
Sony
$279

Bose
$429
Sony WF-1000XM5 edges out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.4/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5W | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 8.4mm | 35mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 16 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention) | Yes (Aware Mode) |
| EQ App | Sony Headphones Connect | Bose Music App |
| Touch Controls | Yes (touch panel) | Yes (touch panel) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 8hrs | 24hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 24hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | true | true |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | — |
| Foldable | — | Yes |
| Weight | 5.9g✓ | 250g |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, White |
| Price | 279$✓ | 429$ |
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 Ultra Headphones if…
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 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 edges out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.4/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Yes, Sony WF-1000XM5 scores higher overall (4.5 vs 4.6).
Sony WF-1000XM5 is cheaper at $279 vs $429 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
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 Ultra Headphones is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones has a larger battery (2,200mAh vs 300mAh for the Sony WF-1000XM5), which generally means longer use between charges.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones lasts longer with 24 hours vs 8 hours for the other.
Sony WF-1000XM5 is lighter at 5.9g vs 250g.