Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Sony WH-1000XM4 serve fundamentally different use cases despite overlapping $299-349 price points. The Bose earbuds prioritize portability with 6.24g per piece, 24-hour total battery with Qi wireless charging, and IPX4 water resistance for active users. Their CustomTune adaptive ANC and 20-minute quick charge offering 2 hours playback make them practical for commuters. Sony's over-ear WH-1000XM4 dominates for stationary listening with 30-hour ANC battery life, superior 30mm drivers versus Bose's 9.3mm, and LDAC hi-res audio support for audiophiles. Sony includes 3.5mm wired connectivity and industry-leading Dual Noise Sensor ANC technology, though lacking water resistance limits gym or outdoor use. The 254g weight and clamshell design sacrifice portability but deliver premium sound staging over earbuds' intimate soundstage. Choose Bose for gym sessions, commuting, and wireless freedom; choose Sony for dedicated listening sessions at home or office where weight and lack of water resistance don't matter, and hi-res audio makes a meaningful difference through quality DAPs or streaming services supporting LDAC.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- →CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- →Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
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 Earbuds II
Pros
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
- Multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Qi wireless charging case for convenience
Cons
- Only AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- 6-hour battery with ANC is relatively short
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance
- $299 is expensive for true wireless earbuds
- Call quality can be inconsistent in windy environments
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 Earbuds II | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 6.24 g (each) | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (ANC on), 24 hrs total with case | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, 20 min = 2 hrs playback | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 9.3mm dynamic driver | 30 mm |
| Features | CustomTune auto-calibrating ANC and sound, ActiveSense transparency mode, Aware Mode for hearing surroundings, Bose Music app with EQ, Touchpad controls | 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 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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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