Bose and Sony are two of the biggest brands in noise-cancelling headphones, and this article compares their leading products. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a classic look, impressive noise-cancelling capabilities, comfortable design and balanced sound signature, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 takes the lead with its more modern design, deep and punchy bass, impressive noise-cancelling with multiple modes including a “Speak-to-Chat” feature, and longer battery life. Sony’s headphones also have a more vibrant sound signature and wider soundstage. The extra features make Sony’s headphones more expensive, making them a better choice for serious audiophiles and frequent travelers.
Bose vs. Sony: Comparing the Top Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Introduction
When it comes to noise-cancelling headphones, Bose and Sony are two of the most well-known brands in the market. Both companies have released headphones that aim to deliver excellent noise-cancelling capabilities while providing superior audio quality. However, which one is the better choice? In this article, we will compare and contrast Bose and Sony’s top noise-cancelling headphones.
Design
Bose and Sony have different approaches when it comes to design. Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II has a classic look with oval-shaped ear cups and a simple headband. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The headband is wrapped in soft leather, and the ear cups are padded with plush foam, making them very comfortable. The buttons are located on the right ear cup, and the headphones come in black and silver colors.
On the other hand, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 has a more modern and edgy design. The ear cups are rounded and feature a touchpad that allows you to control the headphones’ functions with a swipe or tap of your finger. The headband is also wrapped in soft leather, and the ear cups are padded with memory foam. The headphones are lightweight, and the adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit. The headphones come in black and silver colors, just like Bose.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both Bose and Sony deliver excellent results. Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II has a balanced and smooth sound signature, with clear and detailed audio. The bass is punchy, but not overpowering, and the midrange is warm and accurate. The headphones also have a decent soundstage, making them a good choice for music and movies.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4, however, takes the lead when it comes to sound quality. The headphones have a more dynamic and vibrant sound signature, with deep and punchy bass, clear and detailed midrange, and sparkling highs. The headphones also have a wide soundstage, making them an excellent choice for immersive audio experiences.
Noise-Cancelling Capabilities
When it comes to noise-cancelling capabilities, both Bose and Sony are at the top of their game. Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II has excellent noise-cancelling capabilities, making it an excellent choice for frequent fliers, commuters, and anyone who needs to block out external noise. The headphones feature three levels of noise-cancelling, including a noise-cancellation mode that lets you customize the noise-cancelling level based on your environment.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4, however, takes noise-cancelling to a whole new level. The headphones feature the company’s Digital Noise-Canceling Processor QN1, which delivers exceptional noise-cancelling capabilities. The headphones feature multiple noise-cancellation modes, including a “Speak-to-Chat” mode that automatically stops the noise-cancelling when you start talking. This mode makes it easier to have conversations without having to take off the headphones.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, both Bose and Sony deliver similar results. Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is more than enough to get through a long flight or a busy workday. The headphones also feature quick charging, which gives you 2.5 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 offers up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is even more impressive. The headphones also feature quick charging, giving you five hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge.
Conclusion
Both Bose and Sony offer excellent noise-cancelling headphones that deliver superior audio quality and comfort. However, if we had to pick a winner, we would go with Sony’s WH-1000XM4. The headphones have a more modern and edgy design, deliver exceptional sound quality, and have superior noise-cancelling capabilities. The headphones are also more expensive than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, but the extra features and capabilities make them worth the investment for serious audiophiles and frequent travelers.