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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have superior overall sound quality and noise isolation, optimal for air travel and environments where noise reduction is key. They are more comfortable, suggesting a better fit for extended listening sessions, but their microphone quality is lower, which could be a drawback for calls and meetings. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM3 boasts better microphone quality, making it a stronger candidate for voice calls. However, its sound quality and noise isolation aren't rated as high. Both offer wireless convenience and app control customizations but consider that the Sony model offers longer battery life in the charging case. If sound quality and noise cancellation are your priorities, despite the higher price, the Bose might be worth the investment. Otherwise, the Sony WF1000XM3 offers a better value at a lower cost with solid features for general use. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.6
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.5
8.7
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Battery
7.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has a price of $199 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are both good for music.
Gaming
5.6
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
6.0
5.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds to be only fair for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM3 to have excellent build quality, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has very good build quality.
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How the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bose | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.8/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 7 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.5 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | March 2023
"The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a great do-it-all option for anyone, so long as you can afford it. This is a great alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. You can choose the degree of noise canceling, and enjoy premium features like automatic ear-detection. These earbuds merit an IPX4 rating, making them a fine workout companion."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
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About Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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