Sony WH-1000XM5
$348
- Best-in-class ANC
- Longer battery life
- Lighter build
- No folding
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
$429
- Unmatched comfort
- Better call quality
- Immersive spatial audio
- Shorter battery
Quick picks
Best noise cancellationSony WH-1000XM5
Best comfortBose QuietComfort Ultra
Best valueSony WH-1000XM5
For most people the Sony wins on ANC, battery, and price. Choose Bose if comfort and call quality are your top priorities.
These are the two flagship wireless headphones most people cross-shop. Here’s how they actually compare.
The short version
Both are excellent. The Sony is the better all-rounder — stronger ANC, longer battery, and a lower price. The Bose is the more comfortable pair with better call quality and a genuinely fun spatial audio mode.
Spec comparison
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise cancellation | Best-in-class | Excellent |
| Battery (ANC on) | ~30 hours | ~24 hours |
| Weight | ~250 g | ~252 g |
| Call quality | Very good | Excellent |
| Price | $348 | $429 |
Which should you buy?
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want the best overall package. Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if comfort, calls, or spatial audio matter more to you than an extra hour of battery.