
Bose
$229

Sony
$249
Sony WH-1000XM4 edges out the Bose QuietComfort 45 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 7.3/10 vs 5.9/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM4 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 45 | Sony WH-1000XM4W |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40mm | 40mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm | 47 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 104.5 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
| EQ App | Bose Music | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Touch Controls | No | Yes (touch panel right ear cup) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 22hrs | 30hrs✓ |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Multipoint | false | true |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 238g✓ | 254g |
| Colors | Black, White Smoke, Triple Black | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue |
| Price | 229$✓ | 249$ |
Buy Bose QuietComfort 45 if…
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 if…
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Sony WH-1000XM4 edges out the Bose QuietComfort 45 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 7.3/10 vs 5.9/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM4 is the clear pick.
No, Sony WH-1000XM4 scores higher (5.9 vs 5.3).
Bose QuietComfort 45 is cheaper at $229 vs $249 for the Sony WH-1000XM4.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 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 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Sony WH-1000XM4 has a larger battery (2,800mAh vs 2,000mAh for the Bose QuietComfort 45), which generally means longer use between charges.
Sony WH-1000XM4 lasts longer with 30 hours vs 22 hours for the other.
Bose QuietComfort 45 is lighter at 238g vs 254g.