Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Quick take: The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) costs $19 less; the Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts longer per charge (30 hrs).
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229 | $248 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (11,000) | 4.4★ (30,000) |
| Type | Over-Ear Headphones | Over-Ear Headphones |
| Noise Cancelling | ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Battery (single charge) | 24 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | 15 min = 2.5 hrs | 3 min = 3 hrs |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | — | 30 mm |
| Weight | 240 g | 250 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023)
- ✓About 90% of the Ultra's ANC for $120 less
- ✓Clicky physical buttons work with gloves on
- ✓Folds flat and small, unlike the XM5
- ✓240 grams of classic QuietComfort comfort
- ✓3.5mm jack works with airplane entertainment systems
- ✓Adjustable ANC modes via the app
- ✗SBC and AAC only — no aptX at $229
- ✗Dated Bluetooth 5.1 versus rivals' 5.3 and newer
- ✗24-hour battery trails the whole flagship pack
- ✗Plasticky build creaks a little when flexed
- ✗Treble runs soft — classic polite Bose tuning
Sony WH-1000XM5
- ✓Flagship-grade ANC for roughly $150 under launch price
- ✓250 grams practically disappears on your head
- ✓Warm, bass-forward tuning still competes with anything here
- ✓Reliable multipoint and mature Headphones Connect app
- ✓3-minute quick charge yields 3 hours
- ✓30-hour battery matches the newer XM6
- ✗Widespread headband-stem cracking reports — spawned class-action chatter
- ✗Non-folding design forces a bulky travel case
- ✗Touch controls misfire in cold or humid weather
- ✗Smooth plastic finish scuffs easily
- ✗No aptX support, as with every Sony flagship