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Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort 45

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if you want the stronger noise cancelling, longer battery life and a 3.5mm jack, and you can accept a used unit at the $160 low. Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if comfort and a lighter clamp matter more, or if you want a new pair at the lower price. As of November 6, 2026, the best new Sony price is $239.00 at eBay and the best new Bose price is $179.00 at eBay. The Sony has traded as low as $160.00 since October 29, 2026, so watch its price history before paying $239.00.

Today the Bose QuietComfort 45 costs $60.00 less at its best price.

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Sony
Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony WH-1000XM4

4.5(15,000 ratings)
$239.00at eBayObserved at 9:04 PM
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Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if you want the best noise cancelling, 30 hours of battery and a wired 3.5mm option for flights and trains.

Pros
  • Top-tier active noise cancelling for planes and offices
  • 30 hours per charge, plus 5 hours from a 10-minute charge
  • Multipoint Bluetooth holds a phone and laptop at once
  • 3.5mm jack and detachable cable for wired listening
  • Wear detection pauses playback when you lift a cup
Cons
  • No water resistance rating
  • Firmer clamp than the Bose over long sessions
  • New price of $239.00 is $60 above the Bose
  • Used units have arrived with worn pads and missing cases
Bose
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.6(89 ratings)
$179.00at eBayObserved Nov 6, 2026, 7:29 AM
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Choose the Bose QuietComfort 45 if you want a lighter, low-clamp fit and a new pair for $179.00 at eBay.

Pros
  • Light, low-clamp fit built for all-day wear
  • Water resistant, unlike the Sony
  • Quiet and Aware modes switch with one tap
  • $179.00 new at eBay as of November 6, 2026
  • Simple pairing, praised for quick iPhone connection
Cons
  • 24 hours per charge, 6 fewer than the Sony
  • No multipoint; one device at a time
  • No 3.5mm-to-2.5mm adapter listed; cable is 3 ft
  • Buyers report low max volume and thin bass
  • Bluetooth dropouts reported with iPad

What separates them

Sony WH-1000XM4Bose QuietComfort 45
Noise cancellingActive, widely rated best in classActive, Quiet and Aware modes
Battery life30 hours, 5 hours from a 10-minute charge24 hours, 3 hours from a 15-minute charge
Wired inputUSB-C and 3.5mm jack, detachable 1.2 m cableUSB-C charging, detachable 3 ft audio cable
Bluetooth5.0, multipoint to two devices5.1, single-device pairing
Driver40 mm, 16 ohm45 mm, 32 ohm
Water resistanceNo IP ratingWater resistant
Weight and clampFirmer clamp, heavier feelLight, minimal clamping force
Best new price$239.00 at eBay as of November 6, 2026$179.00 at eBay as of November 6, 2026

Price history

$295.00$160.00
Oct 29Nov 6
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: lowest $160.00 on Nov 2 at eBay; $239.00 on Nov 6.
  • Bose QuietComfort 45: lowest $179.00 on Nov 6 at eBay.

Prices at every store

Sony WH-1000XM4

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $239.00Free shippingObserved at 9:04 PM
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $211.55Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 7:29 AM
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $295.00Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 7:29 AM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • Mac Star ComputersCheck price at Mac Star Computers

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All 2 stores and price history →

Bose QuietComfort 45

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $179.00Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 7:29 AM
    Visit eBay
  • Star PromotionNew

    In stock

    $350.00Observed Nov 6, 2026, 7:29 AM
    Visit Star Promotion
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $173.35Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 7:29 AM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • doorup shopCheck price at doorup shop
  • CarryflowCheck price at Carryflow
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Specs compared

SpecSony WH-1000XM4Bose QuietComfort 45
Headphone Cup TypeOver-earOver-ear
Body Part UseEars, HeadEar
Noise Cancellation TypeActiveActive
Max Battery Life30 hours24 hours
Recharge Time10 min (for 5 hours of playback)2.5 Hours
Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Earpad MaterialLeatherSynthetic leather
Water ProtectionNo IP ratingWater Resistant
WaterproofNoNo
Water ResistantNoYes
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, BluetoothWireless, Bluetooth
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Show all 25 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSony WH-1000XM4Bose QuietComfort 45
Bluetooth Version5.05.1
Compatible DevicesPhone, LaptopTelevision, Select Bose smart soundbars
Ports And InterfacesUSB-C, 3.5mm JackUSB-C
Cable Length1.2 m3 ft
Transmission Range10 m9 m
Driver Size40 mm45 mm
Frequency Response4 Hz-40,000 Hz2400 KHz
Headphone Impedance16 ohm32 Ohms
Standby Time200 Hours—

What reviewers say

Sony WH-1000XM4

  • 4.5 / 515,000 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 across about 15,000 ratings, owners consistently praise the noise cancellation, sound and battery life. Complaints center on the older Bluetooth version and the arrival of the newer XM5.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationPraisedOwners say it cuts engine and office noise to near silence.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report all-day playback and fast top-ups from a short charge.
  • ComfortPraisedThe leather earpads and light frame suit long flights and workdays.
  • BluetoothMixedMultipoint is useful, but the 5.0 radio and limited codecs draw complaints.

Bose QuietComfort 45

  • 4.6 / 589 ratings

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 89 ratings, the QuietComfort 45 draws praise for its noise cancellation, comfort and easy pairing. Complaints center on volume ceiling, bass quantity and occasional Bluetooth dropouts.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationMixedOwners say it silences most everyday noise but not loud continuous sounds like an air hose.
  • Sound qualityMixedMany like the balanced sound, while others call the bass weak and the mid-range poor.
  • VolumeCriticisedSeveral buyers say the maximum volume is about half that of other headphones.

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort 45?
The Sony. Its active noise cancelling is the stronger of the two and is the main reason it wins best-overall picks. The Bose Quiet mode is good but one buyer said it would not cancel an air hose at a work station.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4 worth $60 more than the Bose QuietComfort 45?
Yes if you fly or commute often. You get better noise cancelling, 6 more hours of battery, multipoint Bluetooth and a 3.5mm jack. If you mostly listen at a desk, the Bose at $179.00 covers it.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
The Bose. It uses plush synthetic leather with minimal clamping force and weighs less on the head. The Sony has leather pads and a firmer clamp that some wearers notice after a few hours.
Can I use either pair wired?
Both. The Sony takes a detachable 1.2 m cable into a 3.5mm jack. The Bose includes a 3 ft audio cable and works in wired mode when the battery runs out.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Sony, at 30 hours versus 24 for the Bose. The Sony also gives 5 hours from a 10-minute charge; the Bose gives 3 hours from 15 minutes.
Does either handle rain or sweat?
Only the Bose, which is listed as water resistant. The Sony has no IP rating and is not water resistant, so keep it out of rain.

More comparisons

  • Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
  • Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
  • Sonos Ace vs Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Radio Frequency Range
2.4 GHz Band
—
colorBlack—
Sound Output—Stereo
Audio Highlights—TriPort acoustic architecture, Volume-optimized…
Comfort
Praised
Reviewers call the light clamp and plush cushions comfortable for all-day wear.