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In today’s world, many headphone brands are in the market, but Sony and Bose headphones have been the market leaders for years. Let’s take a look at the most important factors like sound quality, design and the pros, cons of each in order to decide on a winning headphone brand. In the end, we’ll be able to say with confidence who wins out between Sony and Bose.
We are going to draw a comparison between Sony vs Bose headphones. We will go over their design, sound quality, and other special features. To decide which headphone is better.
Let’s start with how the Sony vs Bose headphones are similar.
Sony vs Bose headphones – Similarities
Feature | Sony | Bose |
Price | From $349 | From $329 |
Weight | 250g | 254g |
Battery life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 24 hours |
Noise cancellation | Excellent | Excellent |
Sound quality | Excellent | Excellent |
Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Codecs supported | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
Foldable design | Yes | Yes |
Active voice cancellation | Yes | Yes |
Touch controls | Yes | Yes |
Now let’s dive into model specific comparison to do that let’s pick up 1 famous model from both for sony we choose WH-1000XM4 which cost around 250 USD and From bose we pick up Bose QuietComfort 45.
Sony Headphones(WH-1000XM4) | Bose Headphones(Bose QuietComfort 45) | |
Image | ||
Dimensions | 3.4 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 |
Weight | 254g/8.99 oz | 254g/8.99 oz |
Microphone & controls: | Built-in | Built-in |
Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
Active noise-cancellation | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Charging cable | USB-C | USB-C |
Charge Time | 3h full charge – 10min for 5h | 2.5h full charge – 15min for 3.5h |
Wireless range | 33ft (10m) | 33ft (10m) |
Microphone & controls | Built-in | Built-in |
Buy now |
Durability
Both Sony vs Bose headphones are premium-made headphones, but Bose takes it a bit further. None of them are cheap and easily breakable. While Sony’s are made from high-quality plastic that is rubberized and feels soft to the touch. Sony even gives you the confidence you’re wearing something exquisite.
Sound Quality
The other most important thing to consider is overall sound quality. This is a highly arguable topic where Bose is concerned, as the company notoriously does not disclose hard facts about the quality of its sound.
Sony has far more economical options than Bose, you must know that these lower-priced options also sound less high-quality than the more expensive Bose headphones. Although, when we look at Sony products, it’s clear that the sound is ever so slightly superior to Bose.
Bluetooth Connectivity
If we talk about connectivity, both headphones provide a good Bluetooth connection with zero-lag video playback and multipoint support. Compared to Sony, Bose is just a little bit light on Bluetooth audio codecs. You can easily connect your smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth devices to Sony And Bose headphones. Although both headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0.
We have done a detail comparison on sony’s headphones which you can find here.
Comfort & Fit
Both of these Sony vs Bose headphones are designed with comfort in mind, but Sony did a few exceptional changes to their headphones, which results in a more comfortable experience over extended listening sessions. The difference between Sony and Bose headphones is much more negligible. Although, both feel exceptionally well, even after a few hours of use.
If you tend to use headphones on longer rides or flights, then Sony headphones would be the perfect choice for you. While the clamping force of both brands’ headphones is the same. Sony vs Bose headphones will offer good stability so that they don’t fall off your head if you need to catch a bus or quickly run downstairs.
Noise Cancellation
There are very few differences between Sony and Bose headphones when it comes to eliminating noise. Although, if you also like to call people, Bose takes the crown.
There are not that many reasons to use one over the other if you’re looking strictly for active noise-cancellation performance. Both headphones do an exceptional job of drowning out your surroundings.
If we draw a comparison, then Bose’s headphones are much more capable of canceling out background noise and even maintaining your voice clear & understandable. While on the other hand, Sony also does an excellent job of maintaining voice clarity, but it can’t eliminate as much background noise. Therefore, if you’re looking for something to enjoy the silence on your travel, both headphones perform well. But if you also want to take phone calls, Bose headphones would be a superb choice.
Battery
Bose headphones can hold up to 20 hours of battery with the ANC enabled. That is still a good battery time, but many other brands can perform exceptionally well when it comes to simultaneously eliminating noise and playing music.
While on the other side, Sony headphones give around 50% more battery on a single charge than Bose. Even they can last up to 28 hours (30 hours advertised), resulting in an extra day or two of use, depending on your usage.
Another area where Sony headphones have an edge over Bose is the quick charging.
Differences Between Sony headphones and Bose headphones
Microphone functionality
If we talk about microphone functionality, both headphones performed well. However, there is one whose microphone functionality is comparatively good as compared to others.
Sony Headphones
Sony headphones are equipped with 5 microphones. The Quality of microphones in general slightly lags compared to Bose headphones.
Bose Headphones
Bose headphones are equipped with 8 microphones and during audio calls of game play they perform exceptionally well.
The Winner Is- Bose Headphones
Bluetooth Range
Sony Headphones
The Bluetooth range for the Sony headphones is about 33ft (10m). This means that Sony headphones can maintain a stable Bluetooth connection with a device within a distance of up to 33 feet (10 meters).
Bose Headphones
The Bluetooth range for the Bose headphones is about 33ft (10m). This means that Bose headphones can maintain a stable Bluetooth connection with a device within a distance of up to 33 feet (10 meters).
Both Are Winners
Battery Life
Now you can enjoy your favorite music for hours with these headphones, but one will last a little longer than the other.
Sony Headphones
Sony headphones will provide almost double play time and a battery life is around 38 hours.
Bose Headphones
Sony headphones will provide a battery life of 20 hours. One of the well known bose headphone model is 700 series which deliveries amazing battery life.
The Winner Is- Sony Headphones
Build and Design
This Section is for someone who likes to understand every bit of build quality before choosing the best headphone.
Sony Headphones
When it comes to the overall design of the Sony headphones, you can tell by just looking at them. After all, these are premium headphones, so the build quality is definitely outstanding.
Sony headphones are specially designed for people who are on the go. Even these headphones feature plush leather and soft lines that offer a more business-style look. While on the other hand, its soft memory foam padding makes these headphones a comfortable and snug fit.
Bose Headphones
The Bose headphones are durable and light in weight. You can even use these headphones for hours and as far as overall design is concerned, the Bose headphones have a slight edge over the Sony. If you are looking for extremely comfortable headphones, then Bose headphones would be a superb choice.
The Winner Is- Bose Headphones
Pros and Cons
Just a few pros and cons of the Sony headphones and the Bose headphones will help towards our final decision.
Sony Headphones
Pros:
- Deeper Bass
- 30 hours of battery life
- Solid Design
Cons:
- No IP rating
Bose Headphones
Pros:
- Gorgeous design
- Excellent active noise-canceling technology
- Responsive touch controls
Cons:
- Doesn’t support high-quality codecs
The Final Verdict
While both headphones are durable and good in performance, we like Bose headphones as these are modern-looking headphones and have overall the best ANC performance. Both headphones are worth buying, but for us, the clear winner here is Bose Headphones.