Shopping for headphones can be tricky, because the options out there are seemingly endless. Thankfully, if you’re in a need for a buyer’s guide (some headphones buying advice), you’re in the right place.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Bose 700
Sony WH-1000XM4 (left), Bose QuietComfort 45 (center), and Bose 700 (right)
If you’re looking for help choosing between those three pairs of headphones, let’s see how they measure up to each other, starting with Sony’s XM4s.
Lastly, the Bose 700 are priced at $379, usually. So most expensive of the three, and for thinning your wallet extra you’re getting a more minimalist design that can’t fold. But, Bose does promise some great things, such as powerful noise cancelling, 11 whole levels of it at your leisure. In addition, Bose claims crisp, clear details, and of course – deep, full bass. The Bose 700 colors are silver and black, so there’s a trend here, with all three of these headphones. Like the QuietComforts, the Bose 700 have actual clicky buttons for controlling your volume and skipping songs, but last a bit less – up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge.
Sony WH-XB910N vs Beats Solo3 vs Sony WH-CH710N
Sony WH-XB910N (left), Beats Solo3 (center), and Sony WH-CH710N (right)
These three pairs of headphones are more affordable than the previous trio we looked at, so if you’re looking for headphones buying advice but also wish to save a buck, let’s see if one of them can entice you.
The Sony WH-XB910N (as usual, “great” naming, Sony) retail for $249.99, and sport a plastic build, only in black color. Their defining feature would be Sony’s EXTRA BASS branding, which promises “impressively deep, punchy sound.” They can fold, which is always welcome for travel, and feature ANC and touch controls. The Sony WH-XB910N’s battery life is rated for up to 30 hours, which is equal to, or above what we usually see in this price range, so that’s great. And, a 10-minute quick charge gets you 4 and a half whole hours of playback.
As for the Sony WH-CH710N, their retail price is $149.99, making them most affordable of the three. Nonetheless, they feature metal sliders, noise cancelling and, according to Sony, up to 35 hours of audio on a single charge. Although they swivel generously, they can’t fold, and come in black and blue. For controlling music playback, these sport clicky buttons as opposed to touch controls.
Which should I buy?
Let’s summarize what we have in this buyer’s guide, and which pair might be the one for you.
If you’re a critical listener who values flat sound, you’ll likely appreciate the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45 best. Both offer solid noise canceling and aim for a rather flat sound, as opposed to one with extra bass or highs.
If you enjoy electronic dance music and want that extra bass, you’ll probably find the Beats Solo3 best for your needs, plus they’re more affordable than most of the other options on this list. The Solo3 support Apple’s Spatial Audio, which makes music sound spectacularly wide and punchy. Obviously you won’t be getting a true-to-life, flat soundscape, but for the right kind of person, Spatial Audio’s fun sound can be a very desirable thing.
