Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Choosing between Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | Custom-designed proprietary drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | Advanced array (12 microphones total) | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) | 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; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs 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 | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (0.56 lb) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
App Eq | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- • Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
- • Extremely comfortable with plush earcups and headband
- • Supports aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for Android
- • Foldable design makes it more portable than the NC700
✗ Cons:
- • High price tag compared to competitors
- • 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
- • USB-C port is for charging only (no USB audio)
- • Cannot fully turn off ANC (only switch modes)
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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 Ultra Headphones is stronger in specific features, but Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise, Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage)
For value or versatility: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones (Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system)
Conclusion
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones excels if you value market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. 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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