Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (#2) vs Sony WH-1000XM5 (#3, best value): in our Over-ear Wireless Headphones for Music scoring the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones totals 8.9/10 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 8.8/10.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.
TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 35mm | 30mm carbon fiber composite dome |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive | Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC |
| ANC | CustomTune technology | Integrated Processor V1 + QN1, 8 microphones |
| Weight | 250g | ~250g |
| Battery | 24 hours with ANC | 30 hours with ANC, 40 hours ANC off |
| Codecs | — | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | — | Yes (2 devices) |
| Fast Charging | — | 3 min for up to 3 hours (USB PD) |
| Foldable | — | No (earcups swivel flat) |
| Wired Audio | — | 3.5mm cable included |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our over ear wireless scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM5 made our Top 5 Over-ear Wireless Headphones for Music, at #2 and #3 (best value). Often leads in noise cancellation performance and comfort. Deep bass response and plush earcups make it ideal for immersive, dynamic music playback in noisy environments. The best value here and the predecessor most buyers cross-shop against the XM6. It keeps the same 30-hour ANC battery, LDAC and two-device multipoint, and its two-processor, eight-microphone noise cancelling still ranks among the strongest available, which is why it places above the audiophile-tuned Px8 S2 and HDB 630 on this ANC-weighted list. It sits below the XM6 and Bose QC Ultra because their noise cancelling and call quality are a clear step ahead and the XM5 does not fold for travel, but since the XM6 launched it has sold for far less, delivering most of the flagship experience for the money.
We score over-ear wireless headphones for music on Sound Quality (30%), ANC Performance (25%), Comfort (20%), Battery Life (15%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones totals 8.9 out of 10 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 8.8. The widest gap is ANC Performance, where the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones scores 10 against 8.8 for the Sony WH-1000XM5: noise cancellation effectiveness. Battery Life also separates them: 9 for the Sony WH-1000XM5 versus 7.5 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5 claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Driver Size: 35mm on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones versus 30mm carbon fiber composite dome on the Sony WH-1000XM5; Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones versus Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC on the Sony WH-1000XM5; ANC: CustomTune technology on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones versus Integrated Processor V1 + QN1, 8 microphones on the Sony WH-1000XM5; Weight: 250g on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones versus ~250g on the Sony WH-1000XM5; Battery: 24 hours with ANC on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones versus 30 hours with ANC, 40 hours ANC off on the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for top-tier ANC performance and deep bass response; the most common complaint is slightly warm sound signature. Owners praise the Sony WH-1000XM5 for two processors and eight microphones deliver ANC that still ranks among the best available and lightweight ~250g build with a soft, low-pressure fit for long sessions; the most common complaint is ANC and call quality trail the newer WH-1000XM6 and Bose QC Ultra.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Top-tier ANC performance
- Deep bass response
- Plush earcups for all-day comfort
- Immersive Audio spatial mode
- Slightly warm sound signature
- No high-res codec support (no LDAC)
- 24-hour battery shorter than competitors
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Two processors and eight microphones deliver ANC that still ranks among the best available
- Lightweight ~250g build with a soft, low-pressure fit for long sessions
- LDAC hi-res Bluetooth plus two-device multipoint
- 30 hours with ANC (40 hours off), and a 3-minute charge adds up to 3 hours
- ANC and call quality trail the newer WH-1000XM6 and Bose QC Ultra
- Earcups swivel flat but do not fold, so the carry case is bulky
- No aptX support and no audio over USB-C
Which should you buy?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the better fit for listeners wanting top-tier ANC and bass lovers; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for ANC Performance and Comfort. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better fit for buyers who want flagship-class ANC for less and commuters and frequent flyers, and the stronger choice if Battery Life and Value matter more to you than the overall score. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is a poor fit for hi-res audio purists; the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a poor fit for travelers who need a compact folding design.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if
- Listeners wanting top-tier ANC
- Bass lovers
- All-day comfort seekers
Skip it if
- Hi-res audio purists
- Those needing LDAC
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if
- Buyers who want flagship-class ANC for less
- Commuters and frequent flyers
- Android listeners who can use LDAC
Skip it if
- Travelers who need a compact folding design
- Buyers who want the strongest ANC available
Common questions
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones better than the Sony WH-1000XM5?
In our Over-ear Wireless Headphones for Music ranking the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones scores higher overall, 8.9 to 8.8, with the biggest advantage in ANC Performance. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is stronger on Battery Life and Value, so it is the better pick if those matter most to you.
What is the main difference between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM5?
The headline spec difference is Driver Size: 35mm on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones versus 30mm carbon fiber composite dome on the Sony WH-1000XM5. In use, the gap that matters most is ANC Performance (10 vs 8.8 in our scoring): noise cancellation effectiveness.