Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers solid noise cancellation with three adjustable levels and convenient Google Assistant integration, making it practical for everyday use. Sony WH-1000XM4 raises the bar significantly with industry-leading ANC powered by Dual Noise Sensor technology, superior battery life of 30 hours versus 20 hours, and multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching. Sony's support for LDAC hi-res audio and aptX codecs provides noticeably better sound quality, while USB-C charging with 10-minute quick charge beats Bose's 2.25-hour charging time. Both fold for portability, though Sony adds wearing detection and Speak-to-Chat auto-pause features. Bose costs $50 less but feels dated in comparison. Sony WH-1000XM4 justifies the premium with superior ANC performance, audio quality, battery endurance, and modern connectivity features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- →LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- →Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
Sony WH-1000XM4
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups for long sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the same price
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- No IP rating — avoid using in rain or at the gym
- Microphone quality is average for calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 30 mm |
| Features | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case | Industry-leading ANC with Dual Noise Sensor technology, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wearing detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Sony WH-1000XM4.