5 reasons to buy the Bose 700 NCH over the Sony WH-1000XM5 – Pocket-lint

Key takeaways

• Seamless Bluetooth connectivity with automatic connection to Apple devices is a standout feature of Bose headphones compared to Sony.
• The Bose Connect app is user-friendly and allows easy management of noise cancellation levels, volume, and song changes, unlike Sony’s app.
• Bose 700 NCH offers simple noise cancellation adjustment and a hard protective shell, meeting traditional design preferences.

A few years ago, I bought my first pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones: the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones (NCH) 700. They did everything I needed: comfortable, excellent sound quality and excellent noise cancellation capabilities.

While I love Sony’s headphones, the Bose 700 NCH has some features that Sony can’t match.

Since then, I’ve tested several other pairs of noise-cancelling headphones, most recently the Sony WH-1000XM5. While I love Sony’s headphones, the Bose 700 NCH has some features that Sony can’t match. From the seamless Bluetooth connectivity to its classic design, here are a few reasons why you should consider choosing the Bose 700 NCH over the Sony WH-1000XM5.

1 Easier Bluetooth connectivity

The headphones automatically connect to my phone

One of the biggest problems I faced while testing the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones was connecting the headphones to my iPhone. It took almost 15 minutes for the earbuds to finally connect, then after about an hour of using the earbuds, they were disconnected. At first I thought maybe the problem was me, but several of my other iPhone-using friends experienced the same problem.

Bose products connect easily to my Apple devices. After connecting them for the first time, every time I put on my Bose headphones, it automatically connects to my iPhone. I rarely experience sudden Bluetooth disconnections, and when they do, it’s usually my fault.

2 More user-friendly app

Bose Connect beats Sony Headphones app

While I appreciate Sony’s headphone app that provides a detailed explanation of adjusted noise cancellation levels, it’s an aesthetic nightmare. The app looks like it hasn’t been updated in years and makes things more confusing than they need to be.

The Bose Connect app is simple. Once you have downloaded the app and connected to your Bose 700 NCH, you can manage all your Bose devices on the app. The Bose Connect app lets you easily control noise reduction levels, volume, and change song playback.

3 More adjustable noise cancellation

Easily adjust the noise reduction level

Adjusting the Bose 700 NCH’s noise cancellation is simple: increasing the noise cancellation will increase the amount of canceled noise, lowering it will allow more noise to enter. The noise cancellation overall is pretty good and the process of adjusting the noise cancellation is simple. .

To be honest, I’m still figuring out how to manually adjust the noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM5. The headphones automatically adjust levels based on your environment, which is nice, but if you prefer to have easier control over noise cancellation, then the Bose is better for you.

4 More protective carrying case

A hard shell for more protection

The Bose 700 NCH is protected in a zippered hard case that also includes a charging port allowing the earbuds to charge when not in use. The black case also includes a pocket on the left side of the case where charging cables and auxiliary cords can be stored.

I’m not the biggest fan of this case purely because of the space it takes up, but if you’re looking for a protective headphone case, the Bose 700 NCH is definitely the better option. Sony’s case for the WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, is zipped, but the case is more collapsible and does not have a hard protective shell.

5 Classic design

A better look for helmet traditionalists

Bose’s NCH 700 has a more traditional feel: circular earcups connected by a thick headband. The headphones are heavily padded and come in gray and black. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are more modern, almost between Apple’s futuristic AirPods Max and Bose’s traditional 700 NCH. If you prefer a more traditional aesthetic, then the Bose 700 NCH might be more to your taste.