In this article, we compare two premium noise-canceling headphones: the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose Quiet Comfort 45. We delve into key features like sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, battery life, connectivity, and additional functionalities.
The comparison highlights their design, weight, available colors, app support, and Bluetooth versions.
By exploring these aspects, readers can better understand which model suits their preferences, whether for immersive sound, long-term comfort, or advanced features like multipoint connectivity and customizable controls.
Dimensional Value
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Over-ear design weighs approximately 254 grams, making it comfortable for long listening sessions without feeling overly bulky.
It strikes a balance between weight and durability, suitable for both casual and travel use.
Bose Quiet Comfort 45:
Slightly lighter at 240 grams, ideal for comfort-focused users who prioritize a lightweight design.
It’s engineered to provide ease during extended wear, especially in scenarios where comfort is key.
Available Color
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Available in elegant black and silver, catering to those who prefer a professional and understated look. Its colors enhance its premium feel, suitable for both work and leisure.
Bose Quiet Comfort 45:
Offered in classic black and white, providing options for users who appreciate timeless styling. The colors lend a clean, minimalist aesthetic that suits various personal styles.
Sound Quality
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Equipped with 40mm drivers and LDAC support, delivering deep bass and rich sound quality for audiophiles.
Its high-resolution audio capability ensures immersive sound, capturing details across all frequencies.
Bose Quiet Comfort 45:
Known for clear and balanced audio, with a focus on natural-sounding music reproduction.
Ideal for those seeking neutral sound quality, it delivers crisp highs and warm lows without overpowering bass.
Comfortability
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Soft ear padding and an ergonomic over-ear fit make it suitable for long listening sessions.
It is designed to minimize ear pressure, providing a comfortable fit that’s ideal for daily use.
Bose Quiet Comfort 45:
Lightweight and ergonomic with plush ear cushions, making it exceptionally comfortable over extended periods.
Its fit is engineered to suit listeners prioritizing comfort, especially during travel or work.
Fit
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Over-ear design with a secure and snug fit, enhancing noise isolation for an immersive experience.
The fit is adaptable to various head sizes, maintaining comfort while blocking out external sound.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Over-ear design with a secure yet comfortable fit, offering effective passive noise reduction.
Its design allows for all-day wear without discomfort, suitable for users who prioritize comfort and stability.
Read Here: Beats Studio Pro vs Sony Wh 1000xm4
Foldable
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Foldable design allows it to be compactly stored, making it highly convenient for travel and commuting.
Its foldability reduces space in bags, adding to its appeal for on-the-go users.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Foldable and compact, fitting easily into its carrying case for effortless storage.
This feature is particularly useful for travelers, adding portability without compromising on durability.
Noise Cancellation
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Industry-leading ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) effectively blocks out ambient noise in various environments.
It creates an immersive listening space, suitable for busy areas or daily commutes.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Advanced ANC performance that effectively reduces background noise, enhancing the audio experience.
Ideal for focused listening, it keeps external sounds to a minimum, especially useful in noisy settings.
Battery Life
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Offers up to 30 hours with ANC and 38 hours without ANC, making it ideal for extended use without frequent charging.
It’s suitable for long trips and intensive use, catering to frequent travelers.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Provides a reliable 24-hour battery life with ANC, sufficient for most day-to-day listening needs.
It strikes a balance between performance and convenience, ensuring long-lasting playback.
Battery Indicator
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Battery level is conveniently displayed in the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing easy monitoring of battery status. This feature minimizes surprises, helping users manage charging schedules effectively.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Features an LED battery indicator that provides a quick visual check on remaining battery life. It’s a straightforward solution for users who prefer simple battery level indicators.
Charge Time
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Fully charges in around 3 hours, enabling quick recharges for users who need extended battery life.
A full charge provides ample playback time, making it convenient for fast-paced lifestyles.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Charges in about 2 hours, designed for users who need a quick turnaround.
This short charge time ensures the headphones are ready for use without prolonged waiting periods.
Charging Type
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Charges via USB-C, aligning with modern charging standards and device compatibility.
Its universal charging port is convenient for users with multiple USB-C devices.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Also uses USB-C, simplifying charging with wide compatibility across devices.
This setup adds convenience, especially for users already familiar with USB-C technology.
Weight
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Weighs 254 grams, providing a solid yet balanced weight for comfortable long-term use. Its weight distribution prevents discomfort, even during extended listening sessions.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
At 240 grams, it offers a lighter alternative for users who prioritize comfort and minimal weight.
The lightweight design enhances wearability, especially in professional or travel scenarios.
Cable
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Comes with a detachable 3.5mm cable for flexible wired and wireless listening options.
This versatility allows users to switch between connection modes based on preference and situation.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Also includes a detachable 3.5mm cable, providing options for wired listening when needed.
The cable setup offers convenient flexibility, especially in scenarios with low battery.
IP Rating
Sony WH-1000XM4:
No IP rating, making it best suited for indoor or dry environments.
While it’s durable, it’s recommended to keep the headphones in protected settings to ensure longevity.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Lacks an IP rating as well, ideal for controlled indoor environments without exposure to moisture.
It’s designed primarily for everyday use, indoors or in low-moisture settings.
Stereo Speakers
Sony WH-1000XM4:
High-quality stereo sound with LDAC support, ensuring a detailed, immersive audio experience.
The stereo setup enhances clarity across various genres, ideal for audiophiles.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Delivers balanced stereo sound, optimized for clear and natural audio reproduction. It provides a realistic soundstage, suitable for users who value authentic, clear sound.
Microphone
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Equipped with five microphones that enhance noise reduction and voice clarity during calls.
Its microphone setup is engineered for high-quality audio, ideal for hands-free communication.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Four microphones provide clear voice quality and effective noise reduction for calls.
This setup is particularly useful for users who require reliable communication capabilities.
Lowest Frequency
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Reaches down to 4 Hz, delivering exceptionally deep and resonant bass response.
This feature suits users who appreciate rich low-end sound in music and media.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Lowest frequency range unspecified, though it generally delivers balanced bass for everyday listening.
The audio design focuses on clarity without overwhelming bass emphasis.
Highest Frequency
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Extends up to 40,000 Hz, capturing detailed high-frequency sounds and creating a wide soundstage.
It is well-suited for listeners who prioritize detailed treble and overall clarity.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Highest frequency unspecified but offers clear treble, maintaining a balanced audio profile.
Its sound profile is tailored to provide clean highs without overwhelming sharpness.
Driver
Sony WH-1000XM4:
40mm drivers designed to produce robust sound with deep, powerful bass, and clear mids.
This driver size contributes to a full-bodied sound experience suitable for diverse audio genres.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Also uses 40mm drivers, offering a balanced and natural sound profile for daily listening.
The drivers are optimized for clarity across frequencies, creating a well-rounded listening experience.
Magnet Type
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Uses neodymium magnets, which are lightweight and powerful, enhancing dynamic sound quality.
This contributes to its ability to deliver high-quality bass and clear highs.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Uses a different magnet type, focusing on creating clean, distortion-free audio.
The magnet setup supports its commitment to natural, well-balanced sound.
Control Method
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Touch-sensitive controls on the earcups for managing playback, volume, and ANC functions.
The intuitive design allows for easy access to controls, adding convenience during use.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Physical buttons provide straightforward control over playback and volume, ensuring precision.
This setup is beneficial for users who prefer tactile feedback for control.
Connectivity Type
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Offers both wired and wireless connectivity, enhancing its versatility for various scenarios.
The dual option caters to users’ preferences for flexible listening.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Primarily wireless but includes a wired option, adding convenience for different listening needs.
This flexibility makes it adaptable to low-battery situations or different use cases.
Bluetooth Version
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Bluetooth 5.0, delivering stable and efficient connections with low latency.
The Bluetooth standard supports a seamless audio experience, particularly for streaming and calls.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Bluetooth 5.1, offering slightly improved connectivity strength and efficiency.
The updated Bluetooth version enhances reliability, suitable for consistent use.
Bluetooth Range
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Provides a standard 10-meter Bluetooth range, ensuring stable connectivity within proximity.
It is ideal for close-range listening without dropouts, catering to everyday needs.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Slightly shorter Bluetooth range at 9 meters, designed for reliable close-range use.
This range is effective for users who stay within reach of their connected devices.
Multipoint Connection
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Supports multipoint connectivity with two devices, allowing for easy switching between them.
This feature is convenient for users managing calls and media on multiple devices.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Also supports multipoint connection, enabling two simultaneous connections for easy transitions.
It caters to multitasking needs, adding flexibility for users on multiple devices.
Warranty
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Comes with a standard 1-year warranty, covering manufacturer defects and basic protection.
This warranty period offers a layer of security, beneficial for users who rely on warranty services.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Offers a 2-year warranty, providing extended protection for long-term use.
The longer warranty period appeals to users looking for durability assurance.
APTX Adaptive
Sony WH-1000XM4:
No support for APTX Adaptive, but focuses on delivering high-quality audio via LDAC and AAC codecs.
This setup ensures a strong audio performance, particularly within the Sony ecosystem.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Does not support APTX Adaptive, prioritizing balanced Bluetooth audio for everyday use.
The setup caters to users who prioritize general audio quality over adaptive streaming.
APTX
Sony WH-1000XM4:
No APTX support, but offers LDAC and AAC codecs for clear and high-quality audio streaming.
This focus on alternative codecs ensures a premium sound experience, especially for Sony users.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Also lacks APTX support, using AAC as its primary codec for Bluetooth audio. This setup aligns with its balanced sound profile, suited for typical streaming needs.
LDAC
Sony WH-1000XM4:
LDAC support provides high-resolution audio, enhancing clarity and detail in sound.
This codec is ideal for users who appreciate rich, detailed soundscapes.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Does not support LDAC, focusing instead on providing well-rounded, balanced audio.
Its audio design is suitable for everyday use without high-definition demands.
In/On Ear Detection
Sony WH-1000XM4:
In-ear detection automatically pauses playback when removed, saving battery and adding convenience.
This feature optimizes battery usage, ideal for users who frequently remove their headphones.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Lacks in-ear detection, requiring manual control for playback. It offers straightforward functionality without automated playback adjustments.
APP Supported
Sony WH-1000XM4:
Supported by the Sony Headphones Connect app, offering customization for sound, ANC, and firmware.
The app enhances user control, catering to audio preferences.
Bose QuietComfort 45:
Compatible with the Bose Music app, allowing adjustments in noise cancellation and firmware updates.
The app ensures users can personalize their experience for optimal listening.
