Bose 700 Vs Sony 1000xm4: Who Is The Winner?

Music is certainly a global language that we all understand and are deeply connected to. While different sounds provoke different emotions in us, technology contributes to personalization and enjoyment.

What better approach to make music more intimate and immersive than with some high-quality headphones that justify the melodies and make us listen to them repeatedly?

We’re comparing two popular headphones: the Bose 700 and the Sony 1000XM4. Their pricing points make them arch-rivals as well as top-tier competitors.

So we put them to the test in terms of design, audio quality, noise cancellation, comfort with extra functions, and battery life. The following is a full comparison of the Bose 700 with the Sony WH-1000xM4.

Bose 700 Vs Sony 1000xm4: Who Is The Winner? – A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a music fan or someone who appreciates quality audio experiences, you’ve definitely heard about the controversy between the Bose 700 and Sony 1000xm4 headphones. These two titans of the headphone industry have been fighting for the top spot in the market, each with outstanding features and technology. 

Specification

Features	Sony 1000xm4	Bose 700
Form Factor	Over-ear.	Over-ear.
Connectivity	Wireless, Wired.	Wireless, Wired.
Bluetooth Version	5.0.	5.0.
Bluetooth Range	10 m.	10 m.
Color	Black, Silver.	Triple Black, Silver Luxe.
Codec	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC.	SBC and AAC.
Battery Life	Maximum 30 hours (when NC on)	Up to 20 hours.
Charging Time	About 3 hours.	About 2.5 hours.
Wired Connection	3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini-plug.	2.5 mm- 3.5 mm jack.
Dimension	9.94 x 7.27 x 3.03 inches	2 x 6.5 x 8 inches.
Weight	8.95 ounces	8.8 ounces.
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sony 1000xm4	Bose 700
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Carrying Case
Cable	Cable
Warranty Card	Headband
	Warranty Card

Fit & Comfort

The Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM4 stand out as extremely comfy and well-fitting over-ear headphones. Both models’ earcup padding is soft, delivering strain-free pleasure over time. These noise-canceling headphones are noticeably lightweight, with the Sony 1000XM4 being significantly bigger.

The Bose 700 has broad, soft foam ear cushions covered in protein leather and a rubberized headband, making them incredibly comfortable and among the best in Bose’s lineup.

While the Bose headphones have a larger clamping force and a thickly padded headband that may cause moderate pain during extended wear, it’s bearable for sessions lasting less than three hours. 

The Sony 1000XM4’s slimmer and more comfortable headband, on the other hand, makes it a better alternative for extended listening sessions. Its big ear cushions support larger ears and allow proper airflow, reducing sweat.

Design & Build

Both the Bose 700 and the Sony 1000XM4 ooze elegance and luxury, and may be found on first-class flights and around the necks of celebrities.

Sony 1000XM4 stays loyal to the Mark series’ aesthetic with a refined appearance that includes smooth, polished leather on the headband and earpads, as well as a matte rubberized texture. Copper highlights, embossed Sony emblems, and laser-etched model numbers add to the sophistication.

The Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones, on the other hand, have a contemporary look with matte-finished ear cups and an adjustable steel headband. Their elegant style is further complemented by an anti-stick coating on the ear cup lid, which allows for touch movements.

However, Bose’s wider ear cups lack foldability near the headband, making them bulkier than the Sony 1000XM4. Given this, the Sony 1000XM4, with its folding form, becomes a more practical pick for frequent travelers.

Sound Quality

What good is a headset that doesn’t sound good? Bose and Sony stand out among the top candidates in the noise-canceling category, with Sony’s 1000XM4 claiming the lead.

Sony’s massive 40mm speakers and QN1 processor work together to provide distortion-free, bright, and exquisitely detailed sound. Using Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” the 1000XM4 put us in a head-nodding daze with its tremendous bass response.

The jazz-infused basslines and harmonies blend perfectly with the thunderous percussive backdrop. Lenny Kravitz’s “Let Love Rule” demonstrated the 1000XM4’s ability to accurately portray voices without dominating them.

Furthermore, Sony adds its 360 Reality Audio technology, improving the listening experience with high-resolution streaming partners like Deezer and Tidal.

Personal experience verifies its potential to transform regular sessions into enthralling concerts, however, premium-tier subscriptions are required beyond the free trial. Bose 700 also impresses with its warm and balanced sound quality.

However, if you’re anticipating the jaw-dropping bass of the Sony 1000XM4, you might be disappointed. While George Benson’s “Give Me the Night” succeeds in vocals and horns, the bass leaves you wanting more, whereas the Sony 1000XM4 outperforms itself with higher sound quality in the same tune.

The Sony 1000XM4 provides greater EQ settings via the Sony Headphones Connect app, outperforming the Bose Music app in adaptability and versatility.

This software’s capabilities outperform those of Bose’s app and most built-in smartphone equalizers, giving users more control over their sound preferences. Finally, whether you choose Sony or Bose, both headphones have remarkable sound quality that will enhance your listening experience.

Noise Cancellation

We extensively tested both the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones in a setting with a steady noise level of 50 decibels generated by an air conditioner vent delivering a soothing flow of cool air.

Our thorough testing found that both headphone models significantly suppressed ambient noise, demonstrating their remarkable noise-canceling capabilities.

The noise cancellation abilities of the Sony XM4 headphones are well-known, with users able to fine-tune noise cancellation levels via the app or by toggling the ambient sound controls on the headphones themselves.

The Bose 700, as the name says, smoothly combines noise canceling, and it lives up to its reputation. Its noise-canceling optimizer technology performs similarly to the XM4 platform. When treated to maximum volume, it becomes difficult to distinguish the calmer alternative between the two.

The Bose 700 has three preset noise cancellation levels – 0, 5, and 10 – that can be accessed via a dedicated button or, for greater customization, via the app.

While both headphones excel in reducing ambient noise, the Bose headphones somewhat outperform in noise cancellation, possibly due to their larger ear cup design.

This causes us to prefer the Bose 700 in louder circumstances, albeit the difference is small. The increased thickness of the ear cups contributes to Bose’s advantage in creating a quieter soundtrack.

However, it is important to remember that both alternatives are extremely successful at reducing ambient noise. Whichever headset you choose, you won’t be disappointed by their noise-canceling abilities.

Microphone or Call Quality

The Bose 700 features an adaptable eight-microphone technology, firmly establishing it as the clear winner in terms of call quality. Four of these microphones aid in call clarity.

The Bose 700 headphones provide crystal-clear call quality, ensuring that the other party understands your voice. Because of this, they are an excellent alternative for remote work and communication.

While the call quality on Sony’s noise-canceling headphones is outstanding when compared to similar models, the smoother sound and improved call quality set the Bose 700 apart, making it the preferable option for clear and effective conversation.

Recording Quality

If you require headphones for recording or voiceovers, recording quality is critical. With its adaptive four-microphone system that adapts to diverse recording settings, the Bose 700 provides outstanding recording quality.

Similarly, the Sony 1000xm4 has great recording capabilities, making it an excellent alternative for content creators and pros.

Battery Life

When Bluetooth and noise cancellation are enabled, the Bose 700s have a battery life of 20 hours, which is adequate but not exceptional. The Sony WH-1000XM4s, on the other hand, outperforms with a 30-hour battery life (38 hours without noise cancellation).

If you’re in a rush, the Bose headphones’ quick-charge technology gives 3.5 hours of music after only 15 minutes of charging.

Meanwhile, the Sony 1000XM4s provide five hours of playback after only ten minutes of charge, a laudable effort that gets you back on the road quickly. 

The addition of a wireless charging case from Bose increases the battery capacity of the 700s by 40 hours. In terms of battery life, however, the Sony WH-1000XM4 easily wins. Sony’s headphones have speedy recharge capabilities, while Bose has the best battery life.

Control System

The WH-1000xM4’s touch controls operate flawlessly, with responsive tap and swipe movements that make chores like music playback, volume adjustment, and phone calls a breeze. Bose, on the other hand, has a distinct control mechanism that is simple to learn.

The superior voice recognition enabled by their microphone technology allows the Bose 700 to excel as a digital assistant. The 1000XM4 allows users to program the touch panel or the Custom button behind the left ear cup with unique commands.

What genuinely distinguishes the WH-1000xM4 are its lesser-known capabilities such as Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat. When you place your hand on the right ear cup or speak out, these functions interrupt playback. 

In comparison, the touch gestures on the Bose 700 are fairly responsive, however, they are limited to the right ear cup. Furthermore, Bose has reduced the size of the touch display, and an internal extender occasionally obstructs certain sliding actions.

Connectivity

Both the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the Sony 1000XM4 have identical audio connections and codec compatibility, but each has its own set of perks and restrictions.

The Bose 700 has a 2.5mm headphone jack and only supports one high-quality Bluetooth codec: AAC, ensuring consistent high-quality audio for iPhone users.

This benefit, however, does not apply to Android users due to the Android OS’s unstable handling of the AAC codec across numerous devices. As a result, most Android users may hear audio using the SBC codec, which provides rudimentary functionality.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 pair quickly with an Android device, allowing for easy connectivity and Google Assistant setup. Furthermore, the headphones have Bluetooth multipoint technology, allowing for easy switching between two devices at the same time.

The Sony 1000XM4, on the other hand, has a normal 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening and better codec support, including SBC, AAC, and Sony’s LDAC. Despite its flaws, LDAC is the finest codec for Bluetooth multimedia streaming.

The Sony 1000XM4 also has Bluetooth multipoint, letting it connect to two devices at the same time, albeit only using the AAC codec. This feature is new to the Sony WH-1000XM4, and it increases simplicity and adaptability for consumers who need to connect to numerous devices.

Immersion and Soundstage

Immersion is one of the most important aspects of headphones. The Bose 700 has a large soundstage that envelops listeners in a three-dimensional music experience.

The Sony 1000XM4, on the other hand, stands out with its Sony 360 Reality Audio compatibility, which provides an even more immersive soundstage. Both headphones provide excellent audio quality, but the Sony 1000XM4’s emphasis on sonic immersion is notable.

App Connectivity

When compared to the Bose 700, the Sony WH-1000XM4 provides a more sophisticated app connectivity experience. The Sony Headphones Connect app connects your headphones and allows you to tailor your music listening experience.

This program includes features such as DSEE Extreme, Sony 360 Reality Audio setup, and EQ settings, allowing you to tailor your sound preferences.

You can also use the app to map touch sensor controls, access voice assistants, and enable the speak-to-chat capability. Additionally, the app allows you to alter the level of noise suppression and even locate misplaced headphones. 

The Bose 700, on the other hand, comes with the Bose Music App, which has limited usefulness. While it offers adjustments to noise cancellation, saved settings, firmware upgrades, and the auto-off function, it also includes a Self Voice option for managing all levels.

Style and Aesthetics

Headphone is more than just an auditory experience; it’s also a fashion statement. The Bose 700 has a sleek and futuristic design, with a stainless steel headband that oozes elegance.

In comparison, the Sony 1000XM4 has a more subtle design that focuses on functionality and comfort. Although aesthetics are subjective, both headphones manage to find a balance between design and utility.

Price and Value

When contemplating either of these wireless headphones, be prepared to spend a significant amount of money.

The Bose 700 has a higher MSRP of $399.99 and four color options: Black, Luxe Silver, Soapstone, and a limited-edition Black/Copper variant with a bundled charging case for $449.95. The Sony WH-1000xM4 is now available in Black or Silver for $349.99.

The crucial question is which of the two provides the best return on investment. The answer is the Sony WH-1000xM4. Sony’s remarkable selection of features and characteristics make a powerful impact and stick with you as you read them.

The Bose 700, on the other hand, while more expensive, provides exceptional noise cancelling that justifies the investment.

Notably, as part of a “special offer,” Bose and other online retailers have cut the price of the Black and Luxe Silver variations to $339.95 and the Soapstone variant to $229.95. offer.” This pricing approach aligns with the August 18 release of the Sony WH-1000-xM4, indicating a purposeful shift rather than a random occurrence.

Warranty and Support

Warranty and support are critical factors for every electronic item. The Bose 700 normally comes with a one-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

The Sony 1000XM4 comes with a one-year guarantee as well, but Sony’s reputation for customer support and after-sales care provides an added degree of assurance.

Extra Benefits

Both headphones have distinct advantages. The Bose 700 has an excellent noise-canceling microphone mechanism that improves call quality even in busy surroundings.

The Sony 1000XM4, on the other hand, supports LDAC codecs, Hi-Res Audio, and adaptive sound control. These added features may influence your decision based on your individual needs.

Sony 1000XM4 Vs Bose 700: Pros And Cons

When comparing the Sony 1000XM4 and Bose 700 headphones, consider the following pros and cons:

Which is the Winner?

When comparing these two pairs of headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a little better choice for most people, however, it isn’t objectively superior to the other option.

The WH-1000XM4 has a more consumer-friendly sound profile, excellent noise-canceling capabilities, extensive app connection, a foldable design, and adequate battery life. These headphones exceed Bose’s flagship model in noise canceling while sharing features like touch controls and comparable mics.

Because of its great sound quality and extra capabilities like Speak-to-Chat and multipoint connectivity, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones get our top rating for the finest noise-canceling headphones and overall headphones.

The XM4 offers the most advanced noise-canceling technology, with its ability to analyze and adjust to its environment 700 times per second.

However, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 may entice style-conscious music fans away from Sony’s comfortable but unremarkable headphones. The noise-canceling microphone array in the Bose headphones makes them ideal for phone conversations.

Finally, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones are our top pick, but the Bose model is also a viable option.

Alternative Options

While the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM4 steal the show, there are a few other options to consider. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 offers excellent sound and active noise cancellation to audiophiles who cherish clarity. The Apple AirPods Max, developed for the Apple environment, provides easy connectivity and exceptional sound quality.

Bose 700 Vs Sony 1000xm4: Who Is The Winner – FAQs

1. Are the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM4 adequate for extended listening sessions?

Both headphones prioritize comfort, with the Bose 700 offering velvety ear cushions and the Sony 1000XM4 with ergonomically shaped cups. Individual preferences, however, play a factor, so trying them on before deciding is advised.

2. Can I use the Sony 1000XM4 for professional audio work?

Absolutely. The Sony 1000XM4 provides great audio quality and features such as LDAC codec support and Hi-Res Audio compatibility, making it a suitable option for professionals that require accurate audio reproduction.

3. Do the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM4 support voice assistants?

Yes, both headphones enable voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to control many features using voice requests.

4. What makes the Bose 700’s noise-canceling microphone mechanism unique?

The Bose 700 uses superior microphone technology to improve call quality even in busy surroundings, making it an excellent choice for clear conversation.

5. How do the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM4 compare to other options?

While both headphones provide outstanding features, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 focuses on clarity, whereas the Apple AirPods Max provides a seamless connection within the Apple ecosystem. Your choice is determined by your individual needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Declaring a clear winner in the exciting clash between the Bose 700 and Sony 1000XM4 is a difficult task. Each headphone raises its own banner of greatness, capturing unique segments of aficionados.

The Bose 700 shines with its comfy design and simple controls, while the Sony 1000XM4 dazzles with its deep soundstage and cutting-edge technologies. Individual preference ultimately holds the crown.

Whether you choose comfort, sonic immersion, or advanced technology, both contenders provide an exceptional listening experience.

In the end, it’s not about declaring a single champion, but about recognizing the varied range of sonic brilliance that both headphones bring to the table.