Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Detailed Comparison

Introduction

Sony and Bose have long been the top contenders in premium noise-cancelling headphoneswhathifi.com. The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are flagship over-ear models that represent the pinnacle of each brand’s technology and audio expertise. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 (launched May 2022 at $399) and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra (launched October 2023 at $429) are both priced in the high-end rangewhathifi.com, promising cutting-edge active noise cancellation (ANC), superb sound quality, and luxurious comfort. In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine their design, build quality, comfort, features, connectivity, ANC performance, sound quality, battery life, and value to help you decide which pair is the better choice for your needs.

Both of these headphones have earned reputations as some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the marketwhathifi.com. But how do they differ, and which one comes out on top? Let’s dive into each aspect step-by-step, backed by real-world examples, lab tests, and expert reviews.

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Design and Build Quality

Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 (left) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (right) boast sleek, modern designs. Build materials and folding mechanisms differ, however. The XM5 features a minimalist look with a seamless headband and earcups that swivel to fold flat, but it does not fold inward, meaning its carry case is somewhat larger. In contrast, the QuietComfort Ultra has retained hinged earcups that fold up for more compact storage, making it travel-friendly. Both models use high-quality plastics to keep weight low at roughly 250 grams each (among the lightest in their class)whathifi.com. The Sony is about 8 grams lighter (≈246 g vs 254 g) according to measurementsrecordingnow.com, a difference that is hardly noticeable day-to-day. (For perspective, Apple’s AirPods Max weigh about 385 g, much heavier than either)recordingnow.com.

When it comes to build quality, Bose has an edge in durability. The QuietComfort Ultra’s hinges incorporate metal reinforcement, giving a sturdier feel and peace of mind against breakagerecordingnow.com. The WH-1000XM5’s hinge mechanism, while smooth and quiet, is made of lightweight plastic that some users have reported as a weak point over timerecordingnow.com. There have been anecdotal reports of XM5 headband cracks on forums and resale sitesrecordingnow.com, so handle them with care. Aside from that, both headphones exude a premium fit and finish – with Sony offering a very clean, modern aesthetic (some might say a bit plain) and Bose featuring a classic design with a matte finish and subtly more traditional headphone lookrecordingnow.com. Each comes in multiple colors: for example, Bose in black or white (and special editions), Sony in black, silver, blue, or pinkwhathifi.com.

Comfort

Comfort is critical for headphones you might wear for hours on end, and both the XM5 and QC Ultra excel in all-day comfort. Each model has plush earpads and an adjustable padded headband that distributes weight evenly. Because they’re so lightweight (around 250 g), neither will strain your neck during extended use. However, many reviewers give a slight edge to Bose in this category. The QuietComfort Ultra feels exceptionally plush and “cushiony” – its ear cushions are very soft, and the ear cups have ample depth and space, so your ears don’t press against the driver coveringrecordingnow.com, recordingnow.com. Bose’s clamp force is secure but gentle, and the headband has thick padding, which together make it easy to forget you’re wearing headphones at all.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is also very comfortable for long listening sessions, but there are a couple of minor points to note. Its headband is slimmer with somewhat less padding, which for some users can create a slight pressure point at the crown after many hoursrecordingnow.com. Also, the XM5’s earcup interior is a bit shallower; if you have larger ears, you might feel your ear just touching the fabric insiderecordingnow.com. Out of the box, the Sony’s clamping force is a tad tighter (to ensure a good seal for noise cancelling), though it tends to loosen to a perfect medium grip after some use. In real-world terms, both headphones are among the most comfortable in their class, easily beating heavier competitors like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (approx. 293 g) or Apple AirPods Max (385 g) in weight and comfortrecordingnow.com. Most people can wear either the Bose or Sony for a cross-country flight or a full workday without discomfort, but if you’re particularly sensitive to pressure points, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra might be the one that truly disappears on your headrecordingnow.com.

Features and Connectivity

When it comes to smart features and connectivity, both models are packed with high-end capabilities, with a few differences in codecs and extras:

• Wireless Connectivity: The QuietComfort Ultra uses Bluetooth 5.3, while the WH-1000XM5 uses Bluetooth 5.2tomsguide.com. Practically, both offer a strong wireless range and stable connection. Both headphones support Bluetooth multipoint, meaning you can connect to two devices at once (for instance, your phone and laptop) and seamlessly switch between themwhathifi.com, whathifi.com. This is great for multitasking—listening to music on your computer but quickly taking a call from your phone without repairing each time.

• Audio Codecs: Here there is a notable difference. The Sony XM5 supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. LDAC (Sony’s proprietary codec) can deliver higher-resolution audio over Bluetooth (up to 990 kbps) and is supported by most Android devices (but not iPhone)soundguys.com. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive (with aptX Lossless capability on devices that support Snapdragon Sound)soundguys.com, soundguys.com. In other words, newer Android phones with Qualcomm’s latest chips can take advantage of Bose’s aptX Lossless for potentially even higher fidelity than LDAC. In practice, both LDAC and aptX Adaptive/aptX Lossless are excellent for Bluetooth audio, and differences between them are minorsoundguys.com. iPhone users will be using AAC on either headphone, since neither supports Apple’s ALAC or other proprietary codecs.

• Spatial Audio and Immersive Sound: Bose introduced an Immersive Audio feature in the QuietComfort Ultra – essentially Bose’s version of spatial audio with head-tracking. Uniquely, Bose offers two modes: Still (for when you’re stationary, locking the soundstage in front of you) and Motion (which adapts when you move your head, suitable for walking around)whathifi.com. This creates a 3D surround-sound-like experience that many find impressive for movies or certain music. Sony’s XM5, on the other hand, supports 360 Reality Audio, which is Sony’s spatial audio format for music. It works with supported apps (like Tidal, Deezer, etc.) to give a surround effect, though the XM5 does not have head-tracking built-in. In summary, Bose’s spatial audio is more universal (works with any audio via Bose’s processing) and includes head-tracking, whereas Sony’s 360 Reality Audio requires specific content but can be very immersive. If spatial audio is a priority, Bose’s implementation might feel more impactful out of the boxwhathifi.com, tomsguide.com.

• Controls and Voice Assistants: The Sony WH-1000XM5 uses touch-sensitive gesture controls on the right earcup for most functions (swipe up/down for volume, forward/back for tracks, tap to pause, etc.), plus a physical button for toggling ANC/ambient modes. Bose takes a hybrid approach: the QuietComfort Ultra has physical buttons (for power/Bluetooth and a multi-function button) and a touch-sensitive strip for volume controlsoundguys.com, soundguys.com. Both approaches work well; Bose’s tactile buttons can be easier for precise commands (no accidental touches)whathifi.com, whathifi.com, while Sony’s touchpad allows intuitive gestures like covering the earcup to trigger “Quick Attention” mode. Speaking of which, the XM5 is loaded with smart features: Quick Attention instantly lowers volume and turns on ambient sound when you cover the earcup (great for briefly talking to someone), and Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses music and activates ambient mode when it detects you speakingwhathifi.com. The Sonys also have wearing detection, pausing music when you remove them. The Bose don’t have those specific auto-pause features, but you can manually toggle between Quiet (ANC) and Aware (transparency) modes with a button, and Bose’s app lets you customize a “shortcut” (e.g., long-press the right earcup to hear battery level or skip a track).

• Companion Apps: Both headphones work with excellent companion smartphone apps. The Sony Headphones Connect app and Bose Music app allow firmware updates, custom EQ adjustments, ANC level control, and other settingssoundguys.com. Notably, you can personalize the sound: for example, the Sony app has a 5-band equalizer plus a bass adjustment (Clear Bass), and Bose’s app has bass/mid/treble sliders. This means you can fine-tune the audio to your liking (more on sound quality below). The apps also manage spatial audio features (360 Reality Audio setup for Sony, Immersive Audio toggles for Bose).

• Wired and Other Connectivity: Both the XM5 and QC Ultra can be used wired if needed – Sony includes a standard 3.5 mm audio cable, and Bose includes a 2.5 mm-to-3.5 mm cable (since the Bose headphone jack is 2.5 mm)soundguys.com. Neither model can play audio over their USB-C ports (those are for charging only)whathifi.com. Each supports voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri) for hands-free commands. And both have NFC pairing for quick connect (Sony does; Bose might not, as Bose has mostly moved to Bluetooth-only pairing via app or button, but pairing either is straightforward).

In summary, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 offers a few more “bells and whistles” in user experience (touch gestures, speak-to-chat, etc.), while Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra brings cutting-edge tech like head-tracked spatial audio and the aptX Lossless codec. Core connectivity like multipoint and app customization is excellent on both.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency

Noise-cancelling performance is a hallmark of both models – this is truly a clash of titans in ANC. Both Bose and Sony have decades of R&D in noise cancellation, and it shows: put either headphone on and the roar of airplane engines, city traffic, or a noisy office nearly disappears. In fact, these two are regularly cited as the best ANC headphones availablewhathifi.com, tomsguide.com. But if we nitpick, Bose might have a slight advantage in a head-to-head comparison of pure noise cancelling strength.

Bose’s approach with the QuietComfort Ultra uses multiple microphones and a proprietary CustomTune calibration to adapt the ANC to your ear and environmentwhathifi.com. In testing, the Bose QC Ultra tended to “dramatically reduce background rumbles” like the low-frequency droning of a train or plane, and did an outstanding job muffling voices and mid-frequency noise as wellwhathifi.com. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 uses dual processors (Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 and ANC chip) along with 8 microphones to analyze and cancel noise, also adjusting automatically to changes in environmentwhathifi.com. The XM5 is superb at cutting out noise across frequencies – from the steady hum of an AC unit to the chatter of a caféwhathifi.com. Review measurements have found the difference between them to be very small – in some frequency bands Bose cancels a bit more, in others it’s virtually tiedreddit.com. Overall, Bose edges out Sony by a hair in overall ANC depth, particularly for consistent low-frequency soundswhathifi.com. For example, on a subway ride the Bose might silence the train noise a tiny bit more. However, many users would be hard-pressed to notice a significant difference unless listening side-by-side in extreme conditions.

Where there is a more perceptible difference is the transparency (ambient sound) mode. Transparency (which Bose calls “Aware Mode”) lets outside sound in, so you can hear announcements or have a quick conversation without removing the headphones. Both products offer adjustable ambient modes, but Bose’s transparency sounds more natural. The QC Ultra in Aware Mode with its ActiveSense tech can let you hear the outside world very clearly, almost as if you aren’t wearing headphones at allrecordingnow.com. By contrast, Sony’s Ambient Sound mode, while effective, can sound a bit muffled or digital in direct comparisonrecordingnow.com. Bose also allows granular control (11 levels of noise cancelling from full Quiet to full Aware), whereas Sony allows stepping through presets (e.g., Ambient 20 levels, but mainly via app). Both brands also include an automatic mode: Bose can adjust ANC based on environment and Sony has an Adaptive Sound Control that changes ANC/transparency mode based on your actions (sitting, walking, traveling, etc.).

In everyday use: if you’re a frequent flyer or commute in very noisy environments, both will impress you with how silent they can make the world. You can enjoy music or just peace and quiet without raising the volume much at all (which is healthier for your ears)soundguys.com. If you specifically want the absolute most silence, Bose QuietComfort Ultra has a slight lead in ANC performance by most accountswhathifi.com, but again, it’s extremely close. For transparency mode usage, Bose provides a more realistic listening experience to the outside world. Sony’s ANC is nearly as good, and it also handles wind noise well (Sony’s design includes wind noise reduction to avoid that annoying microphone buffeting). On phone calls (discussed next), this also helps Sony reduce wind noise.

Bottom line: you won’t go wrong with either for noise cancellation – they are both world-class. Bose gets the nod if we have to choose a winner in ANC, thanks to their long heritage and slight edge in measurements, while Sony is right on its heels and even surpasses many other competitors.

Sound Quality

Moving on to audio performance, both headphones deliver excellent sound quality, but they have distinct sound signatures. Your preference might depend on whether you favor a warmer, bass-rich sound or a clearer, more analytical sound.

Right out of the box, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra tends toward a rich, full-bodied sound with a noticeably strong bass presence. Bose has clearly tuned these for an engaging, consumer-friendly sound: the bass is punchy and deep, giving a lot of weight to drums and electronic beats. The overall tonality is warm – which many listeners find very pleasant – and Bose manages to maintain good clarity and refinement in the highs as wellwhathifi.com, whathifi.com. Bose’s sound has a sense of “richness and refinement” that makes music very enjoyablewhathifi.com. After a short break-in period (or about a week of use), many report the Bose sound opens up even more, with timing and dynamics that are spot-on. Instruments have texture and vocals are smooth. The QC Ultra’s presentation is often described as slightly “relaxed” – not lacking detail by any means, but it doesn’t push the upper frequencies aggressively. This makes for long listening sessions without fatigue.

By contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes with a brighter, more transparent sound signature. Sony has given the XM5 a somewhat leaner default tuning, where the mids and highs are a bit more forward and detailed, and the bass, while still punchy, is tighter and less emphasized than Bose’swhathifi.com. The XM5’s sound is highly clear and precise – you’ll likely notice small details in well-recorded music, as these headphones have excellent resolution. High frequencies (like cymbals, string overtones) are crisp. Sony’s bass is very well-controlled and agile; it doesn’t boom as much as the Bose can. Some might call the Sony’s default sound more neutral or balanced compared to the Bose’s warmer tiltwhathifi.com. However, “neutral” for Sony still means a fun, lively sound – the XM5 has strong “sonic clarity” and an engaging character with plenty of energywhathifi.com. In fact, in their review, What Hi-Fi found the Sony delivered “greater transparency” and an open presentation, extracting slightly more detail in complex trackswhathifi.com. The trade-off is that the Sony’s sound can seem a bit less full in the bass and lower mids; Bose sounds “richer” and more weighty in comparisonwhathifi.com.

To put it simply: Bose’s sound = rich, bass-forward, smooth; Sony’s sound = clean, detailed, vibrant. For example, if you listen to a pop or hip-hop track, the Bose might hit with more thunder on the low end, whereas the Sony will showcase more clarity in the vocals and hi-hats. On an acoustic or classical recording, the Sony’s more natural balance might make strings and woodwinds sound more lifelike, while the Bose will give a bit more warmth and body to the overall mix.

It’s worth noting that both headphones allow you to tweak the EQ in their apps, and doing so can significantly change the sound to your preference. In fact, some audiophiles have found that with a few EQ adjustments, the Bose QC Ultra can be made very neutral and extremely detailed (truly audiophile-grade for a wireless ANC headphone), and the Sony XM5 can be tuned to sound more full-bodied or even more exciting depending on what you wantsoundguys.com, recordingnow.com. Each headphone has its “quirks” in default tuning – Bose being a bit too bass-heavy for purists, Sony having a slight bass “bump” and a dip that can make the mids sound slightly recessed to some earssoundguys.com. Using the EQ (e.g., reducing Bose’s bass a few notches, or using Sony’s Clear Bass and EQ bands to fine-tune) can bring these much closer to a preferred curvesoundguys.com, soundguys.com. The result is that both can sound absolutely fantastic. Technical capabilities like detail retrieval, soundstage, and imaging are surprisingly good on both. Bose’s soundstage might feel a tad wider (especially with Immersive Audio enabled, which adds spaciousness), whereas Sony’s imaging gives you a very precise placement of instruments.

In reviews, opinions differ on which sounds “better” because it really is subjective. Some prefer the Sony XM5’s more “accurate” and crisp approach, saying it has the edge in clarity and that the bass, while slightly less in quantity, is very tight and well-definedwhathifi.com, whathifi.com. Others prefer the Bose QC Ultra’s lush and immersive quality, especially for long listening, finding it more engaging with its full-bodied bass and rich tonewhathifi.com, whathifi.com. There’s no clear winner here – it depends on your taste. The good news is both headphones sound stunning for wireless ANC headphones, and thanks to EQ, you can adjust either one. If you’re a basshead, Bose will satisfy without any tweaks (and can still be EQ’d to tame bass if needed). If you love hearing every micro-detail and a bit more sparkle, Sony delivers that out of the box (and you can always dial up the low end with EQ if desired).

One last point: Volume levels are ample on both; you won’t have trouble getting them loud (in fact, be mindful of hearing safety, given the ANC means you don’t need high volume to drown out noise). Neither headphone exhibits significant distortion at high volumes. And both support high-res audio (Sony via LDAC, Bose via aptX Adaptive) so they can make the most of quality music files.

Microphone and Call Quality

Using these headphones for phone calls or Zoom meetings is a pleasure, as both have very good microphone systems for voice pickup. Each headphone has multiple mics with beamforming and noise reduction to focus on your voice. In quiet conditions, callers will hear you loud and clear with either the XM5 or the QC Ultra. In noisy conditions, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 has a slight edge for call quality. Sony really optimized the XM5’s mics (with what they call a “noiseless design” and AI-based noise reduction) to ensure your voice comes through clearly even with background soundswhathifi.com. Reviews and user tests indicate that the XM5 transmits a bit less background noise to the person on the other end of the call, and your voice sounds crisper. For example, in a windy environment, the XM5’s microphones and algorithms do a better job filtering out wind noise than the Bosesoundguys.com. In fact, one blind test poll of users comparing recorded samples had about 66% of listeners preferring the Sony’s mic quality over Bose’ssoundguys.com.

That’s not to say the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is bad for calls – it’s actually excellent and a big improvement over Bose’s previous models. Bose added more mics in this model (five per earcup) and they do a great job rejecting noise like chatter or traffic during callswhathifi.comwhathifi.com. Your voice through the Bose is natural and plenty loud; it’s just that Sony sets a slightly higher benchmark in this area. If you frequently take calls outdoors or in noisy offices, you might appreciate the Sony’s consistency in making you sound a bit clearer to otherswhathifi.com.

Both headphones allow using the microphones with voice assistants too (you can tap a button or speak a wake word if configured). And if you plan to do things like gaming or video calls on a PC, note that Bluetooth adds some latency – both Bose and Sony have similar latency over SBC/AAC, and Sony’s LDAC can add more latency. For serious gaming/chat, using the analog cable (for audio) or a dedicated wireless transmitter is better, but for casual calls and virtual meetings these headphones are more than sufficient. Neither headphone is truly geared for gaming (no boom mic, etc.), but for everyday communications, they are top-tier for wireless headphones.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery endurance is an area where the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead. The XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on (and up to 40 hours with ANC off) on a full chargetomsguide.com. In real-world standardized tests, the Sony even exceeded its rating, clocking about 31 hours 53 minutes of continuous play with ANC enabledsoundguys.com – an impressive result. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra, on the other hand, is rated for about 24 hours with ANC (Quiet mode) onrecordingnow.com. If you use Bose’s Immersive Audio (spatial sound) feature, it reduces battery life – Bose cites roughly 18 hours with Immersive Audio engagedtomsguide.comtomsguide.com. In SoundGuys’ testing, the QC Ultra hit around 27 hours 37 minutes with ANC on (no Immersive)soundguys.com, which aligns well with its 24-hour claim (testing often uses moderate volume). So practically, we’re looking at roughly 24–27 hours for Bose vs ~30–32 hours for Sony under comparable conditionssoundguys.com, recordingnow.com.

This means the Sony can easily get through a few long days of use or a long-haul international flight without needing a charge, whereas the Bose will likely need charging a bit sooner. For most users, Bose’s 24 hours is still plenty for a full day or two of listening. But the difference is noticeable: for instance, if you use your headphones ~4-5 hours a day, the XM5 might last you the whole work week on one charge, where the QC Ultra might require a top-up mid-week.

Both headphones charge via USB-C. The quick-charging capability is handy on each: Bose advertises about 3 hours of playback from a 15-minute quick chargetomsguide.com, whereas Sony, supporting USB-PD (Power Delivery) fast charging, can get 3 hours of use from just a 3-minute charge (when using a high-current PD charger)tomsguide.com, or about ~1 hour from 10 minutes on a normal chargertomsguide.com. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours for Bosetomsguide.com and 3–3.5 hours for Sony (Sony’s charging is a bit slower unless you use a PD charger)tomsguide.com.

It’s worth noting that fewer charge cycles over time can help the battery longevity, so Sony’s extra hours could mean your battery degrades slightly less quickly simply because you charge it less oftensoundguys.com. But either way, both use lithium-ion batteries that should last many hundreds of cycles before noticeably losing capacity.

In summary, Sony wins on battery life – roughly by 6–8 hours in comparable use (or about 25–30% longer endurance)recordingnow.com, soundguys.com. Bose’s battery life is decent but “middling” for its class (some competing models now exceed 30 hours). If you’re often away from outlets, the XM5’s stamina is a big plus. If you mostly use headphones at a desk or on daily commutes and charge them regularly, Bose will be just fine too. Both support quick charge for emergency top-ups, which is great. And of course, you can use them wired without drawing battery (ANC does use battery though – if the battery is dead, Sony allows passive audio playback via cable, while Bose typically also allows it but without ANC).

Price and Value

Price is often a deciding factor, and here Sony generally has the advantage. The MSRP of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is about $429 (or £450 in the UK), whereas the Sony WH-1000XM5 launched at $399 (£380)whathifi.com. So at retail, Bose was roughly $30 more expensive. Moreover, since the Sony model has been out longer, it’s frequently on sale or available at a discount. It’s not uncommon to find the XM5 around $300-350 on sale, especially during major retail eventswhathifi.com. Bose’s QC Ultra, being newer, has had smaller discounts – often around $329-369 on sale in recent monthswhathifi.com. Bottom line: if you’re budget-conscious, you can likely get the Sony for significantly less money than the Bose.

Both headphones are premium products with premium prices, and neither could be called a bargain. However, each delivers a lot of value for that price if you truly care about top-notch noise cancelling and sound. In terms of overall value: the Sony WH-1000XM5, at a lower cost and with very few compromises, arguably offers more bang for your buck. You get virtually equally great ANC, excellent sound, the longest battery life, and a rich feature set for less moneywhathifi.com. Many reviewers have picked the XM5 as the better value choice for most peoplewhathifi.com.

That said, Bose justifies its higher price with a few future-forward features. The QuietComfort Ultra has the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless codec, which could be more relevant in the coming years as more devices support themsoundguys.com, soundguys.com. It also has that unique Immersive Audio feature. If those aspects are important to you (e.g., you have a Snapdragon Sound phone and want to enjoy lossless wireless audio, or you love spatial audio for movies), Bose offers something Sony doesn’t. Also, if you prioritize absolute comfort and ANC above all, you might feel the Bose is worth the premium for you personally.

In the grand scheme, both models are among the best you can buy, and they hold their value by delivering an outstanding experience. Neither is a “budget” pick – they’re for buyers willing to invest in a high-end headphone. As one reviewer noted, after you start using them daily, you’ll likely forget the price and wonder how you lived without themrecordingnow.com. They’re that good. For most consumers, the WH-1000XM5 will be the more sensible purchase given it’s often cheaper and excels in all areas (there’s a reason the XM5 earned so many awards). But if you absolutely want the latest from Bose or find the specific Bose advantages appealing, you’ll be very happy with the QuietComfort Ultra as well – just at a higher cost.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a high-class problem – they are both exceptional, and neither will disappoint you. Each headphone shines in different ways:

• Noise Cancellation: Winner: Bose (by a small margin). Both are outstanding, but Bose’s QC Ultra slightly edges out Sony in pure ANC effectivenesswhathifi.com. They also offer very natural transparency. Sony is a close second with virtually equally excellent ANC and better wind noise handling.

• Sound Quality: Too close to call – depends on preference. Sony’s XM5 has a more neutral, detail-oriented sound with pristine claritywhathifi.com, while Bose’s Ultra gives a richer, bassier presentationwhathifi.com. Each sounds fantastic and can be EQ’d to taste. Audiophiles might appreciate Bose’s slightly broader soundstage and refined tone, whereas others might prefer Sony’s cleaner highs and energetic character. There’s no clear “better” here – it’s subjective.

• Comfort and Build: Winner: Bose (slight). Both are very comfortable, but Bose’s plusher padding and sturdier hinge design give it an edge in long-term comfort and durabilityrecordingnow.com, recordingnow.com. Sony’s lightweight design is also all-day comfortable, just with minor pressure points for some and a known (if infrequent) issue with hinge cracks if abused.

• Features and Connectivity: Winner: Sony. The XM5’s array of smart features (touch controls, speak-to-chat, wear detection) and longer battery life tip the scales in its favortomsguide.com, whathifi.com. It also has excellent app integration and things like LDAC support. Bose has cutting-edge aptX Lossless and cool Immersive Audio, but Sony’s practical features in daily use are hard to beat. Both support multipoint and have great apps, so no deal-breakers on either side.

• Call Quality: Winner: Sony (slight). Both do well, but Sony’s mic performance is a tad better for voice clarity in noisewhathifi.com.

• Battery Life: Winner: Sony. The WH-1000XM5 lasts significantly longer on a charge (30h vs 24h)recordingnow.com, which is beneficial for heavy users or travelers.

• Price/Value: Winner: Sony. It’s usually more affordable and frequently discounted, making it a better value for most buyerswhathifi.com. Bose is pricier; you pay a premium for the Bose name and specific features.

Overall, if we tally it up, the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out as the better all-rounder for most people, given its strengths in sound clarity, battery life, features, and lower pricewhathifi.com. Sony has iterated on this line for years and it shows – the XM5 is a polished product that excels in nearly every category. However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a phenomenal headphone in its own right. It leads in ANC performance and matches the Sony in comfort (even exceeding it slightly for some) and offers a wonderfully rich sound that many will lovewhathifi.com. If you value that ultimate noise cancelling or are drawn to Bose’s signature sound and features, you won’t regret picking the QC Ultra. It’s also arguably more future-proof with Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless supportsoundguys.com, which could matter as high-res wireless audio grows.

In conclusion, you’re looking at two of the best noise-canceling headphones money can buy in 2025. The WH-1000XM5 is the practical choice that nails all the fundamentals and offers superb value, while the QuietComfort Ultra is the choice for those who want the absolute cutting-edge in ANC and a lush sound, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for it. Your personal priorities (be it sound signature, features, or budget) will determine the “winner” for you. Either way, you’ll be getting a top-tier listening experience for your music, calls, travel, and everyday use.

[Internal Link]: For an in-depth look at Bose’s latest features, you can check out our Bose QuietComfort Ultra guide, and stay tuned to our Earbuds & Headphones section for more reviews and comparisons.

FAQs

Are the WH-1000XM5 or QuietComfort Ultra waterproof or sweat-resistant?

No—neither the Sony WH-1000XM5 nor the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones carry an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance. Both models are designed for everyday indoor and travel use, but exposure to heavy rain, sweat, or submersion can damage internal components. If you need moisture protection, consider using workout‑focused earbuds (e.g., Sony WF-SP9X or Bose Sport Earbuds) that offer IPX4 or higher ratings.

Which is better overall, and is the price difference justified?

Overall, the choice depends on priorities:

• Sony WH-1000XM5 excels at noise cancellation, sound personalization, and battery life (up to 30 hours).
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra stands out for supreme comfort, intuitive touch controls, and call quality.

The WH-1000XM5 typically retails around $349 – $379, while the QC Ultra is about $379 – $399. The extra cost for Bose reflects its premium build and comfort. If you value the absolute best ANC and customization, Sony may offer better bang for the buck; if you prioritize long‑wear comfort and reliable mic performance, the Bose premium is justified.

Do both the Bose and Sony headphones support multiple device pairing?

Yes. Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra support Bluetooth multipoint pairing with up to two devices simultaneously. This lets you stay connected to your phone and laptop at the same time—e.g., listen to music on your laptop, then take a call on your smartphone without re-pairing.

Which headphone has longer battery life and how do they charge?

Sony WH-1000XM5: Up to 30 hours of ANC-on playback. Charges via USB‑C, offering 3 hours of playback from a 3‑minute quick charge.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Up to 24 hours ANC-on. Charges via USB‑C, with approximately 2.5 hours for a full charge and 3 hours playback from a 15‑minute rapid charge.

Both charge with standard USB‑C cables; Sony’s Quick Charge feature is more aggressive, while Bose offers consistently fast charging but slightly less runtime.

Are the Sony XM5 or Bose QC Ultra comfortable for long periods (e.g. flights)?

Sony WH-1000XM5: Lightweight (~254 g) with soft synthetic-leather ear pads and a headband cushion—comfortable for long sessions, though ear cup depth is moderate.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Slightly heavier (~278 g) but known for plush ear cushions and adjustable headband that evenly distributes pressure. Many users report superior comfort on extended flights and minimal fatigue.

For marathon wear, Bose edges out Sony due to its renowned comfort and fit customization.

Which sounds better – the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?

Sony WH-1000XM5: Warm, full-bodied sound with punchy bass, clear mids, and customizable EQ via the Headphones Connect app. Ideal for bass-forward genres and personalization.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Neutral, well-balanced profile with precise mids and detailed highs. Tends to present vocals and acoustic instruments more naturally out-of-the-box.

Sound preference is subjective: choose Sony for customizable, bass-rich sound; choose Bose for a natural, reference-like signature without EQ tinkering.

What headphones are better than Sony WH-1000XM5?

“Better” varies by criterion, but top contenders ahead of or alongside XM5 include:

• Apple AirPods Max: Superior build, spatial audio, and lusher sound—but at a much higher price.
• Apple AirPods Pro 2: If you want earbuds form-factor with excellent ANC.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Exceptional sound detail and comfort with 17 hours battery.
• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 or QC Ultra: Better comfort and call quality.

Each excels in different areas—consider your priorities before upgrading from the XM5.

Which is better Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose noise cancelling?

If comparing true wireless earbuds:

• Sony WF-1000XM5: Industry-leading ANC, up to 10 hours battery, customizable sound via app, adaptive sound control.
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Top-tier ANC, very natural sound, more comfortable fit, 6 hours battery.

Sony offers longer playback and more tuning options; Bose trades some runtime for exceptional comfort and noise cancellation consistency in various conditions.

Are Sony or Bose noise cancelling headphones better?

Both brands lead the market in ANC. Sony typically offers deeper noise attenuation, especially at higher frequencies, and superior battery life. Bose emphasizes a more natural soundstage, comfort over long wear, and easy, consistent ANC across situations. If you value maximum noise isolation and customization, Sony is the choice; if you prefer all-day comfort and a balanced audio signature, Bose wins.

Who is Bose’s biggest competitor?

Sony is Bose’s primary competitor in the premium noise-cancelling headphone market, consistently matching or surpassing Bose in ANC performance and features. Other significant competitors include Sennheiser (Momentum series), Apple (AirPods Max/Pro), and emerging brands like Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins in the luxury segment.

What are the best noise cancelling headphones?

Top-rated ANC headphones in 2025 include:

• Sony WH-1000XM5 – best overall ANC and features
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra – supreme comfort and call quality
• Apple AirPods Max – premium build and spatial audio
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – audio fidelity and comfort

Your best pick depends on priorities: ANC depth, sound signature, comfort, or ecosystem integration.

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM5 or Beats Studio Pro?

Sony WH-1000XM5: Superior ANC, longer battery (30 h vs. Beats’ 40 h without ANC), more customizable EQ, and more premium feature set (LDAC support, speak-to-chat).

Beats Studio Pro: Known for punchy bass, sleek design, Apple H2 chip for effortless integration with iOS, and robust build. ANC is good but trails Sony’s top-tier noise cancelling.

For pure ANC and feature depth, choose Sony. For bass-forward sound and Apple ecosystem benefits, Beats Studio Pro is compelling.

Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 really the best?

Widely praised as the best all-around noise cancelling headphones due to its deep ANC, excellent sound, long battery life, and rich feature set, the WH-1000XM5 often tops expert and user polls. That said, “best” is subjective—if your priorities are ultimate comfort (Bose), luxury build (AirPods Max), or specific ecosystem integration (Beats/Apple), other models may suit you better. But overall, the XM5 offers the most balanced package for most users in 2025.

Author: Frederick Asamoah – Tech Reviewer & Audio Enthusiast at FrediTech, with years of experience testing consumer audio technology.

Related Reads

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Review
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review
• Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2025