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Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Sony WH-1000XM4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Bose QuietComfort 25

No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.

Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
SpecBose QuietComfort 25Sony WH-1000XM4
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$160$300
HearWiki scoreNot scored88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20142020
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz4 Hz - 40,000 Hz
Impedance53 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW105 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetoothnone5
Bluetooth version-5.0
Codecs-SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life35 h38 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-adaptive
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-Yes
Controlsbuttonstouch
Voice assistant-Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Design
Weight196 g254 g
Water resistance-none
Detachable cableYes-
USB-CNoYes
Calls
Microphones12

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort 25

The Bose QuietComfort 25 are wired over-ear headphones that excel at silencing low-frequency ambient noise, making them a solid pick for travel or commuting. They run on a single AAA battery for up to 35 hours of active cancellation, and their sound is tuned with Active EQ for clearer, more balanced audio. A detachable cable and on-ear controls add convenience, though the lack of Bluetooth limits wireless freedom.

  • Pro:Excellent noise cancellation, especially for low-end rumble
  • Pro:Long 35-hour battery life on one AAA battery
  • Pro:Comfortable around-ear fit that stays secure
  • Con:No Bluetooth or wireless connectivity
  • Con:Requires a battery for noise cancellation to work
  • Con:Only one built-in microphone for calls

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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