Bose 700 vs Sony 1000xm3: Which Noise-Canceling Reigns?
Struggling to choose between the Bose 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM3? You’re not alone. Both of these headphones have dominated the noise-canceling market for years, and for good reason. They promise an immersive audio experience, blocking out the world and letting you focus on your music or calls.
But which one is right for you? This comparison dives deep into the features, sound quality, comfort, and overall value of the Bose 700 and the Sony 1000XM3. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect pair for your needs.
Get ready to discover which headphones will become your new go-to for travel, work, or simply relaxing at home. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just looking for a better listening experience, this comparison of the Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM3 is your guide.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Bose 700 | Sony 1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Call Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 8.96 oz | 9.7 oz |
| Ear Cup Material | Synthetic Leather | Synthetic Leather |
| Case | Hard Case | Hard Case |
| Water Resistance | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Bose 700: Features excellent noise cancellation, particularly effective at blocking mid-range frequencies. Offers 11 levels of adjustable noise cancellation. Some users find it slightly less effective at lower frequencies than the Sony.
- Sony 1000xm3: Renowned for its industry-leading noise cancellation, excels at blocking a wide range of frequencies, including low rumbles and high-pitched sounds. Offers a highly effective and customizable experience. Some users report a slight pressure sensation.
- Winner: Sony
Sound Quality
- Bose 700: Delivers a balanced and clear sound signature, with a focus on accuracy. The bass is present but not overpowering. Some users might prefer a more pronounced bass response.
- Sony 1000xm3: Produces a rich and dynamic sound with a powerful bass presence. Offers a more consumer-friendly sound profile. Some find the bass to be slightly overemphasized.
- Winner: Tie
Microphone Quality
- Bose 700: Boasts a superior microphone system for calls, offering excellent voice clarity and noise rejection in noisy environments. Provides clear communication even in challenging conditions.
- Sony 1000xm3: Has a good microphone, but it is not as effective at noise cancellation as the Bose 700. Performs well in quiet environments.
- Winner: Bose
Comfort & Design
- Bose 700: Features a sleek and modern design with stainless steel headband and comfortable earcups. The earcups might not fit all ear sizes as well.
- Sony 1000xm3: Offers a comfortable and foldable design with plush earcups. Some users might find the earcups a bit tight.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Bose 700: Provides up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. Offers quick charging capabilities.
- Sony 1000xm3: Delivers up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. Also features fast charging.
- Winner: Sony
Controls
- Bose 700: Features touch controls on the earcups and physical buttons for power and voice assistant activation. The touch controls can sometimes be less precise.
- Sony 1000xm3: Offers touch controls on the earcups for playback and volume adjustments, and a physical button for power and voice assistant. The touch controls are generally reliable.
- Winner: Tie
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Bose 700: Uses Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and reliable connection. Supports multiple device pairing.
- Sony 1000xm3: Also uses Bluetooth 5.0. Offers a stable connection and supports multiple device pairing.
- Winner: Tie
Voice Assistant Integration
- Bose 700: Fully integrates with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant with dedicated button.
- Sony 1000xm3: Supports voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, activated via button.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Call Quality | Bose 700 |
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Audio Quality | Sony 1000XM3 |
| Design | Bose 700 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Features | Sony 1000XM3 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM3 excel at blocking out ambient noise, providing a quiet listening experience in various environments.
- Comfort: Both headphones are designed for comfort, featuring plush earcups and adjustable headbands suitable for extended use.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless audio streaming from various devices.
- Voice Assistant Integration: They both support voice assistants, enabling users to control music playback, make calls, and access information hands-free.
- Over-Ear Design: Both headphones feature an over-ear design, which contributes to noise isolation and a comfortable fit.
Bose 700 Vs Sony 1000Xm3 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
Both the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM3 prioritize comfort, but they approach it differently. The Bose 700 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with stainless steel headband and plush earcups, often providing a more premium feel. The Sony 1000XM3, on the other hand, features a more traditional design, with a focus on a secure and comfortable fit, thanks to its soft earcups and ergonomic design. The choice often comes down to personal preference in style and head shape. Some users find the Bose 700 to be a little less snug, while others prefer the more encompassing feel of the Sony.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Noise cancellation is a key feature in both models. The Bose 700 excels in handling mid-range frequencies, making it excellent for office environments and conversations. The Sony 1000XM3, however, offers slightly superior overall noise cancellation, particularly in lower frequencies, making it ideal for blocking out airplane engine noise. Both are excellent, but the Sony generally takes the edge in the level of noise reduction. Both offer customizable noise cancellation levels, allowing users to fine-tune their experience.
Sound Quality Comparison
Sound quality is a crucial aspect when comparing headphones. The Bose 700 presents a balanced sound profile with clear highs and well-defined mids, catering to various music genres. The Sony 1000XM3 leans towards a warmer sound signature with a more powerful bass response, making it suitable for genres like pop, electronic music, and hip-hop. The Sony also supports LDAC, a high-quality Bluetooth codec. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your sound preferences. Both headphones deliver high-quality audio.
Microphone and Call Quality
The Bose 700 shines in call quality due to its exceptional microphone system. It uses a sophisticated array of microphones to isolate your voice and effectively filter out background noise, ensuring clear calls even in noisy environments. The Sony 1000XM3 also provides good call quality, but its microphone performance isn’t quite on par with the Bose 700, especially in challenging environments. For users who frequently take calls, the Bose 700 is the clear winner in this category.
Features and Controls
Both headphones offer a range of features. The Bose 700 features touch controls and dedicated buttons for voice assistants. The Sony 1000XM3 also includes touch controls, along with a pressure-sensitive sensor on the right earcup. Both offer companion apps with customizable EQ settings, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their liking. The Sony 1000XM3’s app boasts more advanced features, such as the ability to optimize noise cancellation based on the user’s environment. The Bose 700 however, is often lauded for its intuitive controls.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a vital consideration. The Sony 1000XM3 offers slightly better battery life, typically providing around 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled. The Bose 700 offers a solid battery life, usually around 20 hours with noise cancellation. Both headphones support fast charging, providing several hours of playback with a short charging period. The Sony also comes with a charging case, extending the battery life when on the move. Both will serve you well, but Sony has the edge in this area.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Bose 700 If…
- You prioritize exceptional call quality for clear conversations.
- You prefer a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel headband.
- You want a more streamlined user interface with fewer physical buttons.
- You value the ability to adjust the level of noise cancellation.
Buy Sony 1000XM3 If…
- You prioritize a wider range of audio codec support, including LDAC.
- You value a slightly more compact and foldable design for portability.
- You want a longer battery life.
- You’re looking for a slightly more affordable option (though prices vary).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
The Sony 1000XM3 generally offers superior overall noise cancellation, especially in lower frequencies. However, both headphones excel at noise reduction in different areas. The Bose 700 is particularly effective at blocking mid-range frequencies, while the Sony excels in blocking out lower frequencies like airplane engine noise.
Which headphone is more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective, but both headphones are comfortable. The Sony 1000XM3 has a more traditional design with plush earcups and a secure fit. The Bose 700 has a sleek design with a stainless steel headband, which could feel more comfortable for some. Personal preference in design and head shape plays a big role.
Which headphone has better sound quality?
Sound quality depends on your preference. The Bose 700 provides a balanced sound profile with clear highs and mids. The Sony 1000XM3 has a warmer sound with powerful bass. The Sony also supports LDAC, a high-quality Bluetooth codec. Consider your favorite music genres when making a decision.
Which headphone has better call quality?
The Bose 700 excels in call quality. Its advanced microphone system isolates your voice and filters out background noise, ensuring clear calls even in noisy environments. The Sony 1000XM3 offers good call quality, but its microphone performance isn’t as good as the Bose 700, especially in challenging environments.
Which headphone has better battery life?
The Sony 1000XM3 offers slightly better battery life, with around 30 hours with noise cancellation. The Bose 700 provides around 20 hours. Both support fast charging. The Sony has a case for charging while on the go, providing more convenience and extended battery life.
What features do both headphones share?
Both headphones offer active noise cancellation, touch controls, and companion apps with customizable EQ settings. Both also support voice assistants. The apps allow users to fine-tune the sound to their liking. Both headphones provide a premium listening experience with a range of innovative features.
Which is the better value for money?
Value depends on your priorities. The Sony 1000XM3 often offers better value due to its slightly lower price, superior noise cancellation, and longer battery life. However, the Bose 700’s superior call quality and premium design might make it worth the extra cost for some users. Consider what features are most important to you.
Final Verdict
Both the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM3 are excellent noise-cancelling headphones. The Sony 1000XM3 generally wins out due to its superior noise cancellation, longer battery life, and slightly lower price. The Bose 700 excels in call quality and offers a more premium design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities.
Winner: Sony 1000XM3