Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WF-1000XM4
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sony WF-1000XM4 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is the cheaper of the two at $279 versus $449, a difference of about $170. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Sony WF-1000XM4 is praised for industry-leading anc in a true wireless form factor at launch. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM4 if…
- →Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- →LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- →8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Sony WF-1000XM4
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- 8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
- Speak-to-Chat pauses audio when you start talking
- Foam ear tips provide excellent passive noise isolation
Cons
- Foam ear tips degrade over time and need replacement
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance — not suitable for heavy sweat
- At 7.3 g per earbud they are slightly heavier than competitors
- Charging case is bulky compared to AirPods Pro
- Touch controls can be oversensitive on the small surface area
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 7.3 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 8 hrs (ANC on), 12 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Integrated Processor V1 for ANC and audio, LDAC for Hi-Res Audio wireless, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 6mm dynamic driver |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
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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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sony WF-1000XM4.