Bose QuietComfort SC vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
If you are torn between Bose QuietComfort SC and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.
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Bose QuietComfort SC
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort SC vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort SC
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort SC | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | 5.2 |
Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | Not disclosed by manufacturer | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 8.5 oz (240 g) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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Bose QuietComfort SC
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, Bose QuietComfort SC has a slight edge for quality and performance. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
Bose QuietComfort SC excels at: World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block, Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
Watch for: Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels at: Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Watch for: Non-foldable design reduces portability
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort SC excels if you value world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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