
Sony
$279

Bose
$229
Sony WF-1000XM5 narrowly beats the Bose QuietComfort 45 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.4/10 vs 5.9/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5W | Bose QuietComfort 45 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 8.4mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 16 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | — |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
| EQ App | Sony Headphones Connect | Bose Music |
| Touch Controls | Yes (touch panel) | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Battery Life | 8hrs | 22hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 24hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | true | false |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | — |
| Foldable | — | Yes |
| Weight | 5.9g✓ | 238g |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, White Smoke, Triple Black |
| Price | 279$ | 229$✓ |
Buy Sony WF-1000XM5 if…
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Bose QuietComfort 45 if…
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Sony WF-1000XM5 narrowly beats the Bose QuietComfort 45 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.4/10 vs 5.9/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Yes, Sony WF-1000XM5 scores higher overall (4.5 vs 5.3).
Bose QuietComfort 45 is cheaper at $229 vs $279 for the Sony WF-1000XM5.
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Bose QuietComfort 45 has a larger battery (2,000mAh vs 300mAh for the Sony WF-1000XM5), which generally means longer use between charges.
Bose QuietComfort 45 lasts longer with 22 hours vs 8 hours for the other.
Sony WF-1000XM5 is lighter at 5.9g vs 238g.