Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
In the realm of premium wireless headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are formidable contenders, each catering to audiophiles and frequent travelers alike. Sony's WH-1000XM5 is celebrated for its unparalleled noise cancellation and superior call quality, making it the industry standard with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 18,000 reviews. It boasts a remarkable battery life of 30 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) on, and its lightweight design at 250g ensures comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, with a rating of 4.5 from 8,500 reviews, is renowned for its legendary comfort and innovative Immersive Audio feature, offering a live music experience. Although it has a slightly shorter battery life of 24 hours, Bose compensates with the convenience of foldable design for easier travel. Both headphones are equipped with multipoint connection capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly switch between devices. Sony's superior ANC performance is supported by eight microphones, providing a cocoon of silence ideal for busy environments. On the other hand, Bose's unique Immersive Audio mode provides an enriched soundstage for music lovers. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 is geared towards users prioritizing noise cancellation and call clarity, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra appeals to those who value comfort and a dynamic listening experience.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
4.6
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
4.5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Battery Life: 30 hours (ANC On)
ANC Performance: Industry Leading (8 Mics)
Multipoint Connection: Yes
Drivers: 30mm Precision Driver
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Battery Life: 24 hours
ANC Performance: World Class + Immersion Mode
Multipoint Connection: Yes
Drivers: Bose Custom Drivers
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6 | ★4.5 |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (ANC On) | 24 hours |
| ANC Performance | Industry Leading (8 Mics) | World Class + Immersion Mode |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 30mm Precision Driver | Bose Custom Drivers |
| Weight | 250g (Very Light) | 253g |
| Charging | 3 min charge = 3 hours playback | 15 min charge = 2 hours playback |
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| Cons |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Unrivaled noise cancellation silences everything
- • Crystal clear microphone quality for calls
- • Lightweight and very comfortable
✗ Cons:
- • Does not fold up (harder to travel with)
- • Design feels slightly less premium than XM4
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Legendary Bose comfort (wear all day)
- • Immersive Audio makes music sound 'live'
- • Folds down for travel (unlike Sony XM5)
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life is lower than competitors
- • Expensive price tag
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones win overall with their industry-leading noise cancellation and longer battery life of 30 hours compared to Bose's 24 hours. However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra shines with its comfort and foldable design for portability.
Who should buy each?
- "Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if..." - You prioritize best-in-class noise cancellation. - You need longer battery life for extended use (30 hours). - You value lightweight design for comfort. - "Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if..." - You prioritize comfort for all-day wear. - You prefer a foldable design for easy travel. - You want an enriched audio experience with Immersive Audio. - "They're equally matched on..." - Both offer multipoint connection for seamless switching between devices.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
FAQs
+ Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value unrivaled noise cancellation silences everything. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is better if you prioritize legendary bose comfort (wear all day). 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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