
Sony
$349

Bose
$199
Sony WH-1000XM5 clearly outperforms the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5W | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | In-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30mm✓ | 9mm |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 47 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 103 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Ambient Sound) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
| EQ App | Sony Headphones Connect | Bose Music |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes (touch controls) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 30hrs✓ | 6hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX HD | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | true | false |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Weight | 250g | 6.2g✓ |
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black, White |
| Price | 349$ | 199$✓ |
Buy Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
Buy the Sony WH-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 Earbuds 2 if…
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 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 WH-1000XM5 clearly outperforms the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Yes, Sony WH-1000XM5 scores higher overall (4.8 vs 4.0).
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 is cheaper at $199 vs $349 for the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Buy the Sony WH-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 Earbuds 2 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Sony WH-1000XM5 has a larger battery (3,000mAh vs 290mAh for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2), which generally means longer use between charges.
Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts longer with 30 hours vs 6 hours for the other.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 is lighter at 6.2g vs 250g.