Headsets and headphones / Compare

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM4

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Product A: Bose

QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

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B

Product B: Sony

WH-1000XM4

86 of 161 known

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Only differences

ABose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

BSony WH-1000XM4

General

5 of 8 differ

Series

QuietComfort1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) product identity. Ultra, original 2023 QuietComfort and soft-case SC packages are excluded.

1000X1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

443644, 895491-01002Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original Bose 2026 guide AM901307-0010 Rev01, regulatory pages 4-8 name model 443644. Commercial 895491-0100 comes from the exact retailer below.6Retailer pagenfm.com/bose-quietcomfort-2nd-gen-headphones-in-black-70869201/70869201.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact US Black item 70869201 lists Model 895491-0100. The commercial identifier and regulatory 443644 are separate naming systems. No soft-case SC bundle or Ultra identifier.

WH-1000XM41Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

GTIN / EAN

0178178596846Retailer pagenfm.com/bose-quietcomfort-2nd-gen-headphones-in-black-70869201/70869201.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact US Black item 70869201 lists UPC 017817859684. No soft-case SC bundle or Ultra identifier.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

6 August 20263Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Dated maker launch announcement August 6 2026. Preorder August 8, shipping August 13.

6 August 20204Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026

Status

Available1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact US Black reference can be purchased at the time of access.

Not available

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)3Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026The release refines the first-generation 2023 QuietComfort Headphones. No Ultra predecessor inferred.

Sony WH-1000XM316Reviewwhathifi.com/news/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphones-officially-unveiledRead 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi says the WH-1000XM4 replace the WH-1000XM3 and calls the XM3 their predecessor.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Sony WH-1000XM517Reviewengadget.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-160045478.htmlRead 23 October 2026Engadget calls the WH-1000XM5 the follow-up to the WH-1000XM4.18Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sony-WH-1000XM5-Revised-WH-1000X-headphones-arrive-nearing-the-US-400-mark-with-better-noise-cancellation-more-microphones-and-a-bulkier-design.619279.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck calls the WH-1000XM5 the new generation of WH-1000X headphones and an upgrade over the WH-1000XM4.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$3593Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026US launch paragraph states 359 USD. Excludes tax and later discounts.

$349.994Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026US maker MSRP 349.99 USD. August 6 was announcement/preorder. Actual August retail comes from the retrospective review. Unproved EUR tax scope omitted.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact US product page and US retailer SKU prove US sale. Page language alone is not used.

US4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Black selected on exact maker page. Reference is US Black 895491-0100. Other colourways are not variants in this reference file.

Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Silent White4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 20265Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-launches-new-limited-edition-wh-1000xm4-silent-whiteRead 5 October 2026April 20, 2021 maker release adds Silent White to Black and Silver. Matching accessories and an extra topcoat are finish changes.6Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm4/buyRead 5 October 2026Current official indexed store identifies Midnight Blue WH1000XM4L.CE7. Other finishes have launch evidence. Direct store body unavailable. Only public official indexed label/image read.

Segment

Music1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Maker Headphones category, everyday music listening product. USB videoconferencing support does not establish a dedicated office edition.

Music4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026

Design

0 of 7 differ

Form factor

Over-ear1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Technical Specifications explicitly Around Ear Circumaural.

Over-ear1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Ear cup enclosureiClosed, open or semi-open acoustic enclosure. This does not describe how the headset folds.

Closed10Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1993087-REG/bose_895491_0100_quietcomfort_headphones_2nd_gen.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact US Black 895491-0100 Specs, Open/Closed-Back: Closed-Back. No fold geometry substitution.

Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Wearing style

Headband1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Technical Specifications Headband: On Head Adjustable.

Headband1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

FoldingiFlat means the ear cups rotate flat. Inward means the ear cups fold toward the headband.

Flat and inward2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Care and Maintenance pages 37-38: rotate both cups flat, retract into the headband, fold the left cup inward toward the headband and place in the case.

Flat and inward11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Travel section states swivel and folding structure. Official folded picture shows flat cups and one cup folded inward. No nonexistent guide storage pages cited.

Swivelling ear cupsiEar cups can rotate relative to the headband. Tilting alone does not count.

Yes2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Care and Maintenance page 37: rotate earcups inward until flat. B&H lists swivel No, which conflicts and is excluded.

Yes11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Travel section states swivel structure. Silent White maker store also describes inward cup rotation for packing.

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Lighting zonesiNumber of independently controllable lighting areas across both ear cups.

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

13 of 20 differ

Driver type

Dynamic10Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1993087-REG/bose_895491_0100_quietcomfort_headphones_2nd_gen.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU Specs, Driver Type: Dynamic. Diameter omitted due to a credible 30 mm and 40 mm source conflict.

Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Driver sizeiDiameter of the largest sound driver. Do not use the microphone capsule diameter.

Not available

40mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 202640 mm dome driver with CCAW voice coil. Stereo channel count does not establish driver count.

Drivers per sideiNumber of sound-producing transducers in one side, excluding microphones.

110Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1993087-REG/bose_895491_0100_quietcomfort_headphones_2nd_gen.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU Specs Number of Drivers: 1 per Earpiece. Microphones not counted as audio transducers.

Not available

Diaphragm material

Not available

Aluminum-coated LCP2Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Exact official indexed specification says aluminium-coated LCP. Direct page body unavailable. No full direct access claimed.

Magnet

Not available

Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Frequency response (wired or passive)iPublished acoustic range for wired listening, or the maker’s single range when no mode is distinguished. Power state and test standard belong in the source note.

Not available

Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026JEITA headphone acoustic response 4 Hz to 40 kHz. Not Bluetooth radio or microphone response.

Wireless audio transmission bandiFrequency range of audio transmitted over the wireless connection, not the acoustic response of the driver. Codec, sampling rate and bitrate conditions belong in the source note. When the maker gives a range per codec, the widest range is stored and its codec goes in the source note.

Not available

Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026A2DP transmission 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 44.1 kHz sampling. LDAC at 96 kHz and 990 kbps supports 20 Hz to 40 kHz. The stored maximum requires those LDAC settings.

Impedance (passive when specified)iUse the headset-off value for a passive analog connection when the maker publishes both powered and passive values. Note the power state and test frequency.

Not available

16Ω1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered impedance 40 ohms. Passive impedance 16 ohms, used here.

Sensitivity (passive when specified)iUse the headset-off figure when both powered and passive values exist. The power or voltage reference, test distance and frequency belong in the source note.

Not available

101dB1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered sensitivity 105 dB/mW. Passive sensitivity 101 dB/mW, used here.

Sensitivity referenceiPublished power or voltage reference for sensitivity. Do not assume 1 mW when the source gives only a dB value.

Not available

Per 1 mW1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

THD (claimed)iPublished distortion figure or numerical upper bound. The source note states any less-than sign and test level.

Not available

Not available

Max input power

Not available

Not available

Max digital audio sample rateiHighest supported digital audio sample rate over a USB cable or wireless dongle. This is not the microphone rate or acoustic frequency response.

48kHz5Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Wired listening FAQ: lossless USB input up to 24-bit/48 kHz. No Bluetooth codec maximum imported.

Not available

Max digital audio bit depthiHighest published digital playback bit depth over a USB cable or wireless dongle.

24bits5Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Wired listening FAQ: USB input 24-bit/48 kHz.

Not available

DAC

Not available

Not available

Personalised soundiA manufacturer-supported hearing test or ear scan creates a device sound profile tailored to the listener. Generic equalizer adjustments do not count.

Not available

Not available

Onboard EQiCustom playback EQ profiles stored in the headset and applied without the host app running. Note supported active connections. Receiver-only or software-only EQ does not count.

Not available

Not available

Custom EQ bandsiNumber of bands in the custom playback equalizer. Microphone EQ bands are excluded.

33Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Controls Connectivity Convenience section explicitly adjustable three-band EQ in Bose app.

Not available

EQ presets

Bass Boost, Treble Boost7Reviewsoundguys.com/i-tested-the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-and-theyre-a-legit-upgrade-161251Read 8 October 2026Sound section separately measures named Bass Boost and Treble Boost presets. No unnamed presets inferred.

Not available

Volume limit

Not available

Not available

Spatial audio

2 of 3 differ

Spatial audio supportiNamed headset or host spatial-audio systems that the maker or reviewer explicitly supports. A platform feature may require compatible hardware, software or a separate licence.

Bose Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode3Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Immersive Listening section names Bose TrueSpatial and Bose Immersive Audio Still, Motion and Cinema listening modes. Works with any audio source, not licensed Dolby Atmos decoding.

Sony 360 Reality Audio4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026360 Reality Audio requires compatible services and content. No Dolby/DTS licence or head tracking inferred.

Spatial audio licence includediA paid spatial-audio licence is bundled or embedded. Compatibility with a separately purchased app does not count.

Not available

Not available

Head tracking

Yes3Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Still keeps virtual audio fixed in the room as the head moves. Motion follows head movement. Maker spatial head-movement behavior.

Not available

Noise cancelling

5 of 10 differ

Active noise cancelling

Yes1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Technical Specifications says active adjustable noise cancellation. ANC can be disabled in the app.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

ANC typeiFeedforward uses outside microphones. Feedback uses inside microphones. Hybrid uses both. Voice-call noise filtering is separate.

Hybrid1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Acoustic Noise Cancelling FAQ explicitly identifies microphones inside and outside the earcups. Hybrid architecture, not inferred solely from adaptive controls.

Not available

ANC microphonesiTotal microphones used for active playback noise cancellation across both sides. Do not substitute the total physical or voice microphone count.

63Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Noise section explicitly describes six-microphone system compensating for earcup seal gaps and maintaining active cancellation. Six is the complete system across headphones, not per cup. Separate call-microphone role count remains unproved.

44Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Two Dual Noise Sensor microphones per cup. Four ANC microphones across the headset. Shared voice roles do not create extra capsules.

Adaptive ANCiNoise cancellation automatically changes with the environment or fit. Manually choosing a level does not count.

Yes3Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Noise section identifies adaptive feedforward controls compensating gaps from glasses, hair and hats. ActiveSense increases cancellation for sudden sounds in Aware mode.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 automatic noise-control adjustment by behaviour recognition, Adaptive Sound Control. No automatic ear-fit calibration inferred.

ANC levelsiNumber of adjustable cancellation strength steps. Off and transparency modes are excluded.

109Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-reviewRead 8 October 2026Review ANC section states 10 levels of adjustment. Off, Aware and custom mode counts are excluded.

Not available

ANC attenuation (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Transparency mode

Yes1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Aware Mode FAQ explicitly identifies transparency using microphone arrays to reproduce environmental sound.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Adjustable transparency

Yes3Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Custom Modes explicitly let users set individual balance between noise cancelling and acoustic transparency.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Ambient sound adjusted in the app. Quick Attention is a temporary gesture, not another ANC strength level.

Conversation detectioniAudio pauses or lowers automatically when the wearer speaks. Voice assistant activation does not count.

Not available

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Speak-to-Chat detects speech and pauses music. Separate from manual Quick Attention.

Wind noise reduction

Yes4Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Listening Modes Custom row, page 23: supports a wind block noise-control setting. This is selectable processing, not an inferred foam microphone windscreen.

Not available

Measured

2 of 21 differ

Frequency response notesiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

The measured response has slightly emphasized bass and mids. The treble has peaks and dips. Disabling ANC makes the response more uneven.7Reviewsoundguys.com/i-tested-the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-and-theyre-a-legit-upgrade-161251Read 8 October 2026Reviewer curves relative to the SoundGuys preference target, default profile and ANC on and off. Firmware and connection or codec are not published. Numerical dB and THD values are not read from graphs.

The measured response has a bass emphasis compared with the SoundGuys preference curve. The review compares noise attenuation across frequencies and identifies strong low-frequency ANC. No graph peak is used as a band-average dB value.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026SoundGuys exact-model lab measurements. Firmware and codec not stated. Qualitative bass comparison only. No MDAQS score converted to dB.

Bass amountiReviewer’s bass deviation from its stated target. Positive is more bass. Target and test method belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Treble amountiReviewer’s treble deviation from its stated target. Positive is more treble. Target and test method belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Deviation from targetiReviewer’s full-range error from its target curve. Do not substitute a regional bass or treble error.

Not available

Not available

Consistency between fittingsiReviewer’s standard deviation across repeated fittings. Test rig and fitting procedure belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Harmonic distortioniIndependently measured harmonic distortion, with test level and method in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Sound leakageiIndependently measured leakage at 30 cm. Playback level and method belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Measured noise isolationiIndependently measured attenuation. Positive values mean more noise reduction. ANC state, rig and frequency bands belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation (measured, best)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic quality notesiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Speech was clear in quiet and reverberant rooms. Office noise weakened clarity. Street and wind tests suppressed more of the voice along with background noise.7Reviewsoundguys.com/i-tested-the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-and-theyre-a-legit-upgrade-161251Read 8 October 2026Ideal, office, street, wind and reverberant microphone demos. Firmware, phone, codec and USB or Bluetooth route are unreported. No numeric microphone frequency limits inferred.

Recorded microphone samples show usable speech pickup with mixed results in background noise. Earlier preproduction and later samples are not assigned a shared firmware or codec.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Recorded speech demos inspected. The original 19 h 59 min battery result used preproduction hardware and is omitted. Public numeric latency, THD, clamping, leakage and weighed mass not found.

Mic low-frequency extensioniMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic high-frequency extensioniMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic speech-to-noise ratioiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Measured latencyiEnd-to-end latency measured by a reviewer for a specific connection, platform and codec. Firmware, method and operating mode belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Measured battery lifeiReviewer’s continuous playback test. State the connection, ANC and lighting where known. Unknown settings stay omitted and are described in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured, max)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Clamping forceiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Weight (measured)iIndependently weighed headset. A review that repeats the maker’s number does not qualify. Cable and microphone inclusion belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Microphone

7 of 16 differ

MicrophoneiMain microphone used for speech. Secondary internal microphones may be described in the source note.

Built-in7Reviewsoundguys.com/i-tested-the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-and-theyre-a-legit-upgrade-161251Read 8 October 2026Call section describes headphone microphones used for calls. The owner guide Device Voice Control section also identifies earcup microphones. No in-line microphone in the supplied analog cable.

Built-in1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Microphone element

Not available

MEMS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Microphone pickup patterniUse the maker’s exact named pattern. Unidirectional does not establish whether the capsule is cardioid, supercardioid or hypercardioid.

Not available

Omnidirectional1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Voice microphonesiTotal microphones used for voice pickup or beamforming across both sides. ANC-only microphones are excluded.

Not available

54Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Precise Voice Pickup uses five physical headset microphones for calls and Speak-to-Chat. Separate from the four ANC microphones.

Total microphonesiEvery physical microphone across the headset, including call, ANC and calibration microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes microphones in charging cases or receivers, and vibration sensors. Use an explicitly published physical total, never a sum of overlapping role counts.

Not available

Not available

Mic frequency responseiAcoustic microphone response, not its digital sampling rate. Connection-specific ranges belong in the source note.

Not available

Min50Max8,000Hz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Effective microphone range 50 Hz to 8 kHz. MEMS omnidirectional microphones.

Mic sensitivityiPublished microphone sensitivity. Reference such as dBV/Pa or dBFS, frequency and distance belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic signal-to-noiseiPublished microphone signal-to-noise ratio. Minimum or typical conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic sample rateiExplicitly published digital microphone capture or speech sampling rate. State the audio route in the source note, or say it is unpublished. Internal capture does not prove the effective rate on every connection. Acoustic bandwidth, playback rate and generic microphone-chip capability do not qualify.

16kHz5Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Wired listening FAQ: voice output signal up to 24-bit/16 kHz through USB-C. This is transmitted USB microphone audio, not acoustic microphone bandwidth.

Not available

Mic noise reductioniProcessing that removes noise from transmitted speech. Playback ANC and a directional microphone alone do not count.

Not available

DSP4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names advanced audio signal processing for Precise Voice Pickup. DSP, without an AI claim. DSEE Edge AI is music restoration.

Flip to mute

Not available

Not available

Mute button

Not available

Not available

Mute indicatoriPublished indication of microphone mute. mechanical_marker is a visible physical marker showing the microphone's mute-switch position. LED options require an electronic light. The in-line controller option is for a mute light on a cable remote.

Not available

Not available

Sidetone

Yes2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Noise Cancellation While On a Call, page 20: Self voice is activated so the user hears their voice naturally.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Call and assistant chapters explicitly feed microphone pickup to the listener. Adjustable sidetone intensity not proved.

Adjustable sidetone

Yes2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 20 directs Self voice adjustment through Bose app Settings. Maker FAQ says self voice is unavailable with ANC disabled.

Not available

Foam microphone windscreeniA foam cover for the voice microphone. An internal metal mesh pop filter does not count.

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

12 of 20 differ

Audio connectionsiConnections that carry playback audio. Charging or firmware USB alone does not count as USB audio.

Analog, USB, Bluetooth2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Bluetooth menu pairing page 26, Aux Audio page 31 and USB Type-C Audio page 32 document these source audio routes. The analog source uses an active USB-C to 3.5 mm cable.

Analog, Bluetooth1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Analog source plugsiAnalog plug(s) supplied for the source device, including adapters. The headset-side jack is listed separately.

3.5 mm TRS14Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-genRead 8 October 2026Exact review Wired Gaming verdict identifies the included 1/8-inch TRS-to-USB-C cable as audio-only. This is the analog source plug. The headset has USB-C, requires power and disables voice pickup on this route per owner guide page 31.

3.5 mm TRS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. 3.5 mm TRS, not a TRRS voice cable. Included OFC cable approximately 1.2 m.

Cable connector on headsetiConnection used by the playback cable at the headset. A fixed cable is not replaceable through a headset jack.

USB-C2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Aux Audio page 31: both supplied cables attach to USB-C on the right cup. No 3.5 mm headset socket or original 2.5 mm jack.

3.5 mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Longest included cableiLength of the longest supplied cable, including charging and dongle cables. Individual cable lengths are listed in Cables included.

Not available

1.2m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Headset USB plug or portiUSB plug or port on the headset or its included wired audio adapter. A charging-only USB port can appear here.

USB-C2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Headphone Controls diagram and Wired Connections identify USB-C port on right cup.

USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Audio over USB-C cableiPlayback through a USB-C cable or included wired USB-C audio adapter. A charging-only USB-C port does not count.

Yes2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026USB Type-C Audio page 32 supports playback from a connected USB-C source.

No8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Review identifies USB-C charging and analog wired playback. Guide page 20 disables playback while connected to USB, confirming charging-only operation.

Passive wired listeningiAnalog playback works with the headset powered off or its battery empty. An active analog converter that needs headset power does not count.

No2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Aux Audio page 31 requires the headphones to be powered on. Battery-depleted operation requires a powered USB connection, not passive analog playback.

Yes2Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Official specification explicitly supports passive operation. Full Help Guide confirms listening while powered off.

Wireless receiveriDedicated wireless audio receiver or dongle. A wired USB sound card does not count.

None11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-genRead 8 October 2026Wireless Gaming verdict says no low-latency wireless dongle is included. Generic optional Bluetooth transmitters such as AirFly do not establish a dedicated 2.4 GHz headset receiver.

Not available

Wireless receiver connectoriPhysical USB connector on the receiver. Supplied extension cables and adapters are explained in the source note. Both means two native connector types.

Not available

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)iMaker’s advertised wireless range. Connection and indoor or outdoor conditions belong in the source note. Measured distance is not stored here.

9m1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Range FAQ: up to 30 ft (9 m). The maker metric claim of 9 m is stored, not a conversion of the rounded 30 ft. Walls, doors and radio interference reduce range.

10m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximate line-of-sight range 10 m. No indoor range guarantee.

Bluetooth

5.41Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Technical Specifications explicitly Bluetooth 5.4. Bluetooth Low Energy listing does not establish LE Audio support.

5.01Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Bluetooth codecsiNamed Bluetooth audio codecs supported by this exact model. Host, firmware and operating-mode restrictions belong in the source note.

SBC, AAC7Reviewsoundguys.com/i-tested-the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-and-theyre-a-legit-upgrade-161251Read 8 October 2026Exact 2nd Gen review Connectivity section: SBC and AAC only, no LDAC or aptX. No sibling Ultra codec inherited.

SBC, AAC, LDAC1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

LE AudioiLE Audio playback support. Bluetooth Low Energy for app control alone does not count.

No8Reviewexpertreviews.co.uk/technology/headphones-audio/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-reviewRead 8 October 2026The exact base QCH2 review says no LE Audio and no Auracast. Source tested for 3 weeks. Original Ultra or Ultra 2 later beta firmware excluded.

Not available

AuracastiAuracast broadcast audio support. Required phone, firmware and app conditions belong in the source note.

No7Reviewsoundguys.com/i-tested-the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-and-theyre-a-legit-upgrade-161251Read 8 October 2026Connectivity: no Auracast at launch. Later Ultra LE Audio and Auracast firmware is excluded from this base model.

Not available

Bluetooth multipointiCan remain connected to multiple Bluetooth source devices at once. Mixing Bluetooth with a proprietary dongle is a separate field. A maker's dual connection to two Bluetooth devices at once counts.

Yes1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026FAQ explicitly maintains connection to two devices simultaneously.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Two concurrent Bluetooth devices with Connect to 2 devices enabled. Page 137 excludes LDAC in this mode. No concurrent analog and Bluetooth playback.

Multipoint devicesiNumber of Bluetooth source devices connected at once, not the number remembered for later pairing.

21Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026FAQ explicitly two simultaneous Bluetooth source connections. Pairing memory is separate.

23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Paired devices remembered

Not available

83Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Up to eight remembered devices. A ninth pairing replaces the oldest. Two active connections are a separate count.

Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiPlays both wireless audio streams at the same time. Automatic switching or Bluetooth standby does not count.

Not available

Not available

Fast pairing

Google Fast Pair2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Bluetooth Connections, page 30: Google Fast Pair enables one-tap pairing on Android devices. Bluetooth and Location must be enabled. No Swift Pair inferred.

Google Fast Pair4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names Google Fast Pair.

Base station

Not available

Not available

Latency

None of 2 known

Low latency modeiA selectable mode intended to reduce audio delay. A low-latency connection without a distinct mode does not count.

Not available

Not available

Claimed latencyiMaker’s claimed delay for the stated connection and mode. Minimum claims and host restrictions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Compatibility

2 of 3 differ

Compatible platformsiPlatforms with a documented audio path. This does not imply every connection or microphone function works. Platform editions must be checked individually.

Android, iOS12Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Bose App setup page 12 directs to the App Store and Google Play. Bluetooth Fast Pair is explicitly Android. Phone Call and Voice Control sections document microphone operation on a paired mobile source. No specific desktop or console USB compatibility is inferred from generic computer charging instructions.

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Connection per platformiOnly explicitly documented playback paths for the exact model. Microphone support is separate. Leave unknown microphone support omitted. An Xbox and a PlayStation edition of one headset can connect differently, so it is per variant.

ABose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
Android	Bluetooth	Yes
iOS	Bluetooth	Yes

Source12Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Phone Call and Voice Control sections document microphone operation on a paired mobile source over Bluetooth. Bose App setup page 12 directs to the App Store and Google Play. No specific desktop or console USB compatibility is inferred from generic computer charging instructions.

BSony WH-1000XM4

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
Windows	Bluetooth	Yes
macOS	Bluetooth	Yes
Android	Bluetooth	Yes
iOS	Bluetooth	Yes

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact Android, iPhone, Windows 10/8.1 and Mac pairing chapters. Computer calls use HFP/HSP input/output. No console route inferred from jack availability.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

8 of 13 differ

Battery capacityiRated capacity of one headset battery. Do not use case, receiver or total multi-battery capacity.

530mAh10Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1993087-REG/bose_895491_0100_quietcomfort_headphones_2nd_gen.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU Battery section: 530 mAh LiPo battery. Typical or rated basis unstated. Manufacturer manual omits capacity. The exact 2nd Gen John Lewis item independently indexed 530 mAh. Inaccurate retailer cable and wired-support rows are excluded.

Not available

Swappable batteryiBattery can be exchanged by the user as part of normal operation. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

No2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Safety section says battery removal is only by a qualified professional. Page 39 directs Bose battery service and compatible Bose-certified batteries. No routine user exchange or disposal procedure is represented as swappable operation.

No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 132 requires Sony dealer replacement of the built-in battery. No user hot-swapping.

Batteries includediNumber of headset batteries supplied, including the one already installed.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiMaker’s maximum playback time per stated connection, codec, ANC, spatial audio and lighting settings. Name the spatial processing mode and other conditions in the source note. Unknown settings stay omitted.

ABose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

ANC	Spatial audio	Hours (h)
Yes	No	24
Yes	Yes	18

Source4Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Battery page 34: 24 h full ANC with Immersive Audio off and 18 h full ANC with Immersive Audio on. Connection and codec are unstated in this claim, so the rows leave them unknown. Maker product footnote gives 75 dB SPL volume. These are not ANC-off figures or the Ultra 30 h.

BSony WH-1000XM4

Connection	ANC	Codec	Hours (h)
Bluetooth	Yes	AAC	30
Bluetooth	No	AAC	38
Bluetooth	Yes	SBC	30
Bluetooth	No	SBC	38
Bluetooth	Yes	LDAC	24
Bluetooth	No	LDAC	30
Analog	Yes	Not available	22
Analog	No	Not available	36

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed pages 21 to 22 document music playback after a full charge. With DSEE Extreme and Speak-to-Chat off, AAC and SBC each allow up to 30 hours with ANC on or 38 hours with ANC and Ambient Sound Mode off. LDAC allows 24 hours with ANC on or 30 hours with both noise-control modes off. The separate rows preserve each named codec. Powered analog playback allows 22 hours with ANC on or 36 hours with both noise-control modes off. Volume is unspecified. Standby and calling durations are excluded. DSEE-enabled estimates are lower and are not mixed with these rows.

Battery life (claimed, max)

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

38h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Battery life with ANC (claimed)

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

30h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Battery life without ANC (claimed)

Not available

38h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Charging port

USB-C2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Battery page 33: charges through the right-earcup USB-C.

USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Full charge timeiPublished time to fully charge a depleted headset. In-use charging can take longer.

180min2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Battery page 34 says allow up to 3 hours. Faster powered off. Slower during use.

180min1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximately three hours using a 1.5 A adapter. Separate from the ten-minute quick-charge claim.

Quick charge timeiCharge duration in the maker’s quick-charge claim. Read together with Quick charge playback.

15min2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Battery page 34: a 15 minute charge of a depleted battery gives up to 2.5 hours with ANC on and Immersive Audio off.

10min4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026

Quick charge playbackiPlayback gained from Quick charge time. Charger power, codec, volume and ANC conditions belong in the source note.

2.5h2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 34 footnote: 75 dB SPL playback, 3-band EQ at zero, Quiet full ANC and Immersive Audio off. Up to 2.5 h. The Immersive Audio on alternative of 2 h is not this field. Maker test conducted April 2025 on production-representative 2nd Gen units.

5h4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker launch pairs ten-minute charging with up to five hours of wireless playback.

Use while charging

Yes2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Battery page 33: Bluetooth or USB audio during charging. Page 32 supports battery-depleted operation using external USB power. Analog playback while charging is not asserted.

No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 20 disables all operations, including music, while connected to USB charging power.

Charging dock or stand

Not available

Not available

Controls

4 of 6 differ

Controls

Buttons2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Headphone Controls pages 13-19 describe the Bluetooth/Power switch, Action, multifunction and volume buttons. No touch controls inferred.

Buttons, Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Volume control

Buttons2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Media Playback and Volume page 16 uses plus and minus buttons.

Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Game and chat mixiBalances separate game and chat audio streams. Mixing Bluetooth and dongle source volume alone does not count. Supported platforms belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Remappable controlsiOn-device button, touch or dial functions can be reassigned. Changing EQ alone does not count.

Yes2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Shortcuts page 19 allows enabling, disabling or changing the Action-button shortcut through the app. Other fixed buttons are not described as remappable.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 allows assigning the CUSTOM button. Assistant assignment replaces its noise-control function.

Wear detection

No9Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen-reviewRead 8 October 2026Review Specs and Design sections state no wear detection. No RGB or additional microphone sensors inferred from missing wear detection.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 and launch release identify a proximity sensor that pauses/resumes playback on removal/replacement.

Voice assistant

Not available

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google app, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Pages 108-117 Google Assistant, Alexa, Android Google app and iPhone Siri. Device, app and region restrictions apply. Google app/Siri use touch hold, without wake words. Assistant assignment can exclude other routes.

Comfort and build

4 of 11 differ

Headband type

Padded3Press releasebose.com/pressroom/bose-updates-the-iconic-quietcomfort-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Refined Design section explicitly plush soft synthetic-leather headband cushioning.

Padded8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Review explicitly describes headband padding and pressure at the crown.

Headband material

Plastic with protein-leather cushioning1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Product comparison identifies streamlined plastic headband. Protein-leather material and plush headband cushioning are described in exact product specs and launch release. No prior-model steel reinforcement imported.

Not available

Frame material

Plastic yoke1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Product comparison, exact second-generation column explicitly plastic yoke. This describes the structural yoke, not a claim that every internal part is plastic.

Not available

Ear cup material

Not available

Not available

Ear pad material

Protein leather1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Technical Specifications Ear Cushion Material explicitly Protein Leather.

Low-rebound urethane foam12Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Comfort section specifies low-rebound urethane in the pads. This is cushion fill. Generic pleather wording does not establish the covering of a named part.

Replaceable ear pads

Yes1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Technical Specifications says Removable Cushion. Owner guide pages 40-41 releases and reinstalls all retaining tabs and identifies replacement accessories.

Yes14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The current maker replacement guide explicitly uses WH-1000XM4 as its example and gives model-specific installation directions. The headphones must be turned off before replacement. This is ear-pad replacement, not battery service.

Ear pad attachmentiHow a replacement ear pad attaches to the ear cup, not how the decorative outer cover attaches. A press-fit or snap-on pad counts as clip.

Clip2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Pages 40-41: release tabs around the earcup rim and snap every tab back into place. Stored as clip, not magnetic or twist-lock.

Clip14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The guide identifies six claws that secure each WH-1000XM4 ear-pad frame to the headphone housing. Replacement pads attach by pressing these clips into place.

Ear pad openingiUsable opening inside an ear pad, excluding the outer cushion. Depth is the internal space between pad surface and driver cover.

Not available

Not available

Ear tips included

Not available

Not available

Dust and water rating

Not available

Not available

User-replaceable parts

Ear cushions, USB-C cables2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Pages 40-41 show removable cushions and page 39 lists replacement accessories. Both USB cables are separate replaceable accessories. Battery service is excluded.

Ear pads14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The maker documents normal removal and installation of WH-1000XM4 ear pads. No battery or internal electronic part is included.

Software

1 of 3 differ

Companion app

Bose2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Bose App page 12 identifies the app for setup and product control.

Sony | Sound Connect7Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/software/00269130Read 5 October 2026Exact supported-software page names current Sound Connect. The older manual Headphones Connect name is historical.

App platforms

Android, iOS2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Bose App setup diagram gives App Store and Google Play. Google Fast Pair is explicitly Android. The Tom's Guide review independently names iOS and Android app support.

Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Manual Apple App Store and Google Play installation instructions. Current Sound Connect name sourced separately.

User firmware updates

Yes2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Care and Maintenance page 39: updates automatically when the Bose app finds firmware. Alternative user update via btu.Bose.com on a computer.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Dimensions and weight

1 of 2 differ

Headset weightiPublished headset mass without detachable cable or microphone when stated. A fixed cable remains included. Any unqualified maker weight is identified in the source note.

230g(8.1 oz)5Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Technical Specs, Entire Product System: 0.507 lb. Converted using 453.59237 g/lb and rounded to 0.1 g. Published rounded claim, cable condition unstated. SoundGuys 230 g agrees. TechRadar 241 g conflicts. No reviewer measurement is asserted.

254g(9 oz)1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker approximate headset weight 254 g. SoundGuys 251 g metadata belongs to a preproduction sample and does not prove a measured retail weight.

Headset dimensionsiBody size with headband upright and ear cups in their normal wearing position. Width is across the head, height is top to bottom, and depth is front to back. Folded or flat-swivel dimensions are not substituted.

Not available

Not available

Certifications

1 of 3 differ

Hi-Res Audio

Not available

Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Exact original product displays Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless logos. SBC/AAC do not inherit 40 kHz transmission. Wireless range retains LDAC conditions. Documented NFC cannot be represented in this headset schema.

Communication certifications

Not available

Not available

FCC ID

A944436442Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Regulatory section gives FCC ID A94443644 for model 443644.

Not available

Other certifications

Not available

Not available

In the box

2 of 3 differ

In the box

QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), Carry case, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm cable, Safety Sheet5Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Product What is in the box inventory. Technical Specs says Audio Cable Included No, which the inventory and FAQ contradict, so it is excluded.

WH-1000XM4 headphones, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Headphone cable, Carrying case, Airplane plug adapter, Documentation1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Japanese accessory table. Silent White has matching white accessories with the same functions. No AC adapter inherited from another region.

Cables includediSupplied playback, charging, dongle and adapter cables. A permanently attached headset cable is included and named as fixed.

ABose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Type	Length (m)	Count
USB-C to USB-C	0.9906	1
USB-C to 3.5 mm	Not available	1

Source5Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Maker inventory lists a C-to-C 39 in cable plus a USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable. Analog length left unknown. The B&H 20 in charging cable claim conflicts and is excluded.

BSony WH-1000XM4

Type	Length (m)	Count
USB-A to USB-C charging cable	0.2	1
3.5 mm stereo headphone cable	1.2	1

Source13Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed page 9 lists one USB-A to USB-C cable approximately 20 cm long and one headphone cable approximately 1.2 m long. These are the supplied cables. The existing 1.2 m longest-cable value remains valid.

Carrying caseiSupplied carrying case or pouch. A retail carton does not count as a carrying case.

Hard4Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Store the Headphones pages 37-38 depict a protective zipper carrying case. The SoundGuys review calls it a sturdy protective case. The US Black reference includes the hard case, not the SC soft-case package.

Hard15Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm4-wirelessRead 8 October 2026The exact original WH-1000XM4 Travel verdict explicitly identifies its hard carrying case. The maker guide confirms that this case is supplied. No optional replacement case or WH-1000XM4C accessory is used.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.bose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.html1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact current maker product page with Black colour selection.

www.sony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM41Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original 2020 WH-1000XM4. This excludes the 2026 WH-1000XM4C and in-ear WF-1000XM4. The Japanese full specification was decoded as CP932.

Spec sheet

www.bose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.html1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026Maker Technical Specifications and product FAQ. No separate technical datasheet was found.

www.sony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.html1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Manual

assets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdf2Owner's manualassets.bosecreative.com/m/1bc02035222c5422/original/901307_OG_QCHII-Headphonearn_en.pdfRead 8 October 2026Official Bose-hosted 45-page English Owner Guide linked from the current product page. Not the QuietComfort 2 2003 guide or the Ultra guide.

helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdf3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact 151-page English guide. Printed pages 19-22 charging/runtime, 25 pairing memory, 77-78 wired audio, 108-118 assistants/app, and computer calling chapters inspected.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

1 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year1Maker product pagebose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-2nd-gen/QC2G-HEADPHONEARN.htmlRead 8 October 2026US product page Bose 1-Year Limited Warranty section. Starts immediately and covers mechanical breakdown and battery failure. Optional BoseCare years excluded.

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Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.