Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST comparison review with the Bose QuietComfort vs Sony WH-1000XM4 and tell you which is better, after personally owning both products. I have thoroughly tested each of these headphones for hundreds of hours, and aim to offer a critical opinion from the perspective of an audiophile and professional music producer.
I’ll be comparing these two head to head on categories like price, comfort, features, battery life, noise cancelling performance, and sound quality.
Then at the end, I’ll share which is the best overall value for the money, and my overall recommendation on which you should buy.
I’ve also conducted a separate in-depth Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) Review and Sony WH-1000XM4 Review for those who are interested in reading more detailed thoughts about each headphone after. (Links open in a new tab.)
Key Takeaways
- Bose QuietComfort 2023 has better sound quality, stronger bass, and slightly better noise cancelling.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 2023 share similarly very good comfort and strong build quality.
- The Bose QuietComfort 2023 is around $100 more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM4, depending on sales.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Price Compared
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is about $100 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort 2023 at current market prices for brand new. They can be much closer in price depending on current sales, and whether you’re buying new, renewed, or used.
Bose QuietComfort (2023) Prices
Sony WH-1000XM4 Prices
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Want to save up to an additional $100?
Want to save up to an additional $33?
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Comfort
Both the Bose QuietComfort 2023 and Sony XM4 are some of the most comfortable headphones I’ve tested, just slightly below perfect.
On my scale, the QuietComfort 2023 is 15.5 grams lighter than the Sony XM4:
- Bose QuietComfort 2023 weight: 236.1 grams
- Sony WH-1000XM4 weight: 251.6 grams
Both of these headphones are extremely lightweight, with the QuietComfort 2023 being an exceptional standout.
Interestingly, the design of the Sony WH-1000XM4 is eerily similar to Bose’s QuietComfort structure, from headband to hinge design.
The only reason that both headphones are just short of a perfect score, is that they aren’t as plush or unnoticeable as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or newer Sony WH-1000XM5.
But rest assured, they come very, very close. If I wasn’t able to try wearing these back-to-back with the aforementioned, then these could very well be a perfect score.
Bose QuietComfort vs Sony WH-1000XM4 for Working Out?
I find both the Bose QuietComfort and Sony WH-1000XM4 to be nearly identical in comfort and design, and this applies to working out as well.
I don’t have a preference here, both headphones feel fairly secure and not cumbersome or heavy during movements or activity.
Add in the light weight, and effective noise cancelling (which we’ll discuss), and these two are perfect workout gear when you need to get psyched for each set in the gym, or HIIT some cardio.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Comfort: 4.5 out of 5
Sony WH-1000XM4 Comfort: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling
Features
Interestingly, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is 3 years older than the Bose QuietComfort 2023, having been released originally in August 2020.
Despite being much older, I actually found that both headphones shared the same modern features like multiple levels of Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes.
Both headphones also have multiple microphones for taking calls, and a companion smartphone app to adjust settings and EQ.
Neither headphone has Spatial Audio, but that’s really not a dealbreaker to me.
User Experience, Buttons, and Controls
Personally, I much prefer the tactile buttons and controls of the Bose QuietComfort 2023 over the Sony WH-1000XM4’s touch controls.
The Bose QuietComfort has physical buttons to adjust volume, and play/pause/skip music.
The Sony XM4 relies on tapping or swiping the right earcup, and I’ve never found touch controls on headphones to be reliable or feel confidence-inspiring. You go to skip forward and end up increasing the volume, and vice versa.
Build Quality
What I find most interesting about the Sony XM4 is that it is strangely similar to the “classic” design that Bose has been using for many generations for the QuietComfort series, harking back to the older QuietComfort 25, 35 and 45.
What’s that saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”?
I think this is a smart choice, because the newer XM5 is a noticeable step backwards in build quality.
Here’s another aphorism: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Regardless, both headphones feature strong build quality that feels durable and should last many, many years.
Looks
I prefer the look of the Bose QuietComfort 2023 over the bulkier Sony WH-1000XM4, although the XM4 isn’t as ugly or disproportionate as the newer XM5.
This Bose QC in Cypress Green is gorgeous in real life, understated yet a bold splash of color that instills some personality.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Battery Life Compared
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has about 6 hours more battery life than the Bose QuietComfort 2023 on paper.
- Bose QuietComfort 2023 Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM4 Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
In my testing, I found both of these manufacturer’s battery ratings to be accurate.
I consider these battery life ratings to be slightly above average, although not class-leading by any means, with Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 leading the entire pack at a jaw-dropping 60 hours. It is better than the Apple AirPods Max at 20 hours.
I’m just glad that both headphones feature modern USB-C charging ports, fitting in nicely with other devices.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling: Which is better?
Despite being 3 years older, the Sony WH-1000XM4’s active noise cancelling performance is still impressive to me, and just ever so slightly below the newer Bose QuietComfort 2023.
I would give the nod to the Bose QuietComfort 2023 for two reasons: Better transparency mode, and a new feature called “Wind Block”.
I’d say Wind Block does make a significant difference if you live in a windy city or are outside frequently, as it actively filters wind noise that can mess with other headphones.
Inside of the Bose app, you can choose between 11 levels of noise cancelling mixed with “ambient” transparency modes.
You can make presets for your favorite settings, and easily switch between them depending on the setting.
Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has about 20 levels of customization between Active Noise Cancelling and Ambient Noise.
On its quietest setting, I find the XM4 to still be very effective, and just slightly below the Bose QuietComfort 2023 and newer XM5.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 5 out of 5
Sony WH-1000XM4 Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Bose QuietComfort
Bose QuietComfort 2023 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Sound Quality Comparison
An Important Note…
Although I think both headphones actually sound decent out of the box, I found that I was able to squeeze out a little more sound quality with EQ, so we’ll use the settings shared below to compare.
I think this is fair considering the EQ is via both headphones’ official free apps, which are mostly required to use the headphones fully, anyways.
Best Bose QuietComfort (new 2023 model) EQ settings
- Bass: -4
- Mid: 0
- Treble: -3
Result: Still very bass-forward with good slam, just more controlled. Much smoother highs with most sibilance removed and smoothened out. Mids are now much more present and detailed. Overall sound is much better balanced.
Best Sony WH-1000XM4 EQ settings
- 400: -1
- 1k: +2
- 2.5k: +5
- 6.3k: -3
- 16k: +1
- Clear Bass: 0
Result: Much less muddiness, more clarity and detail in the mids, less sibilance. Overall more balanced, with the mids much more present.
Comparing Sound Quality AFTER EQ…
I find the Bose QuietComfort 2023 and Sony WH-1000XM4 to be more similar than different when it comes to sound quality and sound signature.
It’s clear both of these headphones are aimed at the consumer-friendly sound signature focusing on bass and treble primarily.
I just find that the Bose QuietComfort 2023 beats the Sony-WH1000XM4 everywhere at its “own game”, so to speak.
To start, the Bose has much stronger and cleaner bass response. This is actually my favorite part of listening to the Bose QuietComfort 2023 in general.
Having the better bass response leads to the Bose headphones being more FUN to listen to than the XM4, head-to-head.
Then when we explore the rest of the frequency range, the mids and treble are also slightly more detailed with clearer separation than the XM4.
The Sony XM4 is pleasing to listen to after EQ, but it has a peaky treble that results in sibilance, limiting its full potential.
Funnily enough, the Bose QC 2023 also has an issue with sibilance, but this is mitigated to a good degree with the EQ setting I shared above.
I find the Bose to do everything just a little bit better, more detail, resolution, and clarity, with a slightly larger soundstage.
I also think the Bose is a better all-arounder for ALL genres compared to the XM4.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Sound Quality: 8.4 out of 10 (after EQ)
Sony WH-1000XM4 Sound Quality: 7.9 out of 10 (after EQ)
Winner: Bose QuietComfort
Value
At the time of this writing, the Bose QuietComfort 2023 is about $100 more expensive than the older Sony WH-1000XM4 at brand new prices.
The price delta is even more exaggerated if you look at the prices of Renewed or Used examples (links shared in this article) of the XM4, of which there are many available today due to its age.
However, it’s important to note that there are times when I’ve seen the Bose QuietComfort 2023 on sale for around $249, making it the same price as the XM4. If that’s the case, I’m taking the QuietComfort 2023 all day.
When visiting these headphones back-to-back, they really are more similar than different when it comes to pretty much every single category we’ve tested here today.
I think both headphones are fairly priced, and consider each to be very, very good values depending on the current sales. Especially compared to the newer or more flagship premium models that can easily approach the $400+ range.
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Value: 4.5 out of 5
Sony WH-1000XM4 Value Value: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Bose QuietComfort 2023 Overall Rating
- Fun, excellent sound quality (after EQ)
- Strong noise cancelling performance
- Very comfortable and lightweight
- Excellent value if on sale (or used)
- Less impressive for audiophiles
- Full retail price is less of a value
Sony WH-1000XM4Â Overall Rating
- Excellent noise cancelling performance
- Very comfortable
- Very good sound quality
- 30 hours battery life
- Great value due to being older model
- Slightly muddy upper bass & lower mids
- Needs more sub-bass extension
- Veiled treble, lacks sparkle and airiness
- Intimate soundstage lacks width and depth
Overall Winner: Bose QuietComfort 2023
The Bose QuietComfort 2023 wins this comparison versus the Sony WH-1000XM4, although I do think these headphones are actually much closer than their respective scores suggest.
I find the Bose QuietComfort 2023 to be equal or better to the Sony WH-1000XM4 in every category, and especially prefer it for its improved sound quality, slightly better noise cancelling performance, and amazing bass response.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is no slouch, however, and can be an exceptional value depending on how much cheaper it is than the Bose currently.
Some strong alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones and price range are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Beats Studio Pro. I recommend you check those out next!
If you’re willing to spend a little more to get more, it’s definitely worth also checking out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Max, and newer Sony WH-1000XM5 as well.
Lastly, if you’d like to save some money and keep supporting RecordingNOW.com’s 100% independent, unbiased reviews, do consider using some of our affiliate links below to shop and even just compare prices. We purchase all products we review with our own money to maintain the highest level of integrity, and your support goes into that plus a continuously improving site experience.
Bose QuietComfort (2023) Prices
Sony WH-1000XM4 Prices
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Want to save up to an additional $100?
Want to save up to an additional $33?
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase all of the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment. Noise cancelling performance is tested in the real-world, primarily on airplane flights, coffee shops, and walking around large metropolitan city environments.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Bose QuietComfort Review (2023 Model)
