Sony WH-1000XM5 Black
Score: 86/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are premium over-ear headphones featuring dual-processor ANC, LDAC Hi-Res audio, and up to 30 hours of playback. Their 250 g weight and higher-bitrate LDAC can cause fatigue and occasional dropouts. Perfect for audiophiles and frequent flyers who value top-tier sound and ANC.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) is an over-ear wireless headphone delivering industry-leading ANC and up to 24 hours of playback. Its bulkier build and lack of water resistance limit active-use scenarios. Ideal for travelers and office workers seeking premium noise cancellation.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 24 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 250 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 3 minutesbest | 15 minutes |
30 mmbest | — | |
48 Ωbest | — | |
10 mbest | 9 m | |
4best | 1 | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 30 hours | 24 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 3 minutes | 15 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 10 m | 9 m |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | LDAC | SBC, AAC |
Microphone Count | 4 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Headband Material | Soft leather | Aluminum/plastic |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the WH-1000XM5 a benchmark in active-noise-cancellation and audio fidelity, highlighting its sophisticated 8-mic, dual-processor system, long battery life, and premium driver design. Comfort is enhanced by a friction-rod headband, though the 250 g weight and potential LDAC-related dropouts are noted as drawbacks.
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra for its best-in-class ANC, comfortable lightweight build, and innovative CustomTune calibration that keeps sound consistent across different fits. They also note the strong battery performance and robust Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, while flagging the bulkier form factor, lack of water resistance, and the fact that a newer generation has already been released.
“won't "drag ears down" even after hours”
Choose Bose for best ANC and comfort; choose Sony for longer battery and app-based EQ customization.
Users consistently praise the headphones for their comfort, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation that makes commuting and travel pleasant. Common complaints revolve around the bulkiness for active use, occasional bass variability depending on head shape or glasses, and the missing IP rating for sweat-prone activities.
