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This comparison is specifically about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), sold from 2025—not the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra. Check the generation on the product listing before buying.
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At a glance
| What matters | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery, noise cancelling on | Up to 30 hours of continuous music playback with noise cancelling on, according to Sony’s US specifications. | Up to 30 hours of playback, according to Bose. Bose separately states 23 hours with Immersive Audio on. |
| Battery, noise cancelling off | Up to 40 hours, according to Sony’s US specifications. | Up to 45 hours with ANC turned off, according to Bose. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, per Sony’s US specifications. | Bluetooth 5.4, per Bose’s 2025 second-generation announcement. |
| Bluetooth audio codecs | SBC, AAC and LDAC, per Sony’s US specifications. | Not stated in the cited second-generation material. |
| Connect to two source devices | Multipoint supported, per Sony’s product/specification material. | Bose says the headphones can connect to two source devices at once. |
| Comparative verdict | RTINGS’ side-by-side comparison notes LDAC support and passive wired use; its overall preference is Bose. | RTINGS’ side-by-side comparison favors Bose overall. Consult its full methodology for the basis and detail of that judgment. |
| Current local price | Check the price in your region at the time of purchase. | Check the price in your region and confirm the listing is for the 2nd Gen. |
Battery figures come from each manufacturer’s own materials, not a controlled head-to-head test. The modes differ, so compare like with like: Bose’s 23-hour Immersive Audio figure is not equivalent to Sony’s standard noise-cancelling figure.
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Choose Sony if LDAC compatibility is useful to you
The WH-1000XM5 lists SBC, AAC and LDAC. LDAC is a practical differentiator only if your playback source supports it and you want to use it; codec support on the headphones alone does not guarantee that a phone, computer or app will transmit audio using that codec. Sony also supports multipoint, so it can be considered for a setup where you switch between two source devices.
#1 Best Overall
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Choose Bose if its listening modes and reviewer verdict appeal to you
Bose’s second-generation model offers Immersive Audio and has Bluetooth 5.4, with Bose describing simultaneous connections to two source devices. The cited RTINGS comparison prefers Bose overall, but that is a reviewer assessment—not a manufacturer specification or a universal result. The comparison result available here does not establish numerical ANC measurements or enough test-method detail to treat its conclusion as definitive for every listener.
Compare battery expectations by mode
Sony states up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on and up to 40 hours with it off. Bose states up to 30 hours of playback, 23 hours with Immersive Audio on and 45 hours with ANC off. These are each company’s stated maximums; actual playback time can vary, and the figures do not establish which pair lasts longer under identical settings and conditions.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Let fit decide comfort and real-world noise reduction
Over-ear noise cancelling depends partly on how well the earcups seal around your ears. Head shape, glasses, clamp pressure and heat can affect both comfort and isolation. No reliable universal comfort ranking is established here, so try both if possible—especially if you expect to wear them for long sessions or need a dependable seal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Revolutionary noise cancellation: The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones set a new standard with industry-leading noise canceling, powered by 2 advanced processors and 8 microphones, offering an immersive sound experience. Ideal for audiophiles and professionals, these sony headphones deliver unparalleled quietness in any environment, enhancing focus whether you're working in a bustling office or relaxing on a noisy flight.
- Immersive sound, uncompromised clarity: Experience exceptional audio fidelity with newly developed drivers Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones and DSEE Extreme technology that upscales compressed music files in real-time. With Hi-Res audio support, these headphones deliver stunning sound quality, allowing music lovers and audiophiles to enjoy tracks as the artists intended, capturing every detail and nuance for a truly engaging listening experience.
- Effortless multitasking and communication: Stay seamlessly connected with multipoint connection and crystal-clear hands-free calling, allowing you to switch between devices without missing a beat. Whether you're a busy professional or a music enthusiast, the intuitive touch controls and Speak-to-Chat feature offer quick access to ambient sound, ensuring you never miss an important conversation or cue in your environment.
- All-day comfort and convenience: Designed for prolonged use, the WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over Ear Headphones feature a lightweight, ultra-comfortable design with soft-fit leather that conforms to your ears. With up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capability, they are perfect for frequent travelers and daily commuters. The redesigned collapsible case provides easy storage, while Quick Access lets you tap into Spotify effortlessly.
- Bundle Includes: Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) + 6Ave Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + P-Bank Battery + Headphone / Headset Stand
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day limited hardware warranty.
- Precision-engineered to deliver exceptional High-Resolution Audio quality. Our Precise Voice Pickup Technology with newly developed wind noise reduction will also ensure you can hear and be heard clearly when taking calls on these noise cancelling headphones.
- Smart, intuitive, and intelligent. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your environment and activity, and Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you want to have a conversation, without you having to remove the over ear headphones!
- For total convenience, these Bluetooth headphones can be paired with two devices at the same time. Fast Pair will help you locate the WH-1000XM5B if you can't find them and Swift Pair makes pairing with your PC or tablet simple.
- With up to a huge 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power, even for long trips! A collapsible case is included with these Sony headphones for easy storage and travel.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).(USB Type-C Cable included)
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
What the specifications do—and do not—settle
- Noise cancellation: The cited reviewer comparison favors Bose overall, but the available result does not provide comparable numerical ANC measurements. Individual fit also matters.
- Battery: Both brands state up to 30 hours in a noise-cancelling mode, but Bose’s Immersive Audio mode has its own lower stated figure. Neither brand’s maximum is a direct, controlled comparison with the other.
- Codec choice: Sony’s listed LDAC support may matter when the source device supports LDAC. The cited Bose second-generation material does not state a comparable codec list.
- Price and availability: No current region-specific prices or stock status are established here. Compare the actual prices available to you, not an assumed list price or a sale in another market.
Buying checklist
- Confirm the Bose generation. The comparison is with QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). Do not assume a listing for the first generation has the same specifications.
- Check your source devices. If LDAC matters, verify that the phone or computer you will use supports it. If you switch sources, confirm that multipoint fits your setup.
- Try the fit. If possible, wear both with your usual glasses and for long enough to notice heat or pressure. A comfortable seal is more useful than a feature you cannot comfortably use.
- Compare the modes you will actually use. Use the battery figure for your intended settings, especially if you plan to enable Bose Immersive Audio.
- Check the local price and return terms. Prices and stock vary by market and date; verify the exact model and the seller’s return policy before ordering.
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.
