Neither the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones nor the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the right choice for everyone. Bose has a small noise-isolation advantage in RTINGS’ comparison and is favored there for comfort and build. Sony offers longer manufacturer-rated battery life, and Tom’s Guide prefers its call performance; it also supports LDAC and passive wired playback, according to RTINGS. The practical choice depends on which of those differences matters most to you—and on the current price of these older-generation models.
At a glance: Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
| What matters | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (first generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise isolation | Strong noise cancellation; RTINGS says Bose has a minor edge. | Slight edge in RTINGS’ comparison; Tom’s Guide also favors Bose in its ANC scoring. |
| Comfort and build | Comfortable, with larger earcups noted by Tom’s Guide. | Favored by RTINGS for comfort and build quality. |
| Manufacturer-rated battery life | Up to 30 hours with ANC on; up to 40 hours with ANC off. | Up to 24 hours, or up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. |
| Wireless audio codecs | LDAC support, according to RTINGS. | aptX Adaptive support, according to RTINGS. |
| Wired listening | Can play passively while wired, according to RTINGS. | Must be powered on for wired listening, according to RTINGS. |
| Review comparison score | 93/100 in Tom’s Guide’s comparison. | 89/100 in Tom’s Guide’s comparison. |
Review scores reflect the publications’ own methods, not a universal ranking. Battery figures are manufacturer estimates reported by Tom’s Guide, not guaranteed listening times. See RTINGS’ comparison and Tom’s Guide’s comparison for their findings.
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Which pair cancels more noise?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has the edge, but it is not a decisive gap. RTINGS characterizes the difference in noise isolation as minor and says both headphones are suitable for noisy environments. Tom’s Guide also gives Bose the advantage in its ANC category scoring. These findings support choosing Bose if you want to prioritize noise cancellation, but not the claim that it will dramatically outperform Sony in every setting.
Real-world results depend on the fit and the noise around you. If possible, try both models with the kind of glasses, hairstyle, or earcup fit you expect to use: a comfortable seal matters more than a small review difference for many listeners.
#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.
Which is more comfortable and better built?
RTINGS favors Bose for comfort and build quality. Tom’s Guide describes both as comfortable and notes that the Sony has larger earcups. Comfort is personal, particularly over long listening sessions, so the review preference is a useful starting point rather than a guarantee that Bose will fit you better.
If you often wear headphones for hours at a time, try them on before buying where practical. Pay attention to pressure on the top of your head, how the earcups sit around your ears, and whether the fit stays comfortable when you move.
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.
How much longer does the Sony battery last?
According to the manufacturer estimates reported by Tom’s Guide, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on and up to 40 hours with it off. Bose rates the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra for up to 24 hours, falling to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. Actual runtime varies with settings and use; “up to” figures are not promises of typical listening time.
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The difference is most relevant if you travel frequently, dislike charging, or plan to use a feature that reduces the rated runtime. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 specifications page also lists the 30- and 40-hour figures.
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 about sound formats and wired use?
RTINGS reports that the Sony supports LDAC and the Bose supports aptX Adaptive. These codecs only help when the playback device and app support the relevant format; having a codec listed on the headphones alone does not ensure you will use it or hear a difference.
There is also a practical distinction when listening over a cable: RTINGS says the WH-1000XM5 can play passively while wired, whereas the QuietComfort Ultra must be powered on. If you want the option to listen without relying on the headphones’ battery, that favors Sony.
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.
Which has better microphones and extra audio features?
Tom’s Guide favors Sony for call quality. That is a review finding, not a guarantee that it will sound better in every room or with every phone. If calls are a major reason for buying, give that preference weight alongside your own fit and device setup.
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Bose’s Immersive Audio offers a spatialized listening mode, but Tom’s Guide notes that some listeners may find the effect less natural. Whether it improves music is a matter of preference; it also reduces the manufacturer-rated battery life to up to 18 hours.
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
How should you compare price and model generation?
These are older generations, and newer offerings have replaced both models. SoundGuys noted in an update dated October 16, 2025, that the compared headphones had been discontinued and replaced by newer products. Stock and regional availability can vary, so check the listing carefully: this comparison is specifically about the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM5, not a newer generation.
Tom’s Guide gives the Sony WH-1000XM5’s historical launch price as $399 / £379 / AU$649 in May 2022. That is not a current price. Compare live prices for the exact generation and condition you are considering; a meaningful price difference can matter more than a narrow review advantage. SoundGuys’ comparison update discusses the models’ replacement by newer offerings.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if comfort and build are your priorities, or if you want the small noise-isolation advantage found in RTINGS’ comparison. Consider whether Immersive Audio and its effect on rated battery life matter to you.
- Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if longer stated battery life, Tom’s Guide’s call-quality preference, LDAC support, or passive wired playback better matches how you listen.
- Compare current listings before deciding because both products have been superseded and live pricing, stock, and regional availability were not established here. Confirm that a listing names the exact model generation you want.
There is no universal winner: the evidence points to a close tradeoff, not a runaway ANC result. For the latest review details, consult RTINGS, Tom’s Guide, and SoundGuys.
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