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“Bose headphones” can mean several models, so this comparison uses Bose’s current flagship, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), against Sony’s WH-1000XM5. There is an important limit: published head-to-head comparisons reviewed here tested the original QuietComfort Ultra, not Gen 2. Those comparisons tend to favor the original Bose for noise cancellation, but they do not prove that Gen 2 beats the XM5. For shoppers, the better choice depends on fit, sound preference, the features you use, and the prices available when you buy.
Which Bose model is being compared?
Bose sells more than one QuietComfort headphone. Its US comparison page lists both QuietComfort Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), so a generic “Bose vs. Sony” matchup is ambiguous. This article compares the Ultra (2nd Gen), Bose’s current flagship assumption for the question, with Sony’s WH-1000XM5. Bose’s US headphone comparison page lists the alternatives.
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Keep the generations straight when reading reviews: RTINGS, SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi? and Tom’s Guide comparisons cited below cover the original QuietComfort Ultra. They offer useful context about the comparison criteria and the earlier model, but are not controlled tests of the 2nd Gen against the XM5.
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| What matters | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery claim | Bose lists up to 30 hours. Its detailed test disclosure reports up to 24 hours with Immersive Audio off and 18 hours with it on under stated test conditions. | Sony lists up to 30 hours of music playback with noise canceling on, or up to 40 hours with it off. |
| Wireless and features | Bluetooth 5.4, adjustable noise canceling, Quiet and Aware modes, Immersive Audio and multipoint connectivity, according to Bose. | Bluetooth 5.2; SBC, AAC and LDAC codec support, according to Sony. |
| Weight | Not stated on the Bose product page cited here. | Approximately 8.82 oz, according to Sony. |
| Price observed | $449 on Bose’s US product page on October 7, 2026. | $299.99, reduced from a displayed reference price of $399.99, on Sony’s US product page on October 7, 2026. |
These are manufacturer specifications and page prices observed on October 7, 2026, not results from a matched independent test or promises of future pricing. See Bose’s Ultra (2nd Gen) listing, Bose’s battery test disclosure, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 listing and Sony’s specifications. The Bose detailed test was conducted in April 2025.
#1 Best Overall
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Noise cancellation: Bose has a promising comparison history, with a Gen 2 caveat
RTINGS compares the original QuietComfort Ultra and WH-1000XM5 across noise-isolation scenarios. What Hi-Fi? also describes the original Bose Ultra as having slightly better noise cancellation than the Sony. These findings make the Bose line worth considering if reducing outside sound is your priority, but they are not evidence that the 2nd Gen wins against the XM5 in a direct test.
Bose describes the Gen 2’s Quiet Mode as providing “our best around-ear noise cancelling,” and also offers Aware Mode to let in surroundings. That is Bose’s product claim, not an independent head-to-head result. Think about your actual setting—commuting, an office, or home—and, if possible, try the headphones in a store or buy from a retailer with a suitable return policy.
Sources: RTINGS’ original Ultra vs. XM5 comparison and What Hi-Fi?’s comparison.
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Fit and comfort: give your own ears the deciding vote
Comfort can outweigh a modest feature advantage if you wear headphones for long stretches. Tom’s Guide includes comfort alongside sound and noise cancellation in its comparison of the original Bose Ultra and XM5, but that coverage does not establish a Gen 2 comfort verdict. Head shape, glasses, clamping pressure and heat can all affect how a pair feels to you; a short try-on is more useful than assuming one brand fits everyone.
If trying them is not practical, check the seller’s return window and whether opened headphones can be returned. That gives you a way to assess pressure and comfort over a realistic listening session rather than relying on a brief in-store fit.
Source: Tom’s Guide’s original Ultra vs. XM5 comparison.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Sound: choose the tuning you enjoy, not a universal winner
Sound preference is personal. SoundGuys frames the choice as dependent on listener preference and willingness to adjust EQ. What Hi-Fi? describes the original Bose Ultra as richer-sounding, but that characterization does not establish how every listener will hear either pair or how Gen 2 compares directly with the XM5. If you can, listen to familiar tracks on both; consider whether you prefer the sound as delivered or are willing to tailor it with EQ.
Sources: SoundGuys’ comparison and What Hi-Fi?’s comparison.
Battery life: compare the settings you will actually use
On the figures Sony publishes, the XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours with noise canceling on and up to 40 hours with it off. Bose lists up to 30 hours for the Ultra (2nd Gen), but its detailed test disclosure reports up to 24 hours with Immersive Audio off and 18 hours with it on. The Bose test used the stated conditions in its disclosure; these numbers are manufacturer claims, not a matched test of both headphones.
Rank #4
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
For a practical choice, focus on your usual settings. If you expect to use Bose Immersive Audio, the 18-hour test result is the more relevant Bose figure; if you will leave it off, use the 24-hour test result as context. For Sony, distinguish noise-canceling-on from noise-canceling-off use. Neither figure guarantees the same runtime for every listener or listening pattern.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Calls, controls and connectivity: match features to your routine
Bose lists adjustable noise canceling, Quiet and Aware modes, Immersive Audio, Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint on the 2nd Gen product page. Sony specifies Bluetooth 5.2 and SBC, AAC and LDAC support; its listing includes a carrying case, connection cable and USB cable. Those specifications identify different practical considerations, but the sources cited here do not establish a direct Gen 2-versus-XM5 winner for call quality or everyday controls.
If you take frequent calls, prioritize microphone performance in the places you actually call from; if you switch between a phone and computer, check that multipoint behaves as you need with your devices. The comparison coverage discusses microphones and related criteria for the original Ultra, but should not be treated as a Gen 2 microphone test.
Best Value
- SPATIAL AUDIO HEADPHONES: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalized sound, shaped to you
- NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES: These wireless noise cancelling headphones feature Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio
- HEADPHONES WITH MIC: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice and the bluetooth headphones with microphone filter out background noise for the clearest phone calls of any Bose headphones
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Soft ear cushions hug your ears, the band spreads pressure evenly and elevated materials let you make a statement with these noise cancelling over-the-ear headphones
- WIRELESS HEADPHONES BLUETOOTH: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 offers connection within 30 feet of your device; SimpleSync allows you to sync with a Bose smart soundbar so you can listen to TV at your own volume
Price and value: recheck the listings before buying
On October 7, 2026, Bose’s US page listed the Ultra (2nd Gen) at $449. Sony’s US page displayed the XM5 at $299.99, against a displayed reference price of $399.99. These are volatile observations, not long-term average prices or guaranteed offers. At those observed prices, Sony cost less; a later sale, retailer offer or stock change could alter the value calculation.
Check the current price, availability and return policy from the seller before deciding. If the Bose flagship’s features and fit matter more to you, the higher observed price may be acceptable; if price is the deciding factor, compare live offers rather than relying on an old reference price.
Quick Recap
Which should you buy?
- Consider Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if you want Bose’s current flagship features, prefer its sound after listening, or find its fit more comfortable. Original-generation comparisons lean toward Bose for noise cancellation, but there is no direct Gen 2-versus-XM5 result established here.
- Consider Sony WH-1000XM5 if its fit and sound work for you, its feature set meets your needs, and its current price is lower. Sony’s stated battery figures distinguish between noise canceling on and off, which can help if runtime is a priority.
- Try both before choosing, if possible when comfort, sound or cancellation matters more than the headline specifications. A retailer’s return policy can provide a fallback if a try-on is not available.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
