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Released in September 2017, the Sony 1000XM2 ($348) aren’t the newest headphones on the block, but Sony has introduced the 1000XM2 as the replacement for their flagship active noise-canceling headphones. The new model comes equipped with uprated finishes, more power and performance and plenty of clever customization abilities through an app. But like their predecessor, the big question remains for most consumers: how do these stand up to the Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs, particularly in terms of active noise-cancellation?
Verdict: In terms of a total package the Sony’s WH-1000XM2 outperform the Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs on many fronts, but specs and performance are rarely the entire picture. For audio, battery life and noise-canceling performance, we give Sony the edge. For comfort though, Bose is still the undisputed king. The decision simply comes down to your preference for product design, sound profile and brand loyalty. As of this writing, the prices are exactly the same.
Note: The naming of Sony audio products hasn’t been easy on consumers, admittedly — it all looks like serial numbers. And when shopping for these headphones, you’ll likely come across the 1000XM2 and the WH-1000XM2; these are one and the same. “WH” just stands for “wireless headphones.”
Additional contribution by Eric Yang
What’s New: Right out of the box, you’ll be impressed. The 1000XM2s sound fantastic with a neutral profile. Sony seems to have pared back the bass a bit (easily controlled through the app), but a lot of attention has gone into the midrange where the Sony’s really deliver. The Sony 1000XM2 have a clever atmospheric pressure optimizer, which you initiate by a physical button on the left earcup, that adjusts the level of active noise canceling depending on the seal of the headphones around your year and your current altitude.