Over-Ear
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
68Good
$359
Full review dataBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM4 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM4 - Outstanding overall at around $300.
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 Headphones (2nd Gen)
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery8.0
Calls7.0
Value6.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $359 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 h | 38 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Full charge time | 180 min | 180 min |
| Quick charge | 15 min = 2.5 h | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | - | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 236 g | 254 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | 2 |
| Call noise reduction | echo reduction | - |
What reviewers said
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a refined over-ear wireless option that prioritizes all-day comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, with a noticeable bump in sound clarity over their predecessor. They pack a solid 24-hour battery, fast charging, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, and a lightweight 236g frame, though the premium price and limited EQ tweaks keep them from being a universal slam dunk. Overall, they're a strong pick for frequent travelers or office workers who value silence and ease of wear over cutting-edge extras.
- Pro:Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Clear, improved sound quality with LDAC support
- Con:High price tag for a modest upgrade
- Con:Limited EQ controls in the companion app
- Con:Immersive Audio feature is underwhelming
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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