Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-XB910N: More Than ANC

We’re diving into the world of two of the best ANC headphones as we review Bose’s premium QuietComfort 45 and Sony’s bass-dominant midrange marvel, the WH-XB910N. We’ll compare the specific features of each device in addition to key specs like battery life and connectivity. For those considering either device, you’ll have all the necessary info to make a decision.

Comparison Table: Sony WH-XB910N

Features	Bose QuietComfort 45	Sony WH-XB910N
Type of Headphones	Over-the-head	Over-the-head
Weight	8.32 ounces	8.8 ounces
Total Battery Life	24 hours w/ ANC	50 hours (30 w/ ANC)
ANC Support	Yes	Yes
Wired Connection	Yes	Yes
Fast Charging	15-minute charge = 3 hours	10-minute charge = 4.5 hours
Charging Port	USB-Type C	USB-Type C
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth Multipoint	Yes	Yes
Codec Support	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC, LDAC
App Support	Yes (Bose Music App)	Yes (Sony Headphones Connect App)
Customizable EQ	Yes	Yes
Included Case	Yes	Yes

Battery Life & Charging

The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers a solid 24-hour battery life with noise cancelling enabled, ensuring your favorite tunes accompany you through longer trips or work sessions. Yet, Sony’s WH-XB910N takes the battery battle to the next level, boasting a 50-hour battery life, in addition to 30 hours with active noise cancelling enabled.

Both headphones come equipped with a USB-Type C charging port, a modern standard that will mean fewer cords and a more seamless charging experience for multi-device users. Each pair of headphones support fast-charging too, which is perfect for those quick pit stops between meetings or commutes. The Bose QuietComfort 45 replenishes 3 hours’ worth of battery life with a 15-minute charge. The Sony WH-XB910N again edges ahead, providing 4.5 hours of playtime from a mere 10-minute charge. The convenience factor is undeniable – a quick coffee break, and your headphones are juiced up for several more hours of musical enjoyment. So, for those always on the move, the Sony WH-XB910N’s superior battery life and fast charging prowess make them a compelling choice.

Connectivity & App Support

Bose QuietComfort 45 relies on Bluetooth 5.1 and supports both SBC and AAC codecs. The inclusion of Bluetooth Multipoint further boosts its versatility, allowing for seamless connections with multiple devices. Wired playback is also available. This offers users another option when the device is out of battery or for listening to uncompressed audio. Coupled with the Bose Music companion app, you gain access to a plethora of additional features, including the ability to customize the EQ.

The Sony WH-XB910N mirrors the Bose in several aspects—Bluetooth Multipoint, wired playback, and a companion app for EQ customization. However, it goes a step further by offering Bluetooth 5.2 and the superior LDAC codec. This combination sets the stage for a high-quality wireless audio experience that surpasses standard SBC and AAC codecs. In conclusion, both headphones offer a solid connectivity package, but the Sony WH-XB910N, with its LDAC support and newer Bluetooth version. This offers a slightly better wireless experience, especially for platforms like Tidal with lossless streaming. The Sony Headphones Connect app is also more extensive and polished than the Bose Music app.

Design & Comfort

The Bose QuietComfort 45, renowned for its comfort, is true to its name. With generous padding on the ear cups and headband, they’re a delight for long listening sessions, whether you’re an office worker or commuter. Weighing in at a mere 8.32 ounces, these headphones have a sleek, understated design available in a palette of colors. Their portability is enhanced by the foldable design and a sturdy hard case for protection. Built with a metal headband and plastic body, they offer a balance between robustness and lightness, while physical controls on the earcups allow for ease of use.

On the other hand, the Sony WH-XB910N puts up a strong fight with its lightweight and modern aesthetic. Weighing slightly more at 8.8 ounces, they still offer decent comfort thanks to sufficient cushioning on the headband and ear cups. The headphones exhibit a minimalist design, and like the Bose, can be folded for portability and come with a protective hard case. While the build is predominantly plastic, it does not compromise on durability. Sony’s bass-heavy headphones also have Sony’s signature touch controls on the right earcup to control playback, which might appeal to those who prefer a more modern interaction style.

In conclusion, while both headphones flaunt commendable design features, the Bose QuietComfort 45 edges ahead with its exceptional comfort, making them an excellent choice for prolonged listening. They’re also lighter than the Sony WH-XB910N. Which pair of wireless headphones is more aesthetically appealing will likely come down to preference.

Sound Quality

The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers listeners a more well-rounded frequency response. Its bass is slightly elevated, providing a subtle depth without overpowering the rest of the soundstage. The midrange frequency response maintains remains relatively flat, rendering vocals and instruments with good clarity and precision. However, the treble may be too emphasized for some, possibly making certain higher-frequency sounds come across as overly sharp and bright. That said, its overall sound quality is still good, presenting a mostly balanced and neutral sound signature relative to the WH-XB910N.

By comparison, the Sony WH-XB910N, a member of Sony’s Extra Bass lineup, delivers a thrilling bass-heavy sound signature, ideal for those who revel in sub-bass rumble. However, the emphasis on bass doesn’t muffle other frequencies as much as some bassy headphones. The upper midrange and treble frequencies are notably pronounced to compensate for the elevated bass. This creates a unique balance that results in forward vocals and brighter instruments at times. This potent, v-shaped sound profile may not appeal to everyone but some will like the exciting thump for certain genres. It’s important to note that you can use the companion apps to dial in the bass and EQ for both noise-canceling headphones. This includes reducing the Clear Bass setting for Sony WH-XB910N.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 caters to listeners seeking a balanced sound profile with a touch of warmth, while the Sony WH-XB910N is geared toward those who seek a more dynamic, bass-forward experience. Each offers a unique sound profile, underlining the importance of personal preference when choosing the perfect pair of headphones.

Which Headphones Have Better Noise Cancelling?

While the Sony WH-XB910N provides good noise-cancelling performance, it can’t match the more premium Bose QuietComfort 45. The Bose QC45 specifically outperforms the Sony headphones by blocking low-frequency sounds such as the roar of plane engines, the hum of car motors, or the distant rumble of trains. It’s also more efficient at reducing ambient high-frequency noises, like the chatter of nearby colleagues.

However, it’s worth noting that, despite their prowess, the QuietComfort 45’s noise-cancelling abilities have taken a slight step back from previous Bose models. But it’s still solidly in a tier that outperforms the Sony WH-XB910N’s ANC capabilities. The Sony WH-XB910N does provide an effective reduction of external noise. Its noise-cancellation of midrange frequencies actually rivals the Bose headphones. Across the entire frequency spectrum though, the Bose QC45’s superior noise-cancelling is obvious.

Both sets of headphones will offer commuters and travelers navigating through noisy transportation some respite from outside disruptions. However, the Bose QuietComfort 45 have the ANC edge, particularly in the bass and treble range, making it the superior choice for those prioritizing noise cancellation performance.

Conclusion: Sony WH-XB910N or Bose QC45 the Better Wireless Headphones?

In our analysis, both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-XB910N offer compelling listening experiences in their unique ways. The Bose impresses with top-notch comfort and stronger noise cancellation, particularly in the bass and treble ranges, offering an immersive experience for long listening sessions. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-XB910N, with its better battery life and speedy charging, delivers a bass-heavy sound profile that adds an exciting dimension to music for the right user. Both provide good build quality and understated, stylish designs. Frequent travelers and long commuters should opt for the Bose QC45 if stomach the battery life for the ANC and added comfort. For bass heads or those in search of a dynamic sound signature, the Sony WH-XB910N is a great option.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the obvious alternative for those who want a little of both. The WH-1000XM5s are Sony’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones. While they come with a premium price tag, they aren’t much more expensive than the Bose QuietComfort 45. They offer a bass-heavy EQ with more balance than the WH-XB910N and better battery life than the QuietComfort 45. You may get lucky and find cheaper as used headphones on Amazon.

Quick Feature Comparison: Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-XB910N

Headphone Design:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-XB910N are over-ear headphones, a type known for their comfort and full sound quality. The over-ear design cradles your ears in cushioning, promoting longer listening sessions without discomfort. The audio delivery is often more natural and expansive, giving listeners an intimate audio experience.

Weight:

Both the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-XB910N are over-ear headphones, a type known for their comfort and immersive audio experience. The over-ear design cradles your ears in cushioned comfort, promoting longer listening sessions without discomfort. The audio delivery is often more natural and expansive, giving listeners an intimate audio experience.

Active Noise-Cancelling:

Both headphones offer active noise cancelling (ANC) features, a technology designed to reduce unwanted ambient sound. This feature allows for an immersive listening experience, even in noisy environments. Although the effectiveness of ANC can vary between models, both of these headphones provide this invaluable feature for listeners who crave solitude in a cacophony.

Passive Playback:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-XB910N both support passive playback via a wired connection. This feature allows you to continue listening even if your battery runs out, offering flexibility and convenience, particularly during long trips or when charging options are limited.

Supported Codecs:

Both headphones support the SBC and AAC codecs, providing good sound quality over Bluetooth. However, the Sony WH-XB910N has an additional edge with its support for LDAC, Sony’s proprietary codec. LDAC allows for the transmission of higher-quality wireless audio, presenting a richer and more detailed sound for listeners using compatible devices.

Fast Charging:

Fast charging is a vital feature for modern listeners, and both headphones deliver in this area. The Bose QuietComfort 45 provides 3 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charge, while the Sony WH-XB910N offers 4.5 hours with a mere 10-minute charge. The Sony WH-XB910N may have the upper hand here, offering longer playback for less charging time.

Charging Connection:

Both headphones use a USB-Type C charging port, a more modern connection that is standard for many electronic devices. It’s a convenient feature that ensures easy compatibility with most charging setups.

Bluetooth Connectivity:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 operates with Bluetooth 5.1, while the Sony WH-XB910N steps it up a notch with Bluetooth 5.2. Both support Bluetooth Multipoint, which allows connection to multiple devices simultaneously. Although the difference between 5.1 and 5.2 is not significant for most users, the Sony WH-XB910N’s more advanced version may offer better efficiency and potentially stronger connections.

App Support:

Both headphones come with companion apps that provide extra customization and controls. The Bose QuietComfort 45 pairs with the Bose Music app, while the Sony WH-XB910N pairs with the Sony Headphones Connect App. These apps provide access to EQ customization, enhancing your ability to fine-tune your audio experience according to your preferences.

Included Case:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Sony WH-XB910N both come with a hard case to protect the headphones. This is an essential accessory for maintaining the longevity of your headphones, particularly for those who frequently travel or commute. A case protects the headphones from physical damage and also provides a convenient storage solution.