Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
We compare the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Scored 9.5/10 in our testing
Sony WH-1000XM5
Best noise-cancelling headphones for most people — unbeatable ANC-to-price ratio
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Best noise cancellation on the market — the most effective ANC available
Score Breakdown
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Category | Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 9.5/10 | Performance | ✓ 9.8/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Features | 9.2/10 |
| 9.2/10 | Ease of Use | ✓ 9.3/10 |
| 9.3/10 ✓ | Value | 8.3/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Overall | 9.4/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 8 microphones, Dual Noise Sensor | ANC | CustomTune audio calibration |
| 30hrs ANC on, 3hr quick charge = 3hrs | Battery | 24hrs ANC on |
| LDAC, AAC, SBC | Codec | Immersive Audio (Bose spatial) |
| 250g | Weight | aptX, AAC, SBC |
| 30mm | Drivers | 254g |
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
- + Best-in-class noise cancellation
- + LDAC for Hi-Res wireless audio
- + 30-hour battery life
- + Excellent call quality with 8 microphones
Cons
- − Doesn't fold flat (step back from XM4)
- − Slightly analytical sound signature
- − Ear cups feel warm after hours of wear
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Pros
- + Finest noise cancellation available
- + CustomTune personal audio calibration
- + Bose Immersive Audio spatial experience
- + Supremely comfortable ear cushions
Cons
- − Most expensive on this list
- − No LDAC support
- − Battery life shorter than Sony XM5
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out on top with an overall score of 9.5/10. Sony's XM5 is the benchmark against which every other ANC headphone is measured. The combination of 8 microphones and dual noise sensor chips delivers best-in-class noise cancellation — a quiet office becomes silent, and an airplane cabin becomes barely a murmur. LDAC support provides genuinely Hi-Res audio when paired with a compatible source. The only step backward from XM4 is the non-folding design.
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 on AmazonRead the full Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 10 products.
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