Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Which one should we choose?

Both Bose and Sony are two of the leading brands in sound technology and, specifically, in the wireless headphones segment. Therefore, it is always interesting to compare the most similar models to know which one best suits what each person is looking for. In this case, we compare two wireless headphones that have a very similar price, and that fall within the high range of each brand: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5.

We already told you that it is one of the most competitive battles we have faced, and we found it really difficult to choose between the two models. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra surpasses the Sony WH-1000XM5 in such important aspects as active noise cancellation, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in autonomy and sound quality. On the other hand, Bose’s immersive mode seems to us to be a great competitive advantage, capable of much better customizing the isolation of certain sounds.

On the other hand, there are several similarities that the two wireless headphones share, such as a range of around 10 meters, or the possibility of adjusting the volume to have a conversation without having to remove the headphones. In this regard, it is fair to mention that the Sony WH-1000XM5 do it automatically, while in the Bose it is a manual function. But, to know which one best suits what you are looking for, we are going to analyze them in detail. Join us!

Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5 – Comparison Table

In this table, we show you the main specifications of the two wireless headphones that are the subject of this review. Later, we detail the differences and similarities between them:

A very similar aesthetic

At first glance, we see that the two wireless headphones are very similar to each other, with the difference that the Sony headphones are a little larger, but they are not heavier. In addition, in both cases it is possible to choose between several colors, and they are equipped with a carrying case. The headband is thicker on Bose headphones, something that particularly convinces us more, because they tend to hold better than thinner headbands. Likewise, the padding is greater, which gives the feeling that they will be more comfortable if you use them for a long time.

Active noise cancellation: good to excellent

It would be unfair to say that one of the two wireless headphones we have analyzed does not have good active noise cancellation, because in both of them it is. Now, what Bose achieves, so far, has not been matched by Sony. What’s more, we dare to say that they are the headphones with the best active noise cancellation that we have tested to date.

The isolation capacity from outside noise is incredible, and the immersive mode helps a lot, in which the active noise cancellation technology itself is combined with immersive audio. All of this means that you can isolate yourself almost 100% from what is happening around you. In addition, it is important to note that the Bose headphones have 5 microphones in each one, one more microphone than those we see in the Sony ones. It’s not much of a difference, but it all adds up.

Beyond noise cancellation, both earbuds feature a transparency mode that lets you keep out background noise while listening to music, and it’s excellent on both. In addition, it is possible to adjust the equalization in both, although it is true that Sony offers more flexibility in this regard through the app.

Sound quality: the tables are turned

Just as we assure you that Bose headphones are the best when it comes to noise cancellation, Sony headphones take advantage in sound quality. Although, in this case, the difference is smaller, but Sony microphones have a greater ability to reduce noise in windy conditions. This makes the quality and clarity of voice in calls better than those of Bose.

On the other hand , Sony headphones manage to reproduce bass more noticeably than Bose headphones, and that is the main difference that can be felt in this aspect. In the treble, the performance of both is exceptional, with the bass being the one that makes the most difference.

Which headphones gain autonomy?

Another aspect that we always compare when we consider which wireless headphones to buy is battery life, and here Sony also has an advantage over Bose. While the Bose can last between 18 and 24 hours maximum, depending on whether the ANC function is activated or not, the Sony range between 30 and 40 hours. In addition to this difference, which already seems important to us, there is another one that convinces us: fast charging.

Bose headphones can recover 2 hours of autonomy in 15 minutes of charging. Actually, it’s not bad at all, but compared to Sony’s performance, they fall short. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are capable of recovering up to 3 hours with just 3 minutes of charging, something very difficult to match.

Touch and voice controls on both

Now that we have talked about the issues that are usually most relevant when comparing wireless headphones, we focus on other less crucial but very interesting technological features. For example, both Sony and Bose have touch controls, so you can control the volume or change songs just by pressing them a certain number of times. They also integrate a voice assistant, which allows them to execute certain spoken commands.

Connectivity and range

Finally, we don’t want to finish without explaining to you that both are also very equal when it comes to connectivity options. Both are Bluetooth compatible, although not exactly the same version, but there are few differences. In addition, they have a range radius that ranges between 9 and 10 meters, so this will not be a clear criterion in the decision either.

Which wireless headphones do we choose?

After having compared the most important differences and similarities between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sony WH-1000XM5, one thing has become clear to us. We are looking at two of the most complete and advanced wireless headphones on the market so far. Proof of this is that their price indicates that they are high-end, although they are a long-term investment that is generally worth it if you use them regularly. Now, how to choose between them?

The choice will depend on your priorities. In global terms, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra achieve honors in active noise cancellation, one of the most important features in this type of device. The Sony WH-1000XM5 have very good cancellation, but far from what their rivals achieve. On the other hand, Sony headphones surpass Bose headphones in battery life and sound quality, although here we must recognize that the difference is tighter.

Therefore, and taking into account that the price difference is not much, our recommendation would be to go for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Simply because the change noted in noise cancellation between the two models is greater than what we noticed in sound quality. But, as we always tell you, only you have the last word.