Sony
Sony WH-1000XM4
Headphones
$348List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Headphones
$299List 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. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is cheaper.
- The 4 rankable overall specs split 2 to 2.
- Saves $49 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
Check first: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds does not fold. the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has under 24 hours of battery.
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 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| TypeDesign | Over-ear, closed-back | In-ear true wireless earbuds with silicone stability bands |
| WeightDesign | 254 g (8.95 oz) | 15.4 g (0.54 oz) earbuds total (7.7 g each) / 60 g charging case |
| FoldableDesign | Yes (collapsible foldable headband) | No (charging case) |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 with Dual Noise Sensor) | Yes (World-class Active Noise Cancellation with CustomTune sound calibration) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 30 hours (ANC on) / 38 hours (ANC off) | 6 hours listening time on single charge (4 hours with Immersive Audio) / up to 24 hours total with case |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
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
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Reasons to choose it
- Benchmark active noise cancellation that silences low and mid-frequency ambient noise
- CustomTune technology calibrates sound and ANC to your ear canal shape on every insertion
- Bose Immersive Audio provides spatialized audio regardless of source or platform
Worth considering
- Wireless charging case cover is sold as an optional accessory (USB-C wired standard)
- Battery life drops to 4 hours with Immersive Audio turned on (6 hours standard)
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
Sony
Folds flat & inward (ultra-compact zippered case)
Bose
Standard folding earcups
Clamp Force & Glasses Comfort
Sony
Gentle clamp force (~4.2 N, comfortable with glasses)
Bose
Standard headphone clamp
Weight & Crown Pressure
Sony
254g (lightweight plastic composite)
Bose
Standard headphone weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
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.
Bose: What to watch for
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 Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds costs $49 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
For flights & commutes, buy the Sony WH-1000XM4. Leads 2 of 3 rankable flights & commutes specs; Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes 1. Battery life: 30 hours vs 6 hours listening time on single charge
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 10 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.