have to deal with.
On the other hand, Sony is well aware of this problem and has tried to address it by improving some of the higher-frequency and HD noise cancellations feature in the Sony 1000XM4 headphone. As a result, they become a strong competitor to the Bose 700 headphone. In addition, Sony used a special algorithm and a Bluetooth system on chip (SoC) to measure audio and noise levels in the surroundings.
However, in terms of noise-canceling features, the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700. Both headphones did a great job in their respective roles. And the results of this battle are drawn.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700- Sound Quality
The next feature is sound quality. And this is also a significant factor in any headphones. So, when it comes to sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphone is very composed and confident. They have a slight bass boost but a very clear and even mid-range. Overall, you will have a truly enjoyable experience with Sony 1000XM4 headphones.
Whereas the bass on the Bose 700 headphone is a little weak. That means it is present, but not in a particularly strong way. It’s not extremely deep or full-tuned. Bose appears to enjoy emphasizing the upper mid-range or lower treble band. And this gives a kind of vibrant quality, but at the same time, it also has a synthetic quality to it.
Nonetheless, the Bose 700 is an excellent choice that you will thoroughly enjoy. However, if sound quality is an important factor to you, then the Sony 1000XM4 is the way to go. And in terms of sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphone wins.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700- Features
Here are some of the advanced features that the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphone offers that the Bose 700 does not. Many of these features are available in the app. So, if you look at the Sony app, you’ll notice a few advanced features that you won’t find in the Bose.
In Sony WH-1000XM4 you will receive some form of adaptive sound technology. Through that, you can easily tune the headphones to work well in whatever situation you find yourself in. For example, if you’re driving down a noisy road or flying in an airplane. You can optimize the noise cancellation for that specific environment. This feature is not available with the Bose 700 headphone.
There are a few other advanced features Sony 1000XM4 has, such as measuring your ears and getting 3D sound effects from these headphones. You can also enable the upscaling feature, which improves the sound of low-bitrate music. Furthermore, Sony 1000XM4 has a swipe feature on the ear cup for straight-up headphone control. So you can turn up and down to answer calls or also hang up the call with a single tap.
Meanwhile, the Bose 700 headphone provides a more typical listening experience. You’ll be pressing physical buttons around the earcup. For launching Google Assistant or any other application of your choice. Moreover, another advanced feature that the Sony 1000XMA has that the Bose 700 does not is a small wear sensor inside the ear cup. When you remove the headphone, this feature will easily pause the music and also disables noise cancellation.
Lastly, the Sony 1000XM4 headphones have a talk-through feature. For example, suppose you want to talk to someone while wearing Sony headphones. Then simply place your hand over the ear cup to turn off the noise cancellation. As a result, it allows outside sound in so that users can hear and talk to someone with ease. On the other hand, Bose 700 lacks this feature as well. However, when it comes to overall features, the Sony 1000XM4 clearly wins the competition.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700- Call Quality
Last but not least, make a comparison of the call quality of the Bose 700 vs the Sony 1000XM4. The call quality of Sony headphones is exceptional. But, if you are on call with someone while in a windy or noisy environment. The background noise may then distract you. However, when it comes to calling quality, the Bose 700 headphone reigns supreme. Because it has excellent voice quality. Additionally, the Bose 700 can easily handle any type of background noise.
However, in terms of call quality, the Bose Noise Cancelling 700 headphones are the true winner.
Final Words
So, which of these headphones Bose 700 vs. Sony 1000-XM4 wins this battle? Well, we believe that both headphones perform admirably in their respective roles. However, it is entirely up to you to choose what type of person you are and what purpose you will use them for. For example, if you are a business person who needs to attend to and make a lot of phone calls regularly. Or perhaps attends online meetings. Then the Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones are the better purchase for you.
The call quality of the Bose 700 is excellent, and even zoom meetings are improved with this particular pair of headphones. Furthermore, these noise-canceling headphones are more effective while traveling. For canceling out the plane and other noise, which is essential for some users. The Bose 700 is also very comfortable and has great sound quality.
On the other hand, The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a better choice for the majority of the rest. They are simply better-rounded headphones. They have better battery life and slightly better comfort, making them ideal for all video gamers and streamers. Overall, they’re the better headphones. However, both headphones are unique in their own way, it only depends on your suitability and which headphones are worth your money. But in terms of comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is unquestionably the clear winner in this battle. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sound quality is better, Sony vs. Bose?
In the comparison of sound quality between Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones. The Sony 1000XM4 headphones are truly winners because they have slightly better sound quality than the Bose 700 headphones.
Is Sony WH-1000XM4 better than Bose 700 at noise cancellation?
In the noise canceling feature, the battle is drawn between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700. Because both headphones performed admirably in their respective roles. However, if you want to buy a good noise-canceling headphone, then Sony or Bose are two better options to consider while purchasing. And in our recommendations, both headphones have excellent noise cancellation.
Is the WH-1000XM4 audiophile-grade?
The WH-1000XM4’s noise canceling will give you a better sense of clarity for your music while using them in noisy environments. However, this is only because it effectively eliminates the noise surfaces. But in terms of detail and technicalities, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is not an audiophile headphone.
Is Sony a high-end audio brand?
Yes, Sony is one of the most well-known brands in the world. Sony manufactures high-end audio equipment. However, If you have a good amount of money and want to purchase high-end quality audio headphones, then Sony is the perfect brand for you.
Do Sony 1000XM4s headphones break easily?
Yes, they do break easily. Particularly from the hinges. And this is one of the most common issues among the people who use them on a daily basis.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 suitable for use in the gym?
Even though, Sony headphones are not specifically designed for working out purposes. But yes, without a doubt, the Sony WH headphones are among the very best headphones on the market at the moment. And even so, if you don’t do high-intensity workout training, then they are still suitable for you.
How long do Sony WF-1000XM4 batteries last?
In our testing, the WF-1000XM4’s battery runtime with ANC was 8 hours, which is unquestionably the best we’ve seen in a noise-canceller this powerful. However, the case charges the buds quickly via the USB-C port, or you can also use a wireless charging mat.