Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the premium option here, boasting an impressive 30-hour battery life, making it perfect for long listening sessions. In real-world use, you'll appreciate its market-leading active noise cancellation, which really shines on noisy commutes or flights. Meanwhile, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offers a solid alternative with its immersive audio experience, but at just 24 hours of battery life, you might find yourself recharging more often than you'd like. Key specs: Weight: 8.82 oz vs 8.96 oz and Battery: 30 hrs vs 24 hrs.
Why compare these? Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are premium flagship headphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2★ (18,670 reviews) | 4.2★ (8,908 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) | Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise |
| Main Drawback | Non-foldable design reduces portability | High price tag compared to competitors |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
5.3
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
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 Ultra Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | Custom-designed proprietary drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | Advanced array (12 microphones total) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 254 g (0.56 lb) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Cons
- Non-foldable design reduces portability
- Price increase compared to previous generation
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
5.3
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune)
Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense)
Pros
- Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
Cons
- High price tag compared to competitors
- 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its 30-hour battery crushes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones' 24-hour runtime. That said, grab the Bose if you need more microphones for calls - it has 12, compared to Sony's 8.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you want longer battery life for all-day listening, prioritize top-tier noise cancellation, or need a lightweight option for travel. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if: you require superior call quality with multiple microphones, prefer a foldable design for portability, or enjoy immersive audio for a more expansive sound experience. (8.96 oz weight)
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 18,670 reviews vs 8,908
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Market-leading active noise Priority
Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Market-leading ANC suppresses Priority
Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
→ Choose Bose QuietComfort
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.2★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones wins if you value market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. Both are rated highly (4.2★ vs 4.2★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones offers market-leading active noise cancellation (anc), while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stands out with market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. Consider that Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones non-foldable design reduces portability. Meanwhile, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones high price tag compared to competitors. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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