Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest flagship in Sony's noise-cancelling headphone lineup, featuring redesigned drivers and eight microphones for what Sony calls its best-ever active noise cancellation. The design is lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor for extended listening sessions. Battery life reaches up to 30 hours with ANC enabled, and quick-charge support provides several hours of playback from just a few minutes of charging. Multipoint Bluetooth connection lets you pair with two devices simultaneously. The companion app enables detailed EQ customization, adaptive sound control that adjusts to your environment, and speak-to-chat, which automatically pauses audio when you start talking.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones combine Bose's renowned noise cancellation with a new Immersive Audio mode that adds spatialization and head tracking to any content, creating a more three-dimensional listening experience for music and movies. An updated CustomTune sound calibration technology automatically adjusts audio and noise cancellation to the specific fit and shape of the wearer's ears each time the headphones are put on. With up to 24 hours of battery life (18 hours with Immersive Audio active) and a lightweight, plush design, they are built for all-day comfort during long listening or travel sessions.
Around $399 MSRP, frequently discounted.
Around $429 MSRP.
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable for long wear
- Strong companion app features
- Exceptional noise cancellation quality
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Immersive Audio is a genuinely novel feature
- Strong build quality
- Premium price point
- Case is bulkier than some competitors
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Premium price point
- Immersive Audio reduces battery life
- Case is fairly large
What reviewers say
Sony WH-1000XM5 Reviews
No reviews yet.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Reviews
4.5 (2)Highly recommend Bose QuietComfort Ultra
I picked up Bose QuietComfort Ultra a while back and haven't looked back. Very comfortable for long sessions. One minor gripe: immersive audio reduces battery life, but it hasn't been a dealbreaker. Would recommend.
Solid choice
Been a regular user of Bose QuietComfort Ultra for a while now. Exceptional noise cancellation quality. No major complaints so far. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Sony WH-1000XM5
View all →Alternatives to Bose QuietComfort Ultra
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Sony WH-1000XM5 is the safer default choice offering better battery life and a slightly lower price, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra trades battery for immersive spatial audio and auto-calibrating sound.
Key differences
- •Battery life differs significantly, with Sony offering up to 30 hours compared to Bose's up to 24 hours.
- •Bose features an Immersive Audio mode with head tracking spatialization and CustomTune auto-calibration, whereas Sony includes Speak-to-chat and customizable EQ.
- •Sony supports multipoint connection to two Bluetooth devices at once; multipoint capability is not specified for Bose.
- •Sony retails around $399 MSRP and is frequently discounted, while Bose is priced around $429 MSRP.
Key features
Both offer industry-leading active noise cancellation. Bose features Immersive Audio and CustomTune; Sony features 8 microphones, Speak-to-chat, and customizable EQ.
Battery life
Sony delivers up to 30-hour battery life with quick charge support, outperforming Bose's up to 24-hour battery life (which drops further with Immersive Audio).
Ecosystem & compatibility
Both support iOS, Android, and Bluetooth, and each utilizes its own dedicated companion app (Bose Music app vs. Sony Headphones Connect app).
Comfort & design
Both are comfortable for long wear and long sessions, though both suffer from having fairly large or bulky cases.
Durability
Neither product lists specific durability ratings, though Sony explicitly notes it has no official IP water resistance rating.
Price & value
Sony is priced around $399 MSRP and is frequently discounted, making it more affordable than Bose's $429 MSRP.
Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
Frequent travelers and remote workers prioritizing longer battery life, multipoint connection, and lower price.
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra if…
Audiophiles wanting novel immersive spatial audio and auto-calibrating sound regardless of price.
Common questions
Which headphones offer better battery life?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30-hour battery life with quick charge support, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers up to 24 hours.
Which model is more expensive?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has an MSRP around $429, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM5 is around $399 and frequently discounted.
Do both models support multipoint Bluetooth connections?
Sony explicitly supports multipoint connection to two Bluetooth devices at once; multipoint capability is not specified for Bose.