Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM4
The Verdict
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM4 serve different listening preferences at nearly identical price points. Bose prioritizes ambient awareness with its innovative cuff-style design and OpenAudio directional technology, delivering 7.5 hours of playback per charge plus 19.5 hours total with the case. Sony counters with aggressive noise cancellation via its Integrated Processor V1, offering 8 hours with ANC enabled and an impressive 24-hour total battery life. The Sony's 6mm dynamic driver supports LDAC codec for Hi-Res Audio streaming, while Bose relies on aptX Adaptive for quality without active noise blocking. Sony's ANC excels for commuting and focused listening, making it the stronger choice for travel and work environments. Bose shines for social situations and outdoor activities where hearing surroundings matters. Weight differs marginally (6.5g vs 7.3g per earbud). Both offer wireless charging, multipoint Bluetooth 5.x connectivity, and IPX4 water resistance. If noise cancellation and battery longevity are priorities, Sony wins decisively. Choose Bose only if you specifically want open-ear awareness and the unique directional audio experience. For most users seeking traditional premium earbuds, Sony delivers better all-around performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds if…
- →Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- →Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- →Wireless charging case adds convenience
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
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Pros
- Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- Wireless charging case adds convenience
- Multipoint and aptX Adaptive for high-quality streaming
- Ideal for situational awareness during outdoor activities
Cons
- Very expensive at $299 for earbuds without ANC
- Bass is inherently limited compared to sealed designs
- 7.5-hour battery is decent but not exceptional
- Sound leak is noticeable in quiet environments
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 Ultra Open Earbuds | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.5 g (each) | 7.3 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case | 8 hrs (ANC on), 12 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology | 6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Cuff-style design clips onto the ear, Bose Immersive Audio with head tracking, OpenAudio directional sound technology, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wireless charging case, Customizable EQ via Bose Music app | 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 | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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.
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