Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold
Over-ear · 2020
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold lands at 90 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if…
- ✓Deepest ANC on the market
- ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- ✓Bose Immersive Audio
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on anc (100 vs 88).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Long-session wearability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 89).
Value for money
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose GoldSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold more score per dollar ($349 vs $449).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | — |
| Release year | 2020 | — |
| Driver | — | 35 mm |
| ANC | — | Hybrid · 8-mic |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 + Snapdragon Sound |
| Codecs | — | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 30 hr (24 with ANC) |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr |
| Weight | — | 254 g |
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- +Deepest ANC on the market
- +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- +Bose Immersive Audio
- −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
- −Cable not included
- −Pricier than XM6
FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold worth the price? +
At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 worth the price? +
At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.
Does Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 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 WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on anc (100 vs 88). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is better for comfort, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Rose Gold or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on comfort (96 vs 89). Long-session wearability.