In the race for the best true wireless earbuds, there are many contenders but very few can be called the best. However, in today’s market, many premium models claim to offer top-class build quality, world-leading enhanced features, effective noise cancellation, and great sound quality which is the center of attention for many music lovers.
Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds ii are the Second addition to the company’s flagship line of noise-canceling earbuds. These earbuds promise an incredible musical experience, with clear sound and deep bass, and advanced noise cancellation technology that blocks out distractions so you can focus on what’s important:
On the other hand, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is also one of the most talked-about earbuds in the Sony WF-1000XM lineup. The earbuds well know for their outstanding Noise Cancellation as well as great sound quality.
So, which one of these should you go for? Let’s find out in this Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii vs Sony WF 1000XM4 head-to-head comparison.
Price & Availability: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii vs Sony WF 1000XM4
The Hours after Apple’s big event On 7 September when they announced the new AirPods Pro (Gen 2), Bose decided to jump in on the action and announced their own new product: the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii.
However, on the Bose website, you may pre-order these earbuds at £280 / $299 / AU$429 while the sales will begin in the United States on 15 Sep and in the United Kingdom on 29 Sep.
On the other hand, Sony WF 1000XM4 falls in the category of Premium earbuds and their price tag also reflects that. You can buy these earbuds for £200 / $230 / AU$350.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii
Design & Comfort: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii vs Sony WF 1000XM4
Let’s talk about the design of both earbuds. With Sony WF 1000XM4, the company compromised on the design and made major changes. The new earbuds had a more modest, all-matte style than the previous type.
On the other hand, Bose QC Earbuds ii are much more realistically shaped and feature a dangly stem design that is somewhat similar to that of the AirPods Pro 2.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 is well made with a combination of Metal, plastic, and Rubber whereas the Bose QC Earbuds ‘ build quality is just average with the use of Solid plastic.
In terms of size, the Sony WF 1000XM4 is much smaller but heavier than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii. In addition, the WF 1000XM4 ear tips are made of memory foam, providing a comfortable fit and improved noise isolation. Just like Sony, the Bose QC ii ear tips are made of memory foam and come with stabilizer fin options
In terms of waterproofing rating, Bose QC ii features the IP55 whereas Sony WF 1000XM4 has IP57. Also, both earbuds come with button controls which are easy to use.
Winner: Sony WF 1000XM4
Features: Bose QC Earbuds 2 vs Sony WF 1000XM4
1. Noise Cancellation
This time to give users an even better experience with Noise Cancellation, Bose uses the CustomTune technology. When you put your earbuds in your ears, it emits a tiny tune to map the curves of your ear canal. Then an algorithm inside the buds adapts the noise-canceling filters individually based on your needs.
The ambient mode in Bose QC earbuds ii is also quite good and the Aware Mode is still present which allows you to hear what’s going on around you without taking your earbuds out. However, with the help of Bose Music app, you can now customize or adjust the noise-canceling level of your earbuds.
As for the Sony WF 1000XM4, it features an upgraded version of the company’s QN1e HD Noise-Cancelling Processor. With this new processor, the earbuds can deliver an even better experience with Noise Cancellation. However, the ambit mode of XM4 is not as effective as it is in the Bose QC earbuds ii.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii
2. Bluetooth Connectivity
Bose QC earbuds ii and Sony WF 1000XM4 feature the latest Bluetooth version i.e. 5.3 and 5.2 with support for SBC and AAC wireless codecs respectively. However, both earbuds do not support aptX but Sony equipped its XM4 with LDAC format which transmits at a higher bitrate and provides better sound quality.
In terms of range, both earbuds perform quite well with the Bose QC earbuds ii having a range of 33 ft while the XM4 can work up to 30 ft.
Winner: Sony WF 1000XM4
3. Smart Features
As the world is moving towards smart devices, both companies have equipped their latest earbuds with some cool smart features.
With the Sony WF 1000XM4, you get features like Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Sound Settings, Equalizer Settings, 360 Reality Audio, Spotify Tap, and Google Fast Pair. The earbuds also feature optical sensors and Speak-to-Chat. What you missing with XM4 is automatic switching, multipoint technology, Motion-detecting, and Speech-detecting sensors.
On the other hand, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii are also equipped with almost some identical smart features like Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Equalizer settings, adaptive sound, and Spotify Tap. What extra you can get with Bose QC earbuds ii is automatic switching, Motion-detecting, and Speech-detecting sensors.
With these features, both earbuds can provide an excellent experience. However, when it comes to smart features, the Sony WF 1000XM4 is a step ahead of the Bose QC earbuds ii.
Winner: Sony WF 1000XM4
Sound Quality: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii vs Sony WF 1000XM4
When it comes to Audio Performance Both earbuds compare neck to neck. The sound Profile of Bose QC earbuds ii is Lifelike and well-balanced whereas, on the other hand, Sony WF 1000XM4 has a smooth and warm sound profile with an emphasis on Bass and Treble.
While Sony uses 6mm, dynamic drivers with Hi-Res Audio support, whereas Bose employs its own custom-tuned 9.3mm drivers in the QC earbuds ii for superb sound quality.
For me, Bose QC earbuds ii are well-performed in all the frequencies and provide a more natural sound. On the other hand, with the Sony WF XM4, you can get quality bass and treble with a little bit of artificial touch.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii
Battery Life: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii vs Sony WF 1000XM4
Battery life is one of the most crucial factors when choosing a pair of Top true wireless earbuds.
In terms of battery life, Sony WF 1000XM4 outperforms the Bose QC earbuds ii with 8 hours of playback time with ANC and 12 hours without ANC on a single charge. Whereas on the other hand, Bose QC earbuds ii can provide up to 6 hours of playback time with ANC and there is no information on how long they last without ANC.
However, Both earbuds use a Lithium-Ion battery and use USB-C or Qi for charging. When it comes to quick charge, Sony WF 1000XM4 earbuds can provide 1 hour of playback time with 5 5-minute charge, whereas the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ii can give 2 hours of playback time with 20 minutes of charge.
Winner: Sony WF 1000XM4
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Conclusion
The comparison between Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and Sony WF 1000XM4 reveals that both earbuds have their unique strengths.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are known for their comfort, neutral sound profile, and superior active noise cancellation.
On the other hand, the Sony WF 1000XM4 earbuds provide a better fit due to their smaller size and offer an app that enhances stability and functionality.
Therefore, the choice between Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and Sony WF 1000XM4 would depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
FAQs
The weight of the earbuds is not specified in the sources. However, comfort can also be influenced by factors like the shape of the earbuds and the fit in the ear.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 have a more neutral sound profile and superior active noise cancellation. The Sony WF 1000XM4, on the other hand, provides a better fit due to its smaller size and offers an app that enhances stability and functionality.