Bose 700 vs Sony WH-1000XM3
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation and build quality, but they excel in different areas. Bose 700 offers superior call quality through its 8-microphone system and more granular ANC control with 11 adjustable levels versus Sony's fixed algorithm. Battery life heavily favors Sony, which delivers 30 hours with ANC enabled compared to Bose's 20 hours. Sony also supports superior audio codecs including LDAC and aptX HD, enabling higher bitrate streaming for compatible devices, while Bose sticks to AAC and SBC. Sony's quick charge is faster (10 minutes for 5 hours versus Bose's 15 minutes for 3.5 hours). Comfort and weight are nearly identical at 250-255 grams. Sound signature differs slightly, with Sony providing deeper bass and Bose offering slightly more vocal clarity. For professionals prioritizing call clarity and ANC customization, Bose edges ahead. For music enthusiasts wanting exceptional battery endurance, superior codec support, and faster charging, Sony wins. Price favors Sony at $349 versus $379, making it the stronger value proposition overall.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose 700 if…
- →Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- →Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- →Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM3 if…
- →Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- →Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- →30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose 700
Pros
- Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
- Multipoint Bluetooth and broad voice assistant support
- Elegant, minimal design that looks great
Cons
- No aptX or LDAC — limited to AAC and SBC codecs
- 20-hour battery life is shorter than Sony and JBL rivals
- Headband can cause hotspot pressure on the top of the head
- Expensive compared to competition offering similar ANC
Sony WH-1000XM3
Pros
- Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- 30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
- Wide codec support including LDAC and aptX HD
- 10-minute quick charge gives 5 hours — great for travel
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks the stability and range of newer versions
- No water resistance — not suitable for workouts
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- Creaks and pressure can build on larger heads over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose 700 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC on) | 30 hrs with ANC |
| Charging | USB-C, 15-min quick charge for 3.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 10 min = 5 hrs playback |
| Features | 11 levels of adjustable ANC, 4 levels of Transparency (Ambient) mode, 8-microphone system for best-in-class call quality, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bose AR built-in, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Stainless steel headband with fold-flat design | HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, Adaptive Sound Control, Touch controls on ear cup, Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat (via update), DSEE HX upscaling |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| Drivers | — | 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer dome |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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