Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sony WH-1000XM4 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the cheaper of the two at $349 versus $449, a difference of about $100. 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 WH-1000XM4 is praised for class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound. 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 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
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 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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | 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 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 30 mm |
| Water Resistance | — | None |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
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 WH-1000XM4.