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Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 for a capable all-rounder, strong call performance and—based on the cited head-to-head comparison—a lower price. Choose the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if stronger noise cancellation and a richer sound matter most. Neither is the right choice for everyone: comfort, fit, sound preference, device compatibility and the price of the exact generation available where you live can change the answer.
First, check which Bose QuietComfort Ultra you are comparing
The comparison discussed here is between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. What Hi-Fi?’s head-to-head review was updated in October 2024. Bose announced the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on September 10, 2025, so specifications for that newer model should not be attributed to the original.
The 2nd Gen adds USB-C lossless wired audio and Cinema Mode. Bose claims up to 30 hours of playback for that model, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled and 45 hours with ANC off. Those are manufacturer figures for the 2nd Gen under the stated settings, not independent measurements or evidence of the original model’s battery life. Bose’s 2025 announcement
How the main differences compare
| What matters | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Original Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Noise cancellation | Strong; the cited reviewers give Bose the edge. | What Hi-Fi? found it stronger; RTINGS describes Bose’s isolation advantage as slight. Both are suitable for noisy environments. |
| Sound character | What Hi-Fi? describes Sony as more natural and transparent. | What Hi-Fi? describes Bose as richer, with more body. Which you prefer is subjective. |
| Comfort and build | What Hi-Fi? found both comfortable; RTINGS rates Bose more comfortable and better built. | What Hi-Fi? found both comfortable; RTINGS rates Bose more comfortable and better built. |
| Battery figures | Sony’s current U.S. specifications claim up to 30 hours of music playback with noise canceling on, or 40 hours with it off. | The cited comparison does not establish the original model’s runtime. Bose’s up-to-30-hour claim applies to the 2nd Gen, not this pair. |
| Calls | What Hi-Fi? favors Sony for call quality. | No call-quality winner for Bose is established in the cited comparison. |
| Bluetooth and wired use | Sony lists Bluetooth 5.2 and SBC, AAC and LDAC; RTINGS says Sony can operate passively when wired. | RTINGS says the original supports aptX Adaptive and must be powered on for wired use. |
| Price context | What Hi-Fi?’s October 2024 update described Sony as cheaper in its markets; this is dated comparison context, not a current-price guarantee. | Price depends on market, seller and generation. Check that any listing is for the original model or the 2nd Gen you intend to buy. |
Sources: What Hi-Fi?’s tested comparison, RTINGS’ comparison, and Sony’s U.S. specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Choose Sony for the stronger all-round case
The WH-1000XM5 is the safer pick if you want a balanced set of strengths rather than the best performance in one specific area. In What Hi-Fi?’s cited comparison, Sony was less expensive in the markets considered, sounded more natural and transparent, and performed better for calls. Sony’s official U.S. specification page gives a manufacturer playback claim of up to 30 hours with noise canceling on and 40 hours with it off. Actual playback time varies with volume and use, so treat those figures as claims under manufacturer conditions, not a promise of real-world runtime.
Sony lists Bluetooth 5.2 and SBC, AAC and LDAC support. Whether LDAC is useful depends on whether the source device and listening setup support it. RTINGS also reports that the Sony can be used passively with a wired connection, unlike the original Bose, which must be powered on for wired use.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Choose the original Bose for noise cancellation and a fuller sound
If your first priorities are reducing noise and a richer-sounding presentation, the original QuietComfort Ultra has the more compelling case. What Hi-Fi?’s tested comparison gives Bose the ANC advantage and describes its sound as having more body. RTINGS characterizes Bose’s noise-isolation edge as slight, rather than a decisive gap, and says both headphones suit noisy environments. The difference is best treated as a reviewer-observed advantage, not a guarantee that every listener will notice it equally.
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RTINGS rates Bose as more comfortable and better built, while What Hi-Fi? found both pairs comfortable. Head shape and fit affect how headphones feel and seal, so try them on if you can before deciding. RTINGS also reports aptX Adaptive support on the original Bose; that codec matters only when the source device supports it.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).(USB Type-C Cable included)
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
What to know about battery life and the newer Bose model
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s U.S. specifications list up to 30 hours of music playback with noise canceling on and up to 40 hours with it off. These are Sony’s manufacturer claims, not a comparative independent battery test. Volume, settings and usage affect actual runtime. Sony WH-1000XM5 specifications
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose’s September 2025 announcement claims up to 30 hours, 23 hours with Immersive Audio on, or 45 hours with ANC off. Those figures describe the 2nd Gen only. They should not be used to compare battery life with the original QuietComfort Ultra because the cited evidence does not establish the original’s runtime. Bose’s announcement
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day limited hardware warranty.
- Precision-engineered to deliver exceptional High-Resolution Audio quality. Our Precise Voice Pickup Technology with newly developed wind noise reduction will also ensure you can hear and be heard clearly when taking calls on these noise cancelling headphones.
- Smart, intuitive, and intelligent. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your environment and activity, and Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you want to have a conversation, without you having to remove the over ear headphones!
- For total convenience, these Bluetooth headphones can be paired with two devices at the same time. Fast Pair will help you locate the WH-1000XM5B if you can't find them and Swift Pair makes pairing with your PC or tablet simple.
- With up to a huge 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power, even for long trips! A collapsible case is included with these Sony headphones for easy storage and travel.
Check current price and model before buying
Prices and stock change by country, seller and date. What Hi-Fi?’s lower-price observation for Sony belongs to its October 2024 comparison, not necessarily to today’s listings. Bose’s current U.S. catalog identifies the 2nd Gen, so check the product name and generation rather than assuming a listing matches an older review. Bose’s U.S. headphone catalog
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TechRadar reported 2025 launch prices for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) of $449 in the U.S., £449 in the U.K. and AU$699 in Australia. Those are historical launch prices, not current offers. TechRadar’s 2nd Gen review
Best Value
- Revolutionary noise cancellation: The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones set a new standard with industry-leading noise canceling, powered by 2 advanced processors and 8 microphones, offering an immersive sound experience. Ideal for audiophiles and professionals, these sony headphones deliver unparalleled quietness in any environment, enhancing focus whether you're working in a bustling office or relaxing on a noisy flight.
- Immersive sound, uncompromised clarity: Experience exceptional audio fidelity with newly developed drivers Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones and DSEE Extreme technology that upscales compressed music files in real-time. With Hi-Res audio support, these headphones deliver stunning sound quality, allowing music lovers and audiophiles to enjoy tracks as the artists intended, capturing every detail and nuance for a truly engaging listening experience.
- Effortless multitasking and communication: Stay seamlessly connected with multipoint connection and crystal-clear hands-free calling, allowing you to switch between devices without missing a beat. Whether you're a busy professional or a music enthusiast, the intuitive touch controls and Speak-to-Chat feature offer quick access to ambient sound, ensuring you never miss an important conversation or cue in your environment.
- All-day comfort and convenience: Designed for prolonged use, the WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over Ear Headphones feature a lightweight, ultra-comfortable design with soft-fit leather that conforms to your ears. With up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capability, they are perfect for frequent travelers and daily commuters. The redesigned collapsible case provides easy storage, while Quick Access lets you tap into Spotify effortlessly.
- Bundle Includes: Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) + 6Ave Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + P-Bank Battery + Headphone / Headset Stand
Before ordering, confirm the exact model and generation, compare the price from a reliable local seller, and check the return policy. A current Bose listing may be for the 2nd Gen, whose features and battery claims differ from those of the original QuietComfort Ultra.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
