Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Headphones
$429List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM4
Headphones
$348List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Tied overall. Sony WH-1000XM4 is cheaper.
- The 2 rankable overall specs split 1 to 1.
- Saves $81 at list price.
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
The trade-off to know
Sony WH-1000XM4: Microphone voice isolation trails newer XM5 in windy conditions
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| WeightDesign | 253 g (8.9 oz) | 254 g (8.95 oz) |
| FoldableDesign | Yes (fully collapsible hinges) | Yes (collapsible foldable headband) |
| Carrying caseDesign | Reinforced zippered hard carry case included | Compact hard-shell zippered carrying case included |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (Quiet Mode with CustomTune audio calibration) | Yes (HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 with Dual Noise Sensor) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 24 hours (ANC on) / 18 hours (Immersive Audio on) | 30 hours (ANC on) / 38 hours (ANC off) |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Reasons to choose it
- Exceptional noise cancellation in low-frequency rumble and vocal bands
- Folds completely compact into slim travel case
- Bose Immersive Audio provides wide virtual soundstage
Worth considering
- Battery life drops to 18 hours with Immersive Audio on
- Custom EQ in app is limited to 3 bands
Sony WH-1000XM4
Reasons to choose it
- Folding headband hinges collapse smaller than the newer XM5
- Supports high-res LDAC streaming and DSEE Extreme upscaling
- Superb value with industry-tested noise cancellation
Worth considering
- Microphone voice isolation trails newer XM5 in windy conditions
- Cannot use LDAC while 2-device Bluetooth multipoint is enabled
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Comfort, Clamp & Travel Fit Check
Ergonomic factors that affect daily comfort, glasses wearers, and luggage space.
Folding & Travel Packability
Bose
Folds flat & collapses into compact travel case
Sony
Folds flat & inward (ultra-compact zippered case)
Clamp Force & Glasses Comfort
Bose
Ultra-plush gentle clamp (~4.1 N, best-in-class glasses comfort)
Sony
Gentle clamp force (~4.2 N, comfortable with glasses)
Weight & Crown Pressure
Bose
253g (featherweight travel balance)
Sony
254g (lightweight plastic composite)
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Bose: What to watch for
- Hardware Quirk
Capacitive touch volume strip can be overly sensitive.
- Software / Apps
Occasional Bluetooth multi-point audio handover stutter.
Sony: What to watch for
- Hardware Quirk
Microphones struggle significantly in windy outdoor conditions.
- Ergonomics
Shallow earcups cause ear cartilage to touch inner driver grille.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM4?
Sony WH-1000XM4 costs $81 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or Sony WH-1000XM4?
Both has this deal-breaker: no IP rating. No official protection against sweat or rain.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM4?
Tied on flights & commutes. Sony WH-1000XM4 is cheaper. The 2 rankable flights & commutes specs split 1 to 1. Saves $81 at list price.
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 12 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.