Sony WF1000XM4 Modern Comforts Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Sony has been a industry leader and created the WF1000XM4, which delivers the best active noise cancellation (ANC) performance of any wireless earbuds. It also offers a great combination in terms of performance and features. Amazon Pros Outstanding ANC PerformanceExcellent sound qualityAmazing battery lifeWireless charging case for USB-CLDAC and 360 Audio supportSolid app support ConsComfortable may not be possible for smaller earsOnly for right-buds Bose really made it stand out with the QuietComfort Earbuds. They offer the best active noise cancellation (ANC) performance on any pair of earbuds. However, to achieve that, they had to grow in size which makes them larger than other earbuds. Amazon Pros - Superb sound qualityBest ANC performanceAmbient mode solidComfortable fitWireless charging case cons: The case and the buds are largerApplies no EQNo control over customizationIt's easy for two top performers to compete against one another and to appreciate their contributions. This is exactly how Sony and Bose tested their respective audio performance. These wireless earbuds are among the most high-quality available. However, there are some features that make the WF1000XM4 stand out from the QuietComfort Earbuds.Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds - What makes them different?Source: Ara Wagoner/ Android CentralIt doesn't appear that these two have any significant differences at first glance. They share many of the same metrics. While audio quality plays a significant role in how they perform, the supporting elements are what make them different and help to put some distance between them. The WF-1000XM3 was an excellent pair by Sony, which set the standard for the WF-1000XM3's successors. Bose's earbuds have improved with each iteration, but the QuietComfort Earbuds are still ANC-focused.Both brands managed to pack a lot of value into frames that were significantly larger than those offered by most other competitors. This makes comfort and fit a key factor that distinguishes one brand from the other. A spec sheet doesn't include ancillary features.Sony WF-1000XM4 Bluetooth Earbuds Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Lasting 8 Hours 6 Hours Case battery life 24hrs 18 hours Bluetooth 5.1 Connectivity Bluetooth 5.1 Yes. Digital assistant support Siri, Google Assistant, and Siri. Speaker size 6mm 6mm drivers Active noise cancellation (ANC) Yes. Ambient sound mode yesIt is clear that the battery life is comparable, but also relative. Sony's pair offers two additional charges for each case, but you can listen for slightly longer with the Sony's one. The main difference is in the cases. Sony has reduced the size of the WF-1000XM4 to make it more affordable. It's still small enough to be compared with other models, so it's not a problem for Sony. Bose uses a larger model.Both offer wireless charging and fast charging, which can be used to quickly recharge your device and play some music. The ratings are closer than you might think, but the WF-1000XM4 is likely to win every time, even if ANC has been turned on.Source: BoseThere is much to love about each pair when it comes down to the sonic output. Both sides have their own sound quality, but it is not clear who wins. Bose chose a balanced soundstage with modest bass. Unfortunately, it is not possible to adjust that. You'll have to accept what is available if you want more from any part of the audio spectrum.It is curious that the company has not added an equalizer to their app. However, Sony offers an EQ in its Headphones Connect app. You can adjust the sound to your liking with enough flexibility. It's amazing how it sounds, and it only gets better when you can tweak it as you wish. This should be a requirement when you're looking at wireless earbuds in this price range.You have enough freedom to customize the sound in any way you like.Sony has other audio perks that can enhance your experience. 360 Audio supports surround sound content with a spatial sound effect. The WF-1000XM4 is compatible with LDAC, Sony’s codec for lossless sound.Sony made it a priority to improve call quality and put the WF-1000XM4 in line with QuietComfort headphones. Although neither pair is a standout due to their onboard controls there isn’t any inherent advantage.Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds - Forgetting the NoiseSource: BoseAlthough ANC performance is a common feature in wireless earbuds, the results are not always equal. These two brands are at the top of the list. If we are talking about which pairs are setting an example for others, then these two brands would be the ones to watch. Sony might have a slight advantage here, as the WF-1000XM4 is the newest model. But Bose chose a more personalized approach and included 11 levels of ANC through its app for the QuietComfort Earbuds. You can save three settings as favorites to toggle between them at any time.The fit is just as important as the ANC. Sony's WF-1000XM has better passive isolation. This makes it easier for onboard mics and to block background noise. They also feel thinner than QuietComfort's earbuds due to the reduction of bulk.Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds - Which one should I choose?Source: Ara Wagoner/ Android CentralIt's difficult to choose between so many options. Although they are very similar in many areas, the two pairs of earbuds feel and look different once you get into their individual designs and features. It comes down to your preference. You can choose to go with Sony if Bose's emphasis on ANC customization appeals more to you than Sony's love for great audio that you can tweak, Sony has the ability to combine top-class ANC with audio playback with a solid battery life and additional features and controls.These are the reasons why the WF1000XM4 wireless earbuds are the best available. App support is becoming a more important issue. If Bose realizes that audio customization is an important aspect of audio, then there will be a very close race between the two.Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Having it All Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Drowning everything out Bose made their earbuds large enough for everyone to see and makes up for it with top-class sound quality and ANC. Amazon: $279Best Buy: $279Walmart: $279
