They are closely matched: Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 83/100 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen scores 82/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Sony WH-1000XM5 leads Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen overall by 15 points (96 vs 81 out of 100).
- Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out on Comfort & Build Weight: 250 g.
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads overall
Sony WH-1000XM5
96
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen
81
Why it stands out
- Comfort & Build Weight: 250 g
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a pair of over-ear wireless noise-canceling headphones engineered by Sony Group. Designed primarily for commuters and audio enthusiasts, they emphasize heavy environmental noise reduction and deep integration with a companion settings application.
Best for Isolating against ambient noise in busy environments or during travelBest for Users who prefer tweaking their audio experience using detailed software control
Pros
- Highly effective active noise cancellation that ranks among the best in its category
- Feature-rich companion app that allows for extensive user customization
Cons
- Physical design adjustments that some users and reviewers find less favorable than previous versions
- Out-of-the-box sound profile that may require manual equalization to correct tuning preferences
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are premium wireless over-ear headphones designed for consumers prioritizing top-tier active noise cancellation and comfort during travel or daily commutes. This iterative update introduces highly anticipated USB-C audio support, alongside Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and upgraded spatial processing features. While maintaining the premium aesthetic of the previous model, this version focuses on refined performance and expanded physical connectivity.
Best for High-fidelity wired listening directly through a USB-C connectionBest for Frequent flyers and commuters seeking elite noise isolationBest for Immersive movie watching using the newly added Cinema mode
Pros
- Newly integrated support for direct USB-C audio playback
- Upgraded ambient features including improved ActiveSense and a dedicated Cinema mode
- Exceptional physical comfort and premium build materials
- Industry-leading active noise cancellation performance
Cons
- Rechargeable battery is not user-replaceable, which restricts the product's overall lifespan
- Offers only minimal upgrades over the first-generation model
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Sony WH-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen is 14 g (6%) heavier than Sony WH-1000XM5.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen comparison
Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are compared side by side above across every spec in the headphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 83/100 for Sony WH-1000XM5 and 82/100 for Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen.
At launch, Sony WH-1000XM5 was the more affordable option ($399) versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen ($449). Weigh that against the overall scores (83/100 vs 82/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Sony WH-1000XM5 (83/100) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen (82/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.