Sony Wh-1000xm4 vs Bose 700: Which Headphones Reign?
In the realm of premium noise-canceling headphones, two titans clash: the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700. Both offer exceptional audio quality and cutting-edge features, but which one truly deserves a spot on your head? This comparison dives deep to help you decide.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has garnered widespread acclaim for its comfortable design, powerful noise cancellation, and impressive sound. On the other hand, the Bose 700 is celebrated for its sleek aesthetics, crystal-clear call quality, and intuitive controls.
We’ll examine key aspects like sound quality, noise cancellation performance, comfort, design, and features. By the end of this comprehensive comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which headphone best suits your needs and preferences. Get ready to discover which of these top-tier contenders emerges as the champion.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 30 hours | 20 hours |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Wearing Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Call Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Weight | 254g | 250g |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Equipped with Sony’s QN1 processor, the WH-1000XM4 offers exceptional noise cancellation, adapting to ambient sound and pressure. Known for its ability to block a wide range of frequencies, it’s excellent for both low rumbles and higher-pitched noises. Some users may experience slight pressure in the ears.
- Bose 700: Bose 700 provides excellent noise cancellation, utilizing multiple microphones for effective noise reduction. It offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation, allowing users to control how much they want to hear. Some users find the noise cancellation slightly less aggressive than the XM4, but still very effective.
- Winner: sony
Sound Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature with a slight emphasis on bass. Supports LDAC codec for higher-quality audio streaming from compatible devices. Some users may find the sound signature slightly less neutral than desired.
- Bose 700: Offers a clear and balanced sound with a focus on vocals and clarity. Doesn’t support high-resolution codecs like LDAC. Sound quality is considered excellent by many, though some audiophiles may prefer a more customizable sound profile.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort & Design
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Features a comfortable over-ear design with plush earcups and a lightweight build. Offers a foldable design for easy storage and portability. Some users with larger heads might find the fit a bit snug.
- Bose 700: Boasts a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel headband. The earcups are comfortable, but some users may find them less plush than the XM4’s. The design is less foldable than the XM4.
- Winner: sony
Call Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Provides good call quality, though it’s not the primary focus. The microphones are decent for clear voice transmission in quiet environments. Wind noise can sometimes be an issue.
- Bose 700: Excels in call quality, utilizing a sophisticated microphone system to isolate the user’s voice and reduce background noise. Known for its excellent performance in noisy environments. The best in the category.
- Winner: bose
Battery Life
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Offers approximately 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. Supports quick charging, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging.
- Bose 700: Provides approximately 20 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. Also supports quick charging, but the battery life is notably shorter than the XM4.
- Winner: sony
Controls & Features
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Features touch controls on the earcups for playback, volume, and voice assistant activation. Includes features like Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you speak.
- Bose 700: Primarily features touch controls on the earcups. Offers integrated voice assistant support (Google Assistant, Alexa) and physical buttons for power and Bluetooth pairing.
- Winner: sony
Voice Assistant Integration
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Offers good integration with voice assistants, allowing for easy access to information and control of music playback.
- Bose 700: Seamlessly integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and features dedicated buttons for quick activation. The voice assistant performance is very responsive.
- Winner: bose
Price
- Sony Wh-1000xm4: Generally priced slightly lower than the Bose 700, making it a more budget-friendly option. Often available at discounted prices.
- Bose 700: Typically priced higher, reflecting its premium build and features. The price can vary depending on sales and promotions.
- Winner: sony
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Sound Quality | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
| Call Quality | Bose 700 |
| Battery Life | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
| Design | Bose 700 |
| Features | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both headphones excel at blocking out unwanted background noise, making them ideal for travel and busy environments.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models utilize Bluetooth technology for wireless audio streaming, allowing for freedom of movement.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose 700 are compatible with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa.
- Comfort: Both headphones are designed for comfort, with plush earcups and headbands suitable for extended listening sessions.
- Multipoint Pairing: Both headphones can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to seamlessly switch between devices.
Sony Wh-1000Xm4 Vs Bose 700 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose 700 prioritize comfort, but they achieve it differently. The Sony WH-1000XM4 features a plush, over-ear design with generously padded earcups and a lightweight build, making them ideal for long listening sessions. They are known for their secure yet gentle fit. The Bose 700, on the other hand, boasts a sleeker, more minimalist design with a stainless steel headband and less bulky earcups. While also comfortable, some users find the clamping force slightly firmer than the Sony’s. Ultimately, comfort is subjective, so consider your preferences for fit and style.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Noise cancellation is a key feature, and both headphones excel in this area. The Sony WH-1000XM4 often tops the charts, offering exceptional noise reduction across a wide range of frequencies, from low rumbles to high-pitched noises. They excel at blocking out airplane and office sounds. The Bose 700 also delivers outstanding noise cancellation, praised for its ability to eliminate background distractions. Some find the Bose 700 slightly better at handling voices, while the Sony excels at general noise. Both provide a remarkably quiet listening experience, suitable for travel or work.
Sound Quality Comparison
Sound quality is a crucial factor, and both headphones provide excellent audio. The Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers a well-balanced sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass, which some listeners prefer. The soundstage is wide and immersive, making it suitable for various music genres. The Bose 700 presents a more neutral sound signature, with a focus on clarity and detail. The sound quality is refined with a focus on clear vocals. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences, but both offer impressive audio fidelity. Consider the music genres you enjoy most.
Microphone and Call Quality
For phone calls, the Bose 700 often takes the lead. Its advanced microphone system excels at isolating your voice and reducing background noise, resulting in clear and crisp calls even in noisy environments. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also offers good call quality, though it may not be quite as effective in challenging settings. The Bose 700 is a superior choice for frequent phone calls or video conferencing. The Sony is still good enough for occasional calls. If clear calls are a priority, Bose is the best option.
Battery Life and Charging
Both headphones offer impressive battery life, ensuring extended listening sessions. The Sony WH-1000XM4 typically provides around 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, which is excellent for long flights or workdays. The Bose 700 also offers a similar battery life, giving you plenty of playback time. Both headphones also support fast charging, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging. Consider the charging speed and the overall battery life when making your decision.
Features and Controls
Both headphones are packed with features. The Sony WH-1000XM4 includes features such as Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking, and adaptive sound control, which adjusts noise cancellation based on your surroundings. The Bose 700 features touch controls on the earcups for easy music playback and call management. Both support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. Consider the features that are most important to you, like touch controls or adaptive features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 If…
- You prioritize the best overall sound quality and a wider range of Bluetooth codec support.
- You want the longest battery life.
- You appreciate features like speak-to-chat.
- You value a more feature-rich experience.
Buy Bose 700 If…
- You prioritize exceptional call quality for phone calls and video conferences.
- You prefer a sleek and modern design.
- You want a slightly more comfortable fit.
- You want a more minimalist set of controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 offer excellent noise cancellation. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is often praised for its superior noise reduction across a wide range of frequencies, while the Bose 700 excels at handling voices and offers a very effective noise-canceling performance. It depends on your preference.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
The Bose 700 is generally considered superior for phone calls. Its advanced microphone system excels at isolating your voice and reducing background noise, resulting in clear calls even in noisy environments. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also offers good call quality, but the Bose 700 is better.
What is the battery life of each headphone?
Both headphones have similar battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 typically provide around 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, which is excellent. Fast charging is supported by both. The battery life is usually enough for a week’s use.
Which headphone is more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective, but both are designed with comfort in mind. The Sony WH-1000XM4 features a plush, over-ear design with generously padded earcups, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The Bose 700 also is comfortable, but the clamping force is slightly firmer for some users.
Which headphone has better sound quality?
Both headphones offer excellent sound quality. The Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers a well-balanced sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass. The Bose 700 presents a more neutral sound signature, with a focus on clarity and detail. The best choice depends on personal preferences.
Do these headphones support voice assistants?
Yes, both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700 support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. You can easily access your preferred virtual assistant to control music playback, make calls, and get information. This is a standard feature for both.
What are the key differences in design?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a more traditional, over-ear design with a plush build. The Bose 700 features a sleeker, more minimalist design with a stainless steel headband. The Bose 700 features touch controls, and the Sony has physical buttons. The design choice is dependent on your preference.
Final Verdict
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose 700 are excellent noise-canceling headphones. The Sony excels in overall noise cancellation and provides a more comfortable fit. The Bose 700 shines in call quality and boasts a more sleek design. While both are great, the choice depends on your priorities.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4