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Bose vs Sony: Which Is the Best Noise Cancelling Headphone Brand

August 10, 2021

As more people work from home, headphones have become essential to drown out distractions and focus on tasks. Two of the most popular brands for high-quality noise-cancelling headphones are Bose and Sony. But which one is the best?

Noise Cancelling Effectiveness

When it comes to effective noise cancelling, Bose takes the lead. The Bose noise cancelling headphones use a technology called Acoustic Noise Cancelling that blocks out unwanted sounds by emitting sound waves that are the opposite of the ambient noise. According to tests done by RTINGS, Bose headphones have better passive isolation and noise cancelling performance than Sony.

Score: Bose 1, Sony 0.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, both Bose and Sony deliver crystal clear audio. Sony headphones use advanced noise-cancellation algorithms that allow them to deliver better sound quality, especially at low frequencies. RTINGS gave the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones a higher overall sound quality score than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.

Score: Bose 1, Sony 1.

Battery Life

Long battery life is essential for busy professionals, and here Sony takes the lead. Their headphones can last up to 30 hours with noise cancelling turned on, while Bose headphones only last up to 20 hours.

Score: Bose 1, Sony 2.

Comfort

Comfort is a top priority when choosing noise-cancelling headphones, and both brands excel in this area. However, Bose headphones are slightly lighter and have more padding, which makes them more comfortable during long listening sessions.

Score: Bose 2, Sony 2.

Price

When it comes to price, Bose and Sony are roughly the same. At the time of writing, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II costs $299, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 costs $348.

Score: Bose 2, Sony 2.

Conclusion

After analyzing the data, it's clear that both Bose and Sony make excellent noise-cancelling headphones. Bose has a slight edge in noise cancelling effectiveness and comfort, while Sony delivers better sound quality and battery life. Ultimately, the final decision comes down to personal preference and budget.

Whichever brand you choose, we're confident that both will provide an excellent listening experience that will help you stay focused and productive.

References

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