Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM4 serve distinctly different use cases. Bose's open-ear design ($299) prioritizes awareness and comfort for all-day wear with directional OpenAudio technology, 7.5-hour battery life, and IPX4 water resistance—ideal for those who need to stay connected to their environment. Sony's over-ear headphones ($349) deliver industry-leading ANC, exceptional 30-hour battery life with ANC enabled, hi-res LDAC audio, and superior isolation for immersive listening. Sony excels in noise cancellation, audio quality, and endurance; Bose wins on portability, situational awareness, and lightweight design. Choose Sony WH-1000XM4 if you prioritize noise isolation and extended wear sessions; select Bose Ultra Open if you value comfort, environmental awareness, and casual everyday use without compromising on audio innovation.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 6.5 g (each) | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology | 30 mm |
| 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 | 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 | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
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 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
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sony products. View full details for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or the Sony WH-1000XM4.