Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 15 published reviews

Sony

WH-1000XM5

The XM5 excels at noise cancellation, refined sound, and call quality, but its price, bulk, and fit trade-offs may limit its value.

Best for: Travelers and commuters prioritizing top-tier noise cancellation and call quality.
Skip it if: Skip if you need foldability, lower cost, or neutral tuning.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Sony WH-1000XM5

Bose

QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

A comfortable, top-tier ANC option with balanced sound, though premium pricing and some fit limitations apply.

Best for: Travelers prioritizing silence, comfort, and balanced sound.
Skip it if: Budget shoppers or listeners wanting maximum detail and spaciousness.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

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Specs side by side

Spec	Sony WH-1000XM5	Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
Fit	Over-ear	Over-ear
Connection	Wireless	Wireless
Noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Best for	Music, Travel, Work & calls	Music, Travel, Work & calls
Microphone	Built-in mic	Built-in mic
Ear cups	Closed-back	Closed-back

Rows where the two differ come first.

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Sony WH-1000XM5

Class-leading active noise cancellation excels across travel and commuting. 1 2 3 5
Balanced, detailed sound is repeatedly praised by reviewers. 1 2 3 7
Call quality improved substantially, including in noisy settings. 1 3 4 7
Comfort suits many listeners over extended sessions. 1 3 4 5
Long battery life supports commuting and extended listening. 2 3 4 5
The high price and modest upgrade weaken value. 1 2 3 6
Nonfolding design and bulky case reduce travel portability. 1 2 4 6
Some listeners find tuning bass-heavy with recessed midrange. 5 6
Fit can cause pressure or discomfort during long sessions. 6 7

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

Exceptional ANC handles varied environments effectively. 1 2 3 5
Comfortable, lightweight fit supports long listening sessions. 1 2 3 4
Strong bass, clear highs, and balanced overall sound. 1 2 5 7
Ambient mode and adjustable ANC support situational awareness. 1 2 3 5
Long battery life with convenient USB-C charging. 2 3 7
Premium pricing offers poor value for budget shoppers. 1 2 3 6
Battery life is solid but not category-leading. 1 2 4
Fit may feel bulky or tight to some users. 1 2 7
Some rivals offer greater detail and spatial immersion. 1 3 7

Ranked in our guides

Guide	WH-1000XM5	QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
Best noise cancelling headphones	#9	#2
Best soundproof headphones	#5	#2
Best headphones for travel	–	#2

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 15 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.