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r/bose on Reddit: Bose Quietcomfort Ultra headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5
October 25, 2023 -
First impression after 24 hours of comparing both headphones from an average listener:
Build Quality
Bose are well built, but they feel more fragile than the XM5 (or the QC45 from memory). The ear cups feel shallow and not as sturdy as the QC45 (which used glass-filled nylon). The headphone is really soft, the the lining seems very thin, wondering how it's going to hold. It's quite a small pair of headphones, big head might have problems with the fit. The adjustable hinge are really sturdy and quite hard to move up and down.
Comfort
The QC Ultra are replay comfortable, the clamping force is stronger than the XM5. The XM5 feel lighter on the head. It's a different fit, but both are equally comfortable. I think that the QC Ultra might be more comfortable on longer session because of the wider and squishier headband.
Connectivity
Multipoint works very well from what I've tested so far. I had some problems with the QC 45 stuttering and skipping when connected to both my iPhone and my Macbook, but it's not the case with the QC Ultra.
Sound Quality
Excellent sound quality, on par with Sony and maybe better in the low end than the XM5. It's punchier and more I feel like it has more presence. The output volume is on par with the Sony, the QC45 are quieter in comparaison.
ANC
On par with the XM5 from what I have tested in my house. The Sony seems to have a better passive isolation, but the ANC on the Ultra does a great job of blocking the noise, so they are similar in that department. The QC Ultra has some white noise when nothing is playing, the XM5 are really silent it that regard.
I'm going to compare them further, but right now I feel that there is not enough differences in the headphones for the QC Ultra to replace my Sony WH100-XM5.
Top answer 1 of 5
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Nice write up! I too have used both. XM5 for me was really uncomfortable (Even compared to my NC700's) as the ear padding was super thin. They also have a known build quality issue where the headband is breaking on them after a year! The XM5 also has honestly shocking audio quality for anyone that's tried multiple headphones and if you EQ it they get tinny. Honestly the XM4 is so much better if I could get over my ears rubbing on the inside. The Ultra has much better audio quality in my opinion. But it's got nothing on more audio focussed headphones (Sennheiser M4 for example) which absolutely blow it away in that regard and once you listen to one of these you'll start to notice that Bose headphones (and Sony) are at the lower end of the market for pure sound quality. I also found the ear cups more shallow on the Ultra than the previous generations and the leatherette more coarse / less supple. This might be to prevent the leatherette from peeling like it used to on all the old ones :).
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Not a stalker, but saw this post too. I'm about to do the same comparison. Had AirpodMaxs from release day, but they just started dying on me. Got the Sonys and enjoyed them but then the Ultras were released and I couldn't not get them to compare. Can't wait! Its an amazing time to be a headphone lover!
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › over-ear headphones › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs sony wh-1000xm5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 - SoundGuys
October 16, 2025 - Both headphones are similarly light, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are more portable, owing to their carrying case and ability to fold down to fit inside. The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, can only fold flat.
Bose Quietcomfort Ultra headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Nice write up! I too have used both. XM5 for me was really uncomfortable (Even compared to my NC700's) as the ear padding was super thin. They also have a known build quality issue where the headband is breaking on them after a year! The XM5 also has honestly shocking audio quality for anyone that's tried multiple headphones and if you EQ it they get tinny. Honestly the XM4 is so much better if I could get over my ears rubbing on the inside. The Ultra has much better audio quality in my opinion. But it's got nothing on more audio focussed headphones (Sennheiser M4 for example) which absolutely blow it away in that regard and once you listen to one of these you'll start to notice that Bose headphones (and Sony) are at the lower end of the market for pure sound quality. I also found the ear cups more shallow on the Ultra than the previous generations and the leatherette more coarse / less supple. This might be to prevent the leatherette from peeling like it used to on all the old ones :). More on reddit.com
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October 25, 2023Bose QuietComfort Ultra VS Sony WH-1000XM5
This is a good post, but there are way too many repetitive statements that could cut this post more than 50% in length if they were removed. More on reddit.com
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July 8, 2024Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra vs Sony WH1000XM5
I have both and prefer the bass on the Bose. The ANC is better on the Sony and I use it for audiobooks not music. Working out music, definitely prefer the Bose. More on reddit.com
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June 10, 2024Bose QC Ultra vs Sony WH1000XM5
Recently, I've done an A/B test for NC performance with the flagship models from the big manufacturers. The test location was a local Best Buy store - the noise profile is similar to an open floor office, which is the environment I'm interested in. This is the leaderboard, from best (first) to worst (last): Bose QuietComfort Ultra Apple AirPods Max Sony WH-1000XM5 / XM4 (very similar) The differences are small. Any of these headphones would work well for noise canceling. But in an A/B test I could hear the differences, small as they are. I've only looked for NC performance, since that's literally the only thing I care about for the work headphones. I do not care about sound quality, the phone app, etc. More on reddit.com
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October 23, 2023RecordingNow
recordingnow.com › blog › bose-quietcomfort-ultra-vs-sony-wh-1000xm5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Which is Better?
April 3, 2025 - The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is typically $30-$100 more expensive than the XM5, depending on sales. Overall, the Sony WH 1000XM5 is anywhere from $30 to $100 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra at current market prices for brand new.
What Hi-Fi?
whathifi.com › headphones › wireless headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which is better? | What Hi-Fi?
October 17, 2024 - The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones launched in October 2023 and cost £450 / $429 / AU$649. That's quite a bit pricier than the Sony WH-1000XM5, which launched back in May 2022 for £380 / $399 / AU$550.
RTINGS.com
rtings.com › home › headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless: Which Headphones Are Better? - RTINGS.com
April 5, 2016 - The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless have the edge over the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable and better built. They also have a slight edge in noise isolation, but the difference is minor; both choices are still ...
Stuff
stuff.tv › features › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs sony wh-1000xm5: which is best?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5 | Stuff
March 4, 2024 - The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones certainly aren’t cheap, available $429/£450. That puts it above many high-end ANC headphones. At $399/£319, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer a marginal saving for US buyers, but a big one for UK customers.
Rolling Stone
rollingstone.com › product-recommendations › electronics › bose-quietcomfort-ultra-vs-sony-wh-1000xm5-headphones-review-1235323480
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Who Makes the Better Noise-Canceling Headphones?
October 13, 2025 - Both are worth the money, but the best one for you might depend on what you’re looking for, with Bose excelling in portability and noise-canceling, and Sony winning in battery life and price.
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › audio › headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Which noise canceling headphones win? | Tom's Guide
November 4, 2023 - ... The main reason why I've pitted these two headphones together is to see which have the better ANC performance. There's no doubt about it, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have the best noise-canceling performance I've encountered.
YouTube
youtube.com › norbreviews
After a YEAR using the Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony XM5, here's what I recommend - YouTube
I've owned the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for a year and the Sony WH-1000XM5 for two years. They are the champs of Noise Canceling! But what really sets them ap...
Published November 28, 2024 Views 3K
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Sony WH-1000XM6: Finally PERFECT? (VS XM5, Bose QC Ultra & AirPods Max) - YouTube
—————————— PURCHASE LINKS——————————Sony WH-1000XM6: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101130472-17086682Sony WH-1000XM5: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10113047...
Published May 15, 2025
ZDNET
zdnet.com › home › tech › wearables › headphones
Why I travel with Bose's QuietComfort Ultra instead of the Sony XM5 headphones - and they're on sale | ZDNET
November 27, 2024 - I like the sound of Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones better than the Sony WH-1000XM5. It could be because I like listening to music with string instruments, and they sound better with a more natural sound profile instead of the warmer sound ...
PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › comparisons › audio › headphones
High-End Headphone Throwdown! Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Apple AirPods Max | PCMag
May 15, 2025 - When you think of high-end wireless noise-cancelling headphones, chances are three different names come to mind: Apple, Bose, and Sony. The $549 AirPods Max offer amazing audio quality, striking good looks, and deep integration with Apple products, but they are extravagantly expensive. The $429 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have been the gold standard for noise cancellation since they hit the market, but are quickly approaching their second birthday.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Honest Comparison in 2025 - YouTube
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra - New: https://amzn.to/4buftln- Bose QuietComfort Ultra - Renewed (Save up to $140+): https://amzn.to/4kTFn69- Sony WH-1000XM5 - Ne...
Published April 3, 2025
AVForums
avforums.com › home › hi-fi › headphones, earphones & portable music
Sony XM5 vs Bose Ultra QC | AVForums
October 12, 2024 - The Sonys sounded much more dynamic and lively to my ears with good soundstage. The Bose surround feature is a gimmick and just adds echo to make it appear that they have surround and reduxe battery life significantly.
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › headphones › best noise-canceling headphones i've tested for 2025
Best Noise Canceling Headphones of 2025 - CNET
December 2, 2025 - They offer some significant improvements over the XM5s, but not enough to justify rushing to upgrade at full price. ... The headphones now feature USB-C audio. ... Unclear what hardware changes Bose has made and this model looks almost identical ...
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whathifi.com › headphones › wireless earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which are better? | What Hi-Fi?
November 3, 2023 - But the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are more comfortable, and have more comprehensive noise-cancelling technology. If those are high on your list of priorities, the Bose could be the better bet.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Still worth buying?! - Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra - YouTube
Finally compared the most popular headphones of 2024, the Bose QC Ultra and Sony XM5! Which one is better?Get Them Here——————————————Bose QC Ultra https://ge...
Published August 18, 2024
VERSUS
versus.com › home › headphones comparison › bose quietcomfort ultra headphones vs sony wh-1000xm5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5: What is the difference?
November 1, 2018 - Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones, Auto NC Optimizer, 30-Hour Battery, Alexa Voice Contr...Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones, Auto NC Optimizer, 30-Hour Battery, Alexa Voice Control, Midnight Blue
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › wireless earbuds › bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds vs sony wf-1000xm5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5 - SoundGuys
November 19, 2024 - The designs of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 are quite different, with the former using a stem and bud design, and the latter simply containing all of its internal hardware in its bud.
Prevention
prevention.com › life › sony vs. bose headphones: which over-ear style is better?
Sony Vs. Bose Headphones: Which Noise Canceling Model Is Better?
April 12, 2025 - I put the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones to a head-to-head test to see which pair performs best in noise-canceling and sound performance.