Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort SC
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option, boasting industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) and a 30-hour battery life. In real-world use, the Sony's superior 8-microphone system provides crystal-clear call quality, which is crucial if you frequently take calls on the go. However, the Bose model's foldable design makes it easier to pack for travel, weighing in at just 8.5 oz, compared to the Sony's 8.82 oz, thus enhancing portability for daily commutes or weekend trips.
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort SC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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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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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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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its 30-hour battery life crushes the Bose QuietComfort SC's 24-hour capacity. That said, grab the Bose if you prioritize a lighter, foldable design - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you need top-notch noise cancellation, want excellent call quality with 8 microphones, or prioritize a long 30-hour battery life.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you prefer a more comfortable fit for all-day wear, want a foldable design for easier packing, or are looking for a more affordable option without compromising on ANC. (8.47 oz weight)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Bose QuietComfort SC is better if you prioritize world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. 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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