Xm4 vs Bose 700: Which Headphones Reign Supreme?
Tired of noisy commutes and distractions? You’re in the right place! We’re diving headfirst into a battle of the titans in the headphone world: the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. These are two of the most popular and highly-rated noise-canceling headphones on the market.
Both the Sony XM4 and the Bose 700 promise exceptional audio quality and superior noise cancellation, but which one is the ultimate winner? This comparison will explore their key features, from design and comfort to sound performance and call quality. We’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of each to help you decide which pair is the perfect fit for your needs.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a busy professional, or simply someone who craves a moment of peace and quiet, finding the right pair of headphones is crucial. Let’s find out which of these contenders deserves a spot on your head. Get ready to discover the truth about the Sony XM4 vs Bose 700!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | XM4 | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Water Resistance | Yes (IPX4) | No |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 30 hours | 20 hours |
| Charging Time | 3.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Quick Charging | 10 min charge = 5 hours playback | 15 min charge = 3.5 hours playback |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Weight | 254g | 250g |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Xm4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 excels with its industry-leading noise cancellation, utilizing a powerful processor and multiple microphones to block out a wide range of ambient sounds. It offers excellent performance in both high and low-frequency noise scenarios, making it ideal for travel and noisy environments. However, some users might experience a slight pressure sensation.
- Bose 700: The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 also provides top-tier noise cancellation, focusing on a more natural listening experience and effective suppression of mid-range frequencies. It offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation, allowing users to control how much of the outside world they let in. Some users might find it slightly less effective than the XM4 in extreme situations.
- Winner: xm4
Sound Quality
- Xm4: The XM4 delivers a balanced and engaging sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass, which makes it enjoyable for a variety of music genres. It supports high-resolution audio codecs and provides a detailed and dynamic listening experience. Some users might prefer a more neutral sound signature.
- Bose 700: The Bose 700 offers a clear and well-balanced sound signature with a focus on clarity and precision. It provides a more neutral sound profile compared to the XM4, which might appeal to listeners who prefer a more accurate representation of their music. The bass is less emphasized.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort
- Xm4: The XM4 is known for its comfortable design, featuring plush earcups and a lightweight build, making it suitable for extended listening sessions. The earcups are well-padded, and the headband distributes weight evenly. Some users with larger heads might find the fit a little snug.
- Bose 700: The Bose 700 offers a sleek and stylish design with a comfortable fit. The stainless steel headband and earcups provide a premium feel. The clamping force is generally comfortable, although some users might find it less comfortable than the XM4 after long periods.
- Winner: xm4
Call Quality
- Xm4: The XM4 provides good call quality, with clear voice transmission and effective noise reduction for the caller. It uses multiple microphones to isolate the user’s voice and reduce background noise during calls. However, it is not as strong as the Bose 700 in this regard.
- Bose 700: The Bose 700 excels in call quality, featuring a powerful microphone system that isolates the user’s voice and effectively suppresses background noise, even in challenging environments. The call quality is a major selling point for this model.
- Winner: bose 700
Design and Build Quality
- Xm4: The XM4 features a foldable design and a more traditional aesthetic, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The build quality is good, though some users might find the materials feel less premium compared to the Bose 700.
- Bose 700: The Bose 700 boasts a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel headband and premium materials, giving it a more premium feel. The design is less foldable than the XM4.
- Winner: bose 700
Battery Life
- Xm4: The XM4 offers excellent battery life, providing up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled. It also includes quick charging capabilities, allowing for several hours of playback with a short charge.
- Bose 700: The Bose 700 also provides good battery life, though it’s slightly less than the XM4, with up to 20 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled. It also offers quick charging.
- Winner: xm4
Controls and Features
- Xm4: The XM4 features intuitive touch controls on the earcups, along with a dedicated button for voice assistants. It also includes features like speak-to-chat, which automatically pauses music when you start talking.
- Bose 700: The Bose 700 utilizes touch controls and physical buttons. It also has adjustable noise cancellation levels and allows you to customize voice assistant integration.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Xm4: The XM4 is often available at a slightly lower price point than the Bose 700, making it a competitive option for those seeking high-quality features at a more affordable price.
- Bose 700: The Bose 700 generally comes at a higher price, reflecting its premium design and focus on call quality.
- Winner: xm4
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Battery Life | XM4 |
| Call Quality | Bose 700 |
| Design | Bose 700 |
| Features | Tie |
| Value | XM4 |
What They Have in Common:
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both headphones excel at blocking out distracting background noise, making them ideal for travel or working in noisy environments. They both employ advanced ANC technology to minimize distractions.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both the XM4 and Bose 700 utilize Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and reliable wireless connection to your devices. This ensures a consistent audio experience.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Both headphones offer seamless integration with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing for hands-free control. This feature provides convenience for users.
- Touch Controls: Both models feature touch controls on the earcups, allowing users to easily manage music playback, answer calls, and adjust volume with simple gestures. This interface enhances ease of use.
- Comfortable Design: Both headphones are designed for extended wear, with comfortable earcups and adjustable headbands. This is important for prolonged listening sessions.
Xm4 Vs Bose 700 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 prioritize comfort and aesthetics. The XM4s boast a plush, over-ear design with generously padded earcups and a lightweight build, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. The Bose 700s, on the other hand, feature a sleeker, more minimalist design with a stainless steel headband and a streamlined aesthetic. While both are comfortable, personal preference plays a key role, with some finding the Bose 700s to exert slightly more clamping force.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Noise cancellation is a key feature in both models. The Sony XM4s are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds, from airplane engines to office chatter. The Bose 700s also offer excellent noise cancellation, utilizing multiple microphones to create a quiet listening environment. However, the XM4s often get the edge in overall noise reduction, particularly in lower frequencies. Both offer different noise cancellation modes.
Sound Quality and Audio Fidelity
Sound quality is paramount for any headphone. The Sony XM4s are known for their balanced sound signature, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and impactful bass. They support a wide range of codecs. The Bose 700s also provide a high-quality listening experience, with a focus on balanced sound and clarity. Bose headphones tend to prioritize a slightly more neutral sound profile, some find the XM4’s sound more engaging. Ultimately, sound preferences vary.
Microphone and Call Quality
For those who frequently make calls, the microphone quality is important. The Bose 700s excel in this area, offering exceptional call clarity and effective noise reduction for the caller. The XM4s also have a good microphone, but the Bose 700s generally provide better performance in noisy environments. The Bose 700’s microphone system isolates your voice and reduces background noise, ensuring clear communication. This makes them ideal for professional use.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor for portable headphones. The Sony XM4s offer impressive battery life, often providing up to 30 hours of playtime with noise cancellation enabled. The Bose 700s also have a respectable battery life, though it typically falls slightly short of the XM4s. Both headphones feature quick-charging capabilities, allowing you to gain several hours of playback time with a short charge. Consider your typical usage when comparing.
Controls and Features
Both the XM4 and Bose 700 offer a range of features and controls. The XM4s feature intuitive touch controls on the earcups, allowing you to easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls. They also offer smart features like adaptive sound control, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment. The Bose 700s use a combination of touch controls and physical buttons and are known for their ease of use and minimalist design. Both integrate with voice assistants.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy xm4 If…
- You prioritize longer battery life.
- You want support for high-quality audio codecs like LDAC.
- You want a more compact and foldable design.
- You value water resistance for workouts or outdoor use.
Buy bose 700 If…
- You prioritize a sleek and modern design.
- You want superior call quality for phone calls.
- You prefer a slightly more comfortable fit.
- You value a more premium build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in noise cancellation?
The Sony XM4s are often lauded for superior noise cancellation, particularly in low frequencies, while the Bose 700s also offer excellent noise reduction. The XM4s might be slightly better at blocking out a wider range of sounds like airplanes. Bose excels in call quality. Both offer different levels. It depends on your environment.
Which headphone is more comfortable?
Both headphones are comfortable, but comfort can be subjective. The XM4s usually get the edge for their plush earcups and lightweight design, making them great for long listening periods. The Bose 700s have a sleeker design, but some find the clamping force slightly stronger. Try them both if you can.
How do the sound qualities compare?
The XM4s are known for a balanced sound signature with rich bass, clear mids, and highs. The Bose 700s provide a detailed sound, but with a more neutral profile. Listeners often find the XM4s more engaging, but sound preference is highly personal. Both excel in their respective categories. Test them.
What is the battery life like?
The Sony XM4s usually have slightly better battery life, often providing around 30 hours with noise cancellation on. The Bose 700s offer a respectable battery life, but it might be a bit less. Both headphones have quick-charging capabilities. Consider how often you will be charging.
Which headphones are better for phone calls?
The Bose 700s are generally considered superior for phone calls. Their microphone system excels at isolating your voice and reducing background noise, providing clear communication. The XM4s also have a good microphone, but the Bose 700s offer a better experience in noisy environments. This makes them great for professional use.
What controls do they use?
The XM4s use intuitive touch controls on the earcups, allowing you to easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls. The Bose 700s use a combination of touch controls and physical buttons. Both integrate with voice assistants. The Bose 700s focus on simplicity. Consider your preference.
Which is better for travel?
Both are great for travel, but the XM4s, with their superior noise cancellation and longer battery life, might be slightly better. The Bose 700s are still an excellent choice, especially if call quality is a priority. Consider your priorities, such as noise isolation and battery life, when making your decision.
Final Verdict
Both the Sony XM4 and Bose 700 offer excellent features and performance. The Sony XM4 stands out with its superior noise cancellation, longer battery life, and balanced sound signature. The Bose 700 excels in call quality and design. While both are top-tier, the XM4 provides a slightly better overall experience.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4