Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Which ANC Headphone Reigns Supreme?
IWhen it comes to premium active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, two names dominate the conversation: Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Both are leaders in the space, offering top-tier sound quality, comfort, and smart features — but they excel in different areas.
If you’re trying to decide between these two ANC giants, here’s everything you need to know.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Smart, Sleek, and Silently Powerful
The Sony WH-1000XM5 continues Sony’s streak of leading the ANC headphone market with a design overhaul and performance boost. Equipped with eight microphones and dual processors, it offers exceptional noise cancellation across a wide range of frequencies — perfect for both travel and noisy office environments.
In terms of sound, it’s tuned with warmth and bass emphasis out of the box — perfect for modern music lovers — but it can be customized via Sony’s app. Comfort is also a high point, thanks to its lightweight frame and super-soft earcups that don’t clamp too hard.
Battery life is solid at 30 hours with ANC on, and it offers quick charging (3 minutes = 3 hours playback). The WH-1000XM5 is also a smart headphone with adaptive sound control, Speak-to-Chat, wear detection, and multipoint Bluetooth pairing — making it incredibly user-friendly for daily use.
- Class-leading ANC with 8 mics + dual processors
- 30-hour battery life with ANC (40 hrs without)
- Quick charge: 3 min = 3 hrs of playback
- Warm, customizable sound with EQ & 360 Reality Audio
- Adaptive sound + Speak-to-Chat + wear detection
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- Lightweight build, ideal for long sessions
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best-in-class ANC | ❌Doesn’t fold flat (bulky in bags) |
| ✔️ Great sound with customizable EQ | ❌Bass-heavy for some out of the box |
| ✔️ Long battery life + quick charge | ❌No aptX support (LDAC only) |
| ✔️ Smart, intuitive features | |
| ✔️ Super comfortable for long use |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Immersive Audio Meets Superior Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the evolution of the classic QC line — but with a serious tech upgrade. It introduces Bose Immersive Audio, which creates a spatial-like listening experience that feels more open and three-dimensional — a big win for music lovers and podcast fans alike.
ANC is where Bose shines, and the QC Ultra doesn’t disappoint. While slightly different in implementation from Sony’s, Bose’s ANC is powerful and effective, with customizable levels and Aware Mode to let in outside sound. The comfort level is excellent (as expected from Bose), with plush earcups and a lightweight design that disappears during long listening sessions.
The QuietComfort Ultra also brings in upgraded mics for better call quality, and while the battery life is slightly lower at 24 hours, it supports fast charging and USB-C. It’s a headphone made for users who want simplicity, comfort, and sound immersion — with fewer bells and whistles than Sony, but superb execution.
- Immersive Audio mode for spatial-like sound
- Excellent ANC with Aware Mode
- 24-hour battery life with ANC
- Super comfortable, lightweight build
- Clear mic performance for calls
- Simple, intuitive button and touch controls
- USB-C fast charging: 15 mins = 2.5 hrs playback
- Customizable EQ through Bose Music App
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Incredible comfort (best in class) | ❌Shorter battery life than XM5 |
| ✔️ Immersive Audio adds depth to music | ❌No multipoint in Immersive mode |
| ✔️ Clean, balanced sound tuning | ❌Fewer smart features than Sony |
| ✔️ Strong, adjustable ANC + Aware Mode | ❌Slightly bulkier than previous QC models |
| ✔️ Great for calls and casual listening |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
- Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want smart features, longer battery, and powerful ANC in a sleek package — great for power users and travelers.
- Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you value comfort, clean sound, and immersive listening with no fuss — ideal for long listening sessions and calls.
Both are among the best ANC headphones in the market today. Your pick depends on your priority: tech-savvy excellence (Sony) or immersive comfort (Bose).