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In the world of premium noise-canceling headphones, two names consistently dominate the conversation: Sony and Bose. Both brands have cultivated a reputation for exceptional audio quality and superior comfort, making the choice between their flagship models a tough one. If you’re looking for the best listening experience, you’ve likely narrowed your search down to the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the Bose 700.
These headphones represent the pinnacle of their respective brands’ engineering prowess. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has long been a favorite, lauded for its impressive noise cancellation and rich sound profile. Bose 700, on the other hand, arrived with a sleek design and a focus on crystal-clear call quality, aiming to redefine the premium headphone experience.
This in-depth comparison will dissect every aspect of the Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Bose 700, from their sound and noise cancellation capabilities to their design, comfort, and features. We’ll help you determine which pair best suits your individual needs and preferences. Get ready to discover which headphones truly deserve a spot on your head.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM3 | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint Pairing | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | 30 hours | 20 hours |
| Quick Charging | 5 hours in 10 minutes | 3.5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Weight | 255g | 250g |
| Call Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
| Earcup Material | Soft, synthetic leather | Soft, synthetic leather |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Offers industry-leading noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. Uses a powerful processor and multiple microphones. Some users may experience slight pressure.
- Bose 700: Provides excellent noise cancellation with adjustable levels, allowing users to customize their listening experience. Known for its natural-sounding noise cancellation. Some find the noise cancellation slightly less aggressive than the XM3.
- Winner: Sony
Sound Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature with a focus on powerful bass and clear highs. Supports LDAC codec for high-quality audio streaming. Some users find the sound slightly bass-heavy.
- Bose 700: Presents a clean and refined sound with a focus on clarity and a wide soundstage. Offers a more neutral sound profile. Some may prefer a more pronounced bass response.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Comfort
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Features a comfortable and foldable design with plush earcups. Lightweight and suitable for extended wear. Some users might find the earcups a bit warm.
- Bose 700: Boasts a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel headband. Comfortable for most users, but the clamping force can be noticeable for some.
- Winner: Tie
Microphone Quality
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Provides decent microphone quality for calls, but not the primary focus. Performs well in quiet environments. Suffers in noisy environments.
- Bose 700: Excels in call quality with its advanced microphone system, effectively isolating the user’s voice and reducing background noise. Offers excellent clarity for calls.
- Winner: Bose
Controls
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Uses touch controls on the right earcup for music playback and call management. Intuitive and responsive. Can sometimes be accidentally triggered.
- Bose 700: Features physical buttons and touch controls. Physical buttons provide tactile feedback. Touch controls are less prone to accidental activation.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Offers up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. Supports quick charging.
- Bose 700: Provides up to 20 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. Includes quick charging.
- Winner: Sony
Voice Assistant Integration
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
- Bose 700: Features built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with dedicated button.
- Winner: Bose
Price
- Sony Wh-1000xm3: Generally, a bit cheaper.
- Bose 700: Generally, a bit pricier.
- Winner: Sony
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Sound Quality | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
| Call Quality | Bose 700 |
| Design | Bose 700 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Battery Life | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
| Features | Bose 700 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both headphones excel at blocking out unwanted background noise, making them ideal for travel and noisy environments.
- Comfort: Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose 700 are designed for comfort, featuring plush earcups and a comfortable headband.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both headphones utilize Bluetooth technology for wireless audio streaming from your devices.
- Voice Assistant Support: Both headphones offer voice assistant integration, allowing you to control music, make calls, and access information with voice commands.
- USB-C Charging: Both models utilize USB-C for charging, providing a modern and convenient charging experience.
Sony Wh-1000Xm3 Vs Bose 700 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The Sony WH-1000XM3 boasts a plush, over-ear design with generously padded earcups, providing excellent comfort for extended listening sessions. Its lightweight build contributes to a pleasant wearing experience, suitable for long commutes or workdays. The earcups swivel and fold flat, enhancing portability. The Bose 700 features a sleek, minimalist design with stainless steel headband. While the Bose 700 is comfortable, some users find the clamping force slightly tighter. The earcups are well-cushioned and offer good breathability. Both headphones are comfortable for extended use, but personal preference plays a significant role in which design suits you best.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose 700 are renowned for their exceptional noise cancellation capabilities. The Sony WH-1000XM3 excels at blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds, including low-frequency rumbles and mid-range chatter. It dynamically adjusts its noise cancellation based on your environment. The Bose 700 provides equally impressive noise cancellation, particularly effective at neutralizing consistent sounds like airplane engines and office noise. Its noise cancellation offers multiple levels to customize the experience. The difference often comes down to nuances, as both do an excellent job of isolating you from the outside world.
Sound Quality Comparison
The Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a dynamic and engaging sound signature with a focus on powerful bass and clear highs. Its sound profile is generally considered more exciting and energetic, making it ideal for various music genres. The Bose 700 offers a more balanced and neutral sound profile, prioritizing accuracy and detail. The Bose 700’s sound is refined, with clear vocals and well-defined instruments, making it suitable for critical listening. The choice between the two depends on your preferred sound signature. Both headphones offer excellent audio quality, but their approaches differ.
Call Quality and Voice Assistant
The Bose 700 is a clear winner in call quality, featuring a sophisticated microphone system that excels at isolating your voice while suppressing background noise. This results in crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments. The Sony WH-1000XM3 also provides good call quality, but its microphone performance isn’t quite as advanced as the Bose 700. Both headphones offer seamless integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. The Bose 700’s voice assistant integration feels more natural due to its superior microphone array.
Battery Life and Charging
Both headphones offer impressive battery life, allowing for extended listening sessions. The Sony WH-1000XM3 provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, a solid performance. The Bose 700 also provides up to 20 hours of battery life, which is still excellent. Both headphones come with quick charging capabilities, providing several hours of playback with a short charging time. Both headphones use USB-C for charging. Battery life is quite similar, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 offers a bit more longevity.
Price and Value
Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose 700 are premium headphones, reflected in their price tags. The price of the WH-1000XM3 is generally lower, making it a more budget-friendly option. The Bose 700 may be a bit more costly. However, the value you get from either headphone is excellent, considering their advanced features and performance. The best value depends on your budget and which features you prioritize. Both offer exceptional value for their premium features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sony wh-1000xm3 If…
- You prioritize longer battery life.
- You prefer a more traditional headphone design.
- You want a slightly warmer sound profile.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
Buy bose 700 If…
- You prioritize superior call quality.
- You want a more modern and stylish design.
- You need multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices.
- You want the best in class voice assistant integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose 700?
The Sony WH-1000XM3 excels in bass-heavy sound and is more affordable, offering longer battery life. The Bose 700 provides superior call quality, a more balanced sound signature, and a sleeker design. Both offer top-tier noise cancellation and voice assistant support. The primary differences lie in sound profile, call quality, and design aesthetics.
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
Both headphones offer excellent noise cancellation. The Sony WH-1000XM3 is slightly better at blocking out a broader range of frequencies, especially low-end rumbles. The Bose 700 is exceptional at neutralizing consistent noises like airplane engines. Both are top-tier, and the difference is subtle, depending on the environment.
Which headphone has better sound quality?
The Sony WH-1000XM3 provides a more dynamic and bass-focused sound signature, ideal for many music genres. The Bose 700 delivers a more balanced and neutral sound, emphasizing detail and accuracy. The best choice depends on your sound preference. Both offer high-quality audio.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
The Bose 700 is the clear winner for phone calls, boasting a superior microphone system that excels at isolating your voice and suppressing background noise. This results in clearer calls in noisy environments. The Sony WH-1000XM3 also offers good call quality, but isn’t as good.
What is the battery life of each headphone?
The Sony WH-1000XM3 provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. The Bose 700 offers up to 20 hours. Both headphones also feature quick charging capabilities. Both offer plenty of listening time for most users.
Which headphone is more comfortable?
The Sony WH-1000XM3 is known for its plush, over-ear design and generous padding, making it very comfortable for extended use. The Bose 700 is also comfortable, but some users find the clamping force slightly tighter. Comfort is subjective, but both are designed for long listening sessions.
Which headphone is more expensive?
The Bose 700 typically has a higher price tag than the Sony WH-1000XM3. The WH-1000XM3 is often the more budget-friendly option. Price varies depending on sales and retailers, but the Bose 700 is generally the more expensive of the two.
Final Verdict
Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose 700 are excellent noise-canceling headphones, each with its own strengths. While the Sony WH-1000XM3 offers a more dynamic sound and longer battery life, the Bose 700 excels in call quality and a more refined design. The best choice depends on your priorities.
Winner: Bose 700