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Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White — True-wireless · 2021
Sony

Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White

True-wireless · 2021

87
/ 100
From $279
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds wins by 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White lands at 87 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at 92. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Compact carry
  • ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
  • ✓Quick pair

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if…

  • ✓Best ANC for earbuds
  • ✓Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
  • ✓Immersive Audio
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on anc (98 vs 84).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the comfort sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on comfort (94 vs 85).

Sound

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Compared on the sound sub-score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on sound (92 vs 86).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White 87
vs
92 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Score breakdown

Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White
87
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 78
features 83
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
92
anc 98
sound 92
comfort 94
battery 78
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Type
True-wireless
—
Release year
2021
—
Battery
—
6 h (ANC) / 24 h case
Codecs
—
aptX Lossless, SBC, AAC
Water rating
—
IPX4

Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Compact carry
  • +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
  • +Quick pair
Cons
  • −Battery life limited
  • −Fit varies by ear
  • −Case bulkier than pod

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Pros
  • +Best ANC for earbuds
  • +Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
  • +Immersive Audio
Cons
  • −Only 6 h battery
  • −Case is chunky
  • −No wireless charging standard

FAQ: Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Which is better, Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $279, Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in sound.

Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth the price? +

At $299, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.

Does Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on anc (98 vs 84). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.

Which is better for comfort, Sony WF-1000XM4 · Arctic White or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on comfort (94 vs 85). Compared on the comfort sub-score.