Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4

Last Updated: February 15, 2022

So, you’re looking for a new pair of premium ANC (Active noise canceling) headphones. You got the money to spring for an absolutely top-tier set and you’ve narrowed it down to the Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4. Congratulations you’ve arrived at the best of the best, but which will be your final purchase? Luckily for you, dear reader, we are going to break down the Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 battle and give our insight and recommendations

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – sound quality

Of the many different characteristics you can compare when it comes to headphones, sound quality is of utmost importance. Surprising absolutely no one, both of these headphones exhibit excellent audio quality and all frequencies are well-represented by both contenders here. Given the closed-back, over-ear design of these headphones, you won’t be given the wide, natural soundscape of true audiophile gear, but you won’t be disappointed here.

After careful consideration the Bose 700’s emerge victorious in this round, but only just. The sound has a more balanced feel to it, while vocals are sharper on the Sony 1000XM4, they sound a little less natural. Additionally, the Bose 700s have slightly more immersive bass. Point to Bose for this one.

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – noise cancelation

Of course, the fact that you’ve landed here means that you’re looking for supreme active noise cancellation in addition to premium sound quality. luckily for you, when it comes down to the Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 battle, you can’t really go wrong as both headphones have some of the most impressive active noise cancelation technology that we’ve experienced here at WePC.

While the Bose 700’s and the XM4’s both have almost identical noise cancelation technology, Sony’s QN1 processor vs Bose’s unnamed proprietary tech, the result is actually fairly definitive. but before we get into that, allow us to explain how noise cancelation actually works. In short, microphones capture the background noise that you don’t want to hear, and rebroadcast the opposite frequencies through the speakers, effectively canceling out the unwanted noise. There are some caveats here and there and the true explanation is far more technical, but this is the base concept from which both the Bose 700 and the Sony 1000XM4’s get their results.

We give the points to Sony for this round, Bose put up a good fight, but whether it’s due to the specific technology, or the design providing more passive noise cancelation, the 1000XM4’s win here with overall more effective performance, with resultant higher levels of immersion.

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – design

This is an admittedly subjective category so the result is essentially mute. Regardless we have to crown a winner as this is a versus page. The Bose 700 headphones are far more stylized and feature a more identifiable silhouette at a glance and we are big fans of the minimalist design.

The Sony 1000XM4 design is far more traditional, and they’ve stuck with this design for many iterations at this point. After careful deliberation, We’re going with the Bose 700s simply because they look more interesting, they lack the ability to fold which may be a dealbreaker for some, but overall we prefer their aesthetic over the Sony 1000XM4.

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – comfort

Both of these headphones have extensive adjustability, so regardless of your choice, you’ll be well catered for in this department. Both feature super plush faux-leather earcups and can last extended listening situations without becoming too hot or producing an ache on the ears. Interestingly enough, they both way the exact same, 8.96oz/254g. This is impressively light given the amount of technology packed in there. Given that the weight is a tie, and therefore irrelevant, we have to give this one to the Sony 1000XM4 headphones for the superior levels of cushioning on the headband, but there’s really not much difference, we’d recommend trying both of them on for a while before making your purchase decision.

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – touch controls

Unsurprisingly, both of these headphones feature sparse physical inputs, opting instead for a mostly touch-sensitive interface. Not only does this result in a cleaner external design, but it allows for more customizability as both the Bose 700s and Sony 1000XM4’s allow you to rebind these touch controls to suit your preferences.

The Bose 700 features more physical inputs than Sony’s contender, in addition to a touch-sensitive panel, we consider this a plus as many people prefer physical buttons, so Bose has catered to those people and people who are comfortable with a touch panel. We’re giving this round to Bose for equally impressive touch controls, in addition to traditional buttons. More options are always a plus, congrats, Bose. To the victor, the spoils.

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – mic quality

Here we have the round that has the most impressive landslide victory for one of our contenders. Of course, being top-tier ANC headphones, these headphones both feature built-in microphones for taking phone calls and interacting with your smart assistant of choice. Unfortunately for Sony, the 1000XM4’s have some pretty dodgy mic quality. It’s a known issue too, with many other reviewers picking up on it. The Bose 700’s have no such issues, they don’t have the best mic quality, but it still outpaces Sony’s solution here

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – build quality

This is quite possibly the closest stage of this duel. Both brands here have a reputation for excellent material choices and build quality assurance. The Bose 700 Vs Sony 1000XM4 battle jas never been closer. Both are well constructed and will stand the test of time. However, we must crown a winner for this category, and for the battle overall. The Bose 700’s win this round, but one somewhat shaky ground. Specifically, the hinges or lack thereof, as the bose do not feature any folding mechanism, have fewer moving parts. Less moving parts correspond to more longevity. Admittedly the lack of folding ability might be a dealbreaker for you, and with that in mind, the 1000XM4’s still had excellent build quality and will last a long time. Just not as long as Bose’s contender.

Bose 700 vs Sony 1000XM4 – the verdict

It’s been a close battle, both headphones exhibit great sound quality, supreme build quality, and excellent levels of comfort. But there’s only room for one winner, and that winner is the Bose 700s. With fantastic audio aside from the mic and a sleek minimalist design, we have crowned our king of active noise cancelation. Sony put up a good fight but in the end, Bose has reigned victorious.