Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (Quiet & Aware modes + Custom modes) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | Custom dynamic drivers (Size/Type undisclosed by manufacturer) | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Measured) | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | Microphone system with noise-rejecting boomless array | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hrs for full charge; 15 min = up to 2.5 hrs play | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices with seamless switching) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (SimpleSync available only for Bose Soundbars) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Active or Passive - passive sounds different) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | None | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 238 g | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Mode Switch) | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ + Presets) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Wind Block feature; Spotify Tap; Foldable design; Hard carry case included | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads)
- • Best-in-class physical buttons (preferred by many over touch)
- • Excellent noise cancellation consistency
- • Foldable design is travel-friendly (unlike Sony XM5/Bose Ultra)
✗ Cons:
- • No wear sensors (music does not auto-pause when taken off)
- • 2.5mm audio jack limits third-party cable options
- • Still uses older Bluetooth 5.1 compared to competitors
- • No high-bitrate codecs (no LDAC or aptX)
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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?
Bose QuietComfort Headphones is stronger in quality and performance, but Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
Choose Bose QuietComfort Headphones if:
- You want Legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads), Best-in-class physical buttons (preferred by many over touch)
- Rating: 4.6★ (16733 reviews)
Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if:
- You prefer Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- Rating: 4.2★ (18670 reviews)
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 Headphones excels if you value legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads). 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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