Ingress protection ratings is the level of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Bose QuietComfort 2's rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. In comparison to the Bose QuietComfort 2, Sony WF 1000XM4 have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
Bose QuietComfort 2 have a weight of 12.5g . We prefer a lower weight best because lighter devices are easier to move with.
The Sony WF 1000XM4, at 7.1g
weigh less than the Bose QuietComfort 2 by -5.4g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables linking any part of the device together, Bose QuietComfort 2 are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is a major difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds .
Sony WF 1000XM4 also is true wireless since it has no cables linking the pair of earbuds together. The Bose QuietComfort 2 come with wingtips, these are commonly used for earbuds for workouts and are usually an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a more secure fit.
Bose QuietComfort 2 have sweat resistance
Sony WF 1000XM4's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Bose QuietComfort 2 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience. The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have stereo speakers
ANC makes use of advanced kind of tech to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and inverts the soundwaves to counter it.
In simple terms, it's like having +1 (noise) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.
Bose QuietComfort 2 have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background sounds. The Sony WF 1000XM4 too have ANC making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning travels.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 and Sony WF 1000XM4 work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting that suits your commute or that suites your relaxation time. The Bose QuietComfort 2 stay well in place, creating a sound covering that tones down background noise and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out .
Both Sony WF 1000XM4, and Bose QuietComfort 2 have passive noise reduction which implies that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The Bose QuietComfort 2 driver unit is 9.3mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, the unit size determines the loudness of the earbuds. Sony WF 1000XM4 driver unit is 6mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Bose QuietComfort 2 by 3.3mm
, as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.
The Bose QuietComfort 2's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio component produces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Sony WF 1000XM4's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
both devices make sound with equal bass
Bose QuietComfort 2's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio component makes high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it. Sony WF 1000XM4's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that
Sony WF 1000XM4 can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the Bose QuietComfort 2
The Bose QuietComfort 2's battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge.
A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Sony WF 1000XM4's battery life is
more than that of Bose QuietComfort 2 by 2 hours
. Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and Bose QuietComfort 2's case is said to have a charge of 18 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself. Sony WF 1000XM4's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours,
less than that of Bose QuietComfort 2 by 2 hours
It takes 2 hours to fully charge the Bose QuietComfort 2's battery.
It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods. Sony WF 1000XM4 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of Bose QuietComfort 2 by 0.5 hours
The Bose QuietComfort 2 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your device and charging case.
Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery. The Bose QuietComfort 2 support USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable. Sony WF 1000XM4 too support USB TYPE-C.
This USB-C plug comes along with most current laptops, phones, and tablets. Bose QuietComfort 2 have Bluetooth version of 5.3, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Sony WF 1000XM4 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
older than that of Bose QuietComfort 2
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth. Sony WF 1000XM4 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Bose QuietComfort 2
Bose QuietComfort 2 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps.
Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Bose QuietComfort 2 will work fine with your MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate. Bose QuietComfort 2 support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm.
It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).
The Bose QuietComfort 2 have 8 microphones. Sony WF 1000XM4 microphones are 4,
less than that of Bose QuietComfort 2 by 4
. More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out background sounds. The Bose QuietComfort 2 have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a noise-canceling microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas. Bose QuietComfort 2 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a run but would still want to hear traffic.
Bose QuietComfort 2 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused. Sony WF 1000XM4 support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life. If lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, the Bose QuietComfort 2 support the find earbuds feature.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to find them. Bose QuietComfort 2 support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device. Also the Sony WF 1000XM4 support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster.
Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes. Bose QuietComfort 2 have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 have a multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the Bose QuietComfort 2
. Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call without missing notifications from another device. Bose QuietComfort 2 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have the mute function.
It means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice. The Bose QuietComfort 2, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds. Sony WF 1000XM4 also have a control panel on them.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you when the battery is low, and you need to recharge them.
The Bose QuietComfort 2 come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or putting them in your pockets without a cover can easily damage them. Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.
