Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM5
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation, but they excel in different areas. Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers proven reliability with 20-hour ANC battery life, three ANC levels, and Google Assistant integration at a compelling $299 price point. Sony WH-1000XM5 commands a $100 premium with superior 30-hour battery life, industry-leading ANC performance, multipoint connectivity, and LDAC codec support for higher-quality wireless audio. Sound signature favors Sony's dynamic presentation, while Bose provides warmer, more forgiving tuning. Sony edges ahead in features and battery endurance, but Bose remains the better value for budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable ANC. For frequent travelers prioritizing battery life and connectivity flexibility, Sony WH-1000XM5 justifies its premium. Choose Bose if you value affordability and proven performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation
- →Excellent call quality with beamforming mics
- →Lightweight, comfortable for long sessions
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation
- Excellent call quality with beamforming mics
- Lightweight, comfortable for long sessions
- LDAC hi-res Bluetooth support
Cons
- No longer folds flat for travel
- No IP rating against sweat or rain
- Expensive at launch
- Mediocre wired/USB audio quality
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 30 hours ANC on |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours quick charge |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 30mm dynamic carbon fiber composite |
| Features | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case | Industry-leading ANC, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, Multipoint pairing, DSEE Extreme upscaling |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Sony WH-1000XM5.