Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver solid active noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity, but they target different listener preferences. Bose QuietComfort 45 prioritizes refinement with its proprietary drivers and exceptional ANC quality that many consider industry-leading for isolation. The 24-hour battery life and fast charging (15 minutes yields 3 hours playback) keep pace with daily use, while Aware mode and SimpleSync provide useful convenience features. Sony WH-XB910N takes a different approach, emphasizing bass-forward sound through its 40mm driver and Extra Bass technology, plus 360 Reality Audio for spatial immersion. Battery life stretches to 30 hours with ANC enabled, and 10-minute quick charge delivers 4.5 hours of playback. Sony includes LDAC codec support for higher-quality wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat for automatic pause during conversations, and Adaptive Sound Control. At $329, Bose commands a $80 premium for tuning and ANC excellence. Sony's $249 price point offers exceptional value with longer battery, faster quick charging, and bass enthusiasts will appreciate the deliberate low-end boost. Choose Bose for neutral, pristine sound and superior noise cancellation; select Sony for bass lovers wanting extended battery life and more features at a lower price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if…
- →Legendary Bose ANC is among the best in the industry
- →Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →Lightweight at 240 g — easy to forget you're wearing them
Buy the Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass if…
- →Extra Bass delivers deep, powerful low-end for bass-heavy genres
- →30-hour battery life with ANC matches the premium XM series
- →LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort 45
Pros
- Legendary Bose ANC is among the best in the industry
- Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- Lightweight at 240 g — easy to forget you're wearing them
- 24-hour battery handles long trips without charging
- Reliable Bose sound signature with warm, balanced audio
Cons
- No LDAC or aptX — limited to SBC/AAC codecs
- No water resistance for outdoor or gym use
- Cannot adjust ANC levels — only full ANC or Aware mode
- Aware mode sounds less natural than Sony's ambient mode
Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass
Pros
- Extra Bass delivers deep, powerful low-end for bass-heavy genres
- 30-hour battery life with ANC matches the premium XM series
- LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable, lightweight design at 252 g
Cons
- Bass emphasis can overwhelm mids and highs for balanced listeners
- ANC is decent but noticeably weaker than WH-1000XM5
- No water resistance limits outdoor use
- Touch controls lack the precision of the XM5's panel
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 45 | Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 252 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hrs | 30 hrs with ANC |
| Charging | USB-C, 15 min = 3 hrs playback | USB-C, 10 min = 4.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Bose proprietary driver | 40mm driver with Extra Bass |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Aware mode (transparency), Bose SimpleSync, Adjustable EQ via Bose Music app, Multipoint connection | Extra Bass for deep, punchy low end, Noise Cancellation, Quick Attention mode, 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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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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