Home Headphones Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Vs. Sony Wh Xb910N

Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Vs. Sony Wh Xb910N Review

Last updated on Mar 13, 2024   10 minute read
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

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Reasons why you might like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Overall Score 6.4 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 254 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 24 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Sony WH XB910N

Sony WH XB910N

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the Sony WH XB910N

Overall Score 6.2 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 252 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 30 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Vs. Sony Wh Xb910N Review In Summary

Category Features Bose QuietComfort Ultra Sony WH XB910N
DESIGN weight 254g 252g
has a detachable cable
ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4
can be folded
has a tangle free cable
cable length 1.2meters
has an over-the-ear foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (anc)
has passive noise reduction
lowest frequency 20Hz 7Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 25,000Hz
sound pressure level 96dB/mW
driver unit size 35mm 40mm
impedance 32Ohms 48Ohms
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 24hours 30hours
charge time 3hours 3.5hours
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery
CONNECTIVITY can be used wirelessly
uses 2.4ghz wireless
bluetooth version v5.3 v5.2
has usb type-c
has ldac
has aptx adaptive
has aac
maximum bluetooth range 30meters 10meters
has a 3.5mm male connector
MICROPHONE number of microphones 1only 2only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has a mute function
multipoint count 2only 2only
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
warranty period 1years 2years
travel bag is included
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Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Vs. Sony Wh Xb910N Review In Detail

Design

Weight

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 254g
Sony WH XB910N 252g

Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a weight of 254g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

The Sony WH XB910N, at 252g are lighter than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra by -2g

Has A Detachable Cable

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone cups, while the other end is inserted into a source device. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, Bose QuietComfort Ultra are one of those.

With a detachable cable, Sony WH XB910N too can use alternative cables and if the cable is pulled, it will pop out instead of breaking.

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Bose QuietComfort Ultra IPX4
Sony WH XB910N

Ingress protection ratings refer to the level of protection offered by an electrical enclosure, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two numerals The first number of the IP rating refers to protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection against liquid.

Scoring IPX4, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra's rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second value of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Can Be Folded

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Sony WH XB910N are foldable, which makes them more portable. Foldable headphones are easier to transport and take up less storage space.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, Bose QuietComfort Ultra's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to bends in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or rendering your headphones defective.

Cable Length

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N 1.2meters

A long cable ensures more freedom of movement, but remember that every cable based on the conducting material used has a certain amount of parasitic resistance, inductance, and capacitance. How much depends on the length and construction. Sony WH XB910N comes with a 1.2meters cable.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors.

Sony WH XB910N with this design offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.

Has Stereo Speakers

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 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 WH XB910N also have stereo speakers

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to actively counter noise. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make zero hence "diluting" the noise.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

Sony WH XB910N too have active noise cancellation making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each may work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting, mode, or noise cancellation type that you prefer for commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out environment noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that also the Sony WH XB910N isolates you from ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Lowest Frequency

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 20Hz
Sony WH XB910N 7Hz

Low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on the way through. Bose QuietComfort Ultra's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

Sony WH XB910N's lowest frequency is at 7Hz, this means that Bose QuietComfort Ultra got a juicier bass than the Sony WH XB910N

Highest Frequency

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 20,000Hz
Sony WH XB910N 25,000Hz

High frequency response measures if and how well an audio device reproduces high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Bose QuietComfort Ultra's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

Sony WH XB910N's highest frequency is at 25,000Hz, this means that Sony WH XB910N got a clearer and crispier treble than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Sound Pressure Level

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N 96dB/mW

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have the means to get an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, Sony WH XB910N's measurement is 96dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Driver Unit Size

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 35mm
Sony WH XB910N 40mm

The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. Bose QuietComfort Ultra driver unit is 35mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.

Sony WH XB910N driver unit is 40mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of Bose QuietComfort Ultra by 5mm , as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they deliver better sound.

Impedance

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 32Ohms
Sony WH XB910N 48Ohms

Impedance is the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, as electricity flows through a wire, it experiences electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a wire is measured in ohms. Bose QuietComfort Ultra's impedance is 32Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

Sony WH XB910N's impedance is 48Ohms. The impedance of earbuds is the electrical resistance of the driver unit present on the inside.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Neodymium magnets if used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux. The Sony WH XB910N have this type of magnet.

Power

Battery Life

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 24hours
Sony WH XB910N 30hours

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Bose QuietComfort Ultra's battery life is 24 hours

Sony WH XB910N's battery life is 30 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 3hours
Sony WH XB910N 3.5hours

It takes 3 hours to fully charge the Bose QuietComfort Ultra's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods.

Sony WH XB910N takes 3.5 hours to fully charge the battery

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your headphones.

Sony WH XB910N too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your headphones, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. Bose QuietComfort Ultra's battery can be recharged and used over again.

The Sony WH XB910N too have a rechargeable battery.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
See price on Amazon

Connectivity

Can Be Used Wirelessly

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement.

The Sony WH XB910N also can be used wirelessly

Uses 2.4Ghz Wireless

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

2.4GHz wireless is used for devices such as headsets such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, keyboards, and mice similar to Bluetooth but with a proprietary radio frequency. It typically offers better performance than Bluetooth, with low latency and good stability.

Bluetooth Version

Bose QuietComfort Ultra v5.3
Sony WH XB910N v5.2

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Bose QuietComfort Ultra has a v5.3

Sony WH XB910N has a Bluetooth version of v5.2. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Usb Type-C

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C plug is now part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets, it features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.

Sony WH XB910N too have USB TYPE-C

Has Ldac

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Sony WH XB910N support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high-resolution audio.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices.

Has Aac

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

The Sony WH XB910N 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.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 30meters
Sony WH XB910N 10meters

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra can connect at a 30meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.

The Sony WH XB910N can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth

Has A 3.5Mm Male Connector

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Being an industry standard audio plug, a standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards. This means that it is commonly used in stereo headphones to your phone or connecting your phone to an external amplifier, sound bars, your car radio, etc. Bose QuietComfort Ultra has this connector giving it a wider range of connectivity with most of the sound devices out there. All plugs have at least a tip and sleeve with the number of rings that stand as a differentiating factor.

Sony WH XB910N too have this kind of connector

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 1only
Sony WH XB910N 2only

Bose QuietComfort Ultra have only 1 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

The Sony WH XB910N microphones are only 2.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.

The Sony WH XB910N too use a noise-canceling type of microphone.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. 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 jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

The Sony WH XB910N support ambient sound mode as well allowing you to hear the ambient sound even while wearing them.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life and improving your listening experience while at it.

Has A Mute Function

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a mute function, they have an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

The Sony WH XB910N too have a mute function.

Multipoint Count

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2only
Sony WH XB910N 2only

Bose QuietComfort Ultra support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Sony WH XB910N support multipoint count. Bluetooth multipoint would come in handy because you can be on one call without missing notifications coming from another device.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

There is a control panel on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

The Sony WH XB910N too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Bose QuietComfort Ultra can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.

Sony WH XB910N can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 1years
Sony WH XB910N 2years

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Bose QuietComfort Ultra have a warranty period of 1 years

The Sony WH XB910N have a warranty period of 2years.

Travel Bag Is Included

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH XB910N

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.