Sony WH-1000XM5 Black
Score: 86/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Black
Score: 86/100Rankings
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 (2nd Gen) builds on its predecessor with up to 45 hours of battery and ~87% noise reduction. However, inconsistent sound balance and no water-resistance keep it from being a universal upgrade. Best suited for frequent travelers and long-duration listeners.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | — | |
— | 45 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 480 g |
| ↓ lower better | 3 minutesbest | 15 minutes |
30 mmbest | — | |
48 Ωbest | — | |
10 mbest | 9 m | |
4best | 1 |
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 | 30-37 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 3 minutes | 15 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 10 m | 9 m |
Audio(1) | ||
Microphone Count | 4 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 480 g |
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 2nd Gen for its industry-leading ANC (about 87% noise reduction), marathon-length battery life, and plush, lightweight comfort. They also highlight the addition of Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint and Immersive Audio spatial modes as valuable upgrades. However, critics note that sound consistency varies with ear anatomy, the wired mic is missing, and the generational leap over the 1st-gen model is modest, which may limit the perceived upgrade value.
“ANC "best in the business" at 87% reduction”
Choose Sony for audiophile-level sound tuning and app customization; choose Bose for longer battery, lighter comfort, and superior low-frequency isolation.
Everyday users echo the experts on the strengths: the ANC is praised as a travel essential, the comfort allows all-day wear, and the long battery with quick-charge is a daily convenience. Recurring complaints focus on inconsistent bass/mid balance across different ear shapes, the non-functional wired microphone, and the absence of water-resistance, with some reporting listening fatigue from a still bass-heavy profile.
