Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WF-1000XM5
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sony WF-1000XM5 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the cheaper of the two at $300 versus $449, a difference of about $149. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Sony WF-1000XM5 is praised for best-in-class active noise cancellation for true wireless earbuds. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 if…
- →Best-in-class active noise cancellation for true wireless earbuds
- →LDAC hi-res audio support with rich, customizable sound
- →Smaller and lighter than predecessor with improved comfort
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Sony WF-1000XM5
Pros
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation for true wireless earbuds
- LDAC hi-res audio support with rich, customizable sound
- Smaller and lighter than predecessor with improved comfort
- Bluetooth multipoint and LE Audio with Auracast
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control
Cons
- Expensive at $300 launch price
- Reports of build-quality issues with case hinge
- Touch controls can be sensitive
- Only IPX4 water resistance (no dust rating)
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 5.9 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 8 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Integrated Processor V2 and HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e, LDAC hi-res audio and DSEE Extreme upscaling, 360 Reality Audio, Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat, Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast support, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 (buds) |
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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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sony WF-1000XM5.