Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Which is Better?

In today's world, noise-canceling headphones are a must-have accessory for anyone who wants to enjoy their music, podcasts, or audiobooks without any external interference. Sony and Bose are two of the leading brands when it comes to noise-canceling headphones, and their flagship models, Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II, are among the most popular choices. In this article, we will compare these two headphones and help you decide which one is better suited for your needs.

Design and Comfort

When it comes to design, both headphones have a sleek and modern look. The Bose QC 35 II has a more traditional design with a plastic body and leather ear cushions, while the Sony WH-1000XM3 has a more premium look with a metal headband and leather ear cups. Both headphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods, but the Bose QC 35 II has a slight edge in terms of comfort due to its softer ear cushions.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing headphones, and both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose QC 35 II excel in this department. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a slightly more detailed and precise sound signature, with a wider soundstage and better instrument separation. On the other hand, the Bose QC 35 II has a more balanced sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass frequencies. Both headphones support high-quality audio codecs like LDAC and aptX, which deliver excellent sound quality over Bluetooth.

Noise-Canceling Performance

Both headphones offer excellent noise-canceling performance, which is their primary selling point. The Sony WH-1000XM3 uses Sony's proprietary noise-canceling technology, which is among the best in the market. It can cancel out a wide range of frequencies, making it ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes or trains. The Bose QC 35 II uses Bose's noise-canceling technology, which is also top-notch but not as effective as Sony's. However, the Bose QC 35 II has a unique feature called "noise-rejecting" technology, which cancels out external noise by using microphones placed outside the ear cups.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life and connectivity are essential factors to consider when choosing headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a battery life of up to 30 hours, which is impressive, and it also supports fast charging, which can give you five hours of playback time with just ten minutes of charging. The Bose QC 35 II has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 20 hours but supports multi-device pairing, which allows you to switch between two devices seamlessly.

Price and Value for Money

Finally, the price is a crucial factor to consider when choosing headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM3 is priced slightly higher than the Bose QC 35 II, but it offers better sound quality and noise-canceling performance. However, the Bose QC 35 II is still an excellent headphone that offers great value for money, especially if you prioritize comfort and multi-device pairing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and Bose QC 35 II are excellent noise-canceling headphones that offer top-notch performance. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a slight edge in terms of sound quality and noise-canceling performance, while the Bose QC 35 II offers better comfort and multi-device pairing. Ultimately, the choice between these two headphones will depend on your personal preferences and priorities.