Compare the Sony WH-1000XM4 to the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
Sony WH-1000XM4
- Active noise canceling reduces distracting ambient noise and white noise.
- When you start a conversation with someone, the music pauses and ambient noise is amplified.
- You can use the Sony Headphones Connect app to personalize all settings, including the sound, via an equalizer.
- The headphones don't include a 6.3mm adapter.
Bose 700
- With 11 different levels, you can determine the level of noise canceling yourself.
- Thanks to the 4 noise-suppressing microphones, you're clearly audible during a phone call.
- You can control the headphones with your voice using the touch controls on the ear cups.
- The headphones can't be folded to a compact size.
Compare the Sony WH-1000XM4 to the Bose NC700
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose NC700 | |
|---|---|---|
| High-end noise canceling | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable noise canceling | Yes | Yes |
| Easily switch from music to conversation | Yes | No |
| Wrist Detection | Yes | No |
| Battery life | 30 hours | 20 hours |
Noise canceling
Sony WH-1000XM4: adjustable noise canceling
In the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can set how much ambient noise is reduced via noise canceling. Slide the bar to the left to hear more ambient noise. If you want the headphones to mute as much sound as possible, slide the bar to the right.
Bose NC700: noise canceling levels
With the Bose NC700, you adjust the noise canceling in a different way. In the Bose Connect app, you can choose from 11 noise reduction levels. The highest level mutes the ambient noise, the lowest level amplifies the ambient noise. In the app, select which levels you want using the shortcut for the headphones. This way, you can switch between 2 different levels quickly and easily.
Sound quality
Sony WH-1000XM4: bass is very clearly present
If you find bass important, the XM4 are the right choice for you. The headphones emphasize the bass in particular so you'll listen to a powerful sound. The mid-range tones and treble are balanced and don't carry an extra focus. You can change the audio via the Sony Headphones Connect app. This allows you to adjust the sound to your wishes.
Bose NC700: bass clearly present
With the Bose 700, the bass is clearly present. It does sound differently from the XM4, since it's less powerful. The bass is deeper, so there is more room for the other tones. While the mid-range tones are balanced, the treble isn't. This means some of the high tones are clearly present, but others aren't. So if you like a slightly more clear and deep sound, the Bose 700 are perfect for you.
Smart functions
Sony WH-1000XM4: from music to conversation and pauses automatically
With the XM4, the music automatically pauses when you switch the headphones off. Did you put them back on? The song continues. When you start talking, the music is turned down and ambient noise is amplified. This way, you can start a conversation without taking off the headphones. To use a voice assistant, download the Sony Headphones Connect app. Finally, the headphones have multipoint pairing, which allows you to connect them to 2 playback devices at the same time.
Bose NC700: voice assistant
The Bose 700 have fewer integrated smart functions than the XM4. You can use the voice assistant of your choice to give voice commands, and you can use multipoint pairing. This allows you to connect the headphones to 2 playback devices at the same time.
Wearing comfort
Sony WH-1000XM4: listen for hours
Because the ear cushions and headband are made of soft leather, the XM4 wear comfortably for a long time. You can listen to music for hours without the headphones hurting your ears and head.
Bose NC700: deeper ear cups, but not foldable
Like the XM4, the Bose 700's ear cushions and headband are made of soft leather. But the ear cups of these headphones are slightly deeper. There is more room for your ears, so you can listen to music for longer without hurting your ears.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose NC700 excel in noise canceling, sound quality, and wearing comfort. If sound is important to you, choose the headphones that are the best match for you in terms of audio. The XM4 have a powerful bass, while the mid-range tones and treble are balanced. The Bose 700 has a deep bass and the mid-range tones are balanced, but the high tones aren't. If you want a lot of smart functions like wearing detection, the XM4 are perfect for you. The Bose 700, on the other hand, is compatible with a voice assistant.
