Looking for an honest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling comparison in 2026? We scored both headphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling comes out ahead 45/100 to 59/100 — a 14-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling undercuts the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones by 333% ($99 vs $429), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling edges out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in the headphones category, especially in value ($99 vs $429), scoring 59 vs 45. If you want the better overall headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling is the recommended choice.
Picking Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling over Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise CancelingW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | — |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 35mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm | — |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
Buy Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if…
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling if…
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling edges out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in the headphones category, especially in value ($99 vs $429), scoring 59 vs 45. If you want the better overall headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling is the recommended choice.
No, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling scores higher (84 vs 70).
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling is cheaper at $99 vs $429 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling lasts longer with 30 hours vs 24 hours for the other.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| — |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Aware Mode) | true |
| EQ App | Bose Music App | — |
| Touch Controls | Yes (touch panel) | — |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 24hrs | 30hrs✓ |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | — |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | — |
| Multipoint | true | true |
| Foldable | Yes | true |
| Weight | 250g | 250g |
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Silver |
| Price | 429$ | 99$✓ |