Over-Ear
Bose QuietComfort 15
Not yet scored
$300
Full review dataBose QuietComfort 15 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose QuietComfort 15 vs Sony WH-1000XM4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM4
88Outstanding
$300
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Bose QuietComfort 15
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 15 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2009 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96.9 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 35 h | 38 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | feedback | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | Yes |
| Controls | buttons | touch |
| Voice assistant | none | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 140 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 2 |
What reviewers said
Bose QuietComfort 15
These wired over-ear headphones prioritize a calm listening environment by actively canceling background noise, making them a solid pick for frequent travelers. They offer a comfortable, foldable design and long battery life for noise cancellation, though they lack modern conveniences like Bluetooth or an app. Sound is delivered through 40mm dynamic drivers with a standard frequency range, and the cable is detachable for easy replacement.
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation for a quiet listening experience
- Pro:Long battery life of up to 35 hours on a single charge
- Pro:Comfortable and foldable design for portability
- Con:Wired only, with no Bluetooth or wireless option
- Con:No transparency mode or app support for customization
- Con:Lacks modern features like USB-C charging or wear detection
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are premium wireless over-ears that blend top-tier adaptive noise cancellation with a well-balanced, detailed sound signature. They offer a lengthy 30-hour battery, LDAC support, and a comfortable, lightweight build that still holds up well against newer competitors. With handy features like multipoint pairing, touch controls, and a quick charge function, they remain a versatile choice for daily use and travel.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Detailed, accurate audio with LDAC support
- Pro:Comfortable and lightweight for long sessions
- Con:No dedicated aptX codec support
- Con:Touch controls can be finicky for some users
- Con:Plastic build feels less premium than price suggests
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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