Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Battery life: 24hrs
Transparency mode: Yes
Weight: 250g
Bose's latest over-ear headphones have some of the best noise-cancelling we've tested. Bose's Immersive Audio tech – aka spatial audio – is a bit hit and miss, but otherwise sound quality is a match for the Sonys, as is the level of comfort. They are more expensive, though.
For
- Folding design
- Rich, full-bodied sound
- Dynamic, entertaining delivery
- Exceptional noise cancelling
Against
- Immersive Audio is unconvincing
- More expensive than the Sonys
- Sonys sound clearer
Sony WH-1000XM5
Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Battery life: 30hrs
Transparency mode: Yes
Weight: 250g
The XM5 boast superior battery life compared to the Bose, have better call quality and a more extensive feature set. They're just as light, sound quality is clearer and more detailed but the Bose are richer and more full-bodied, especially in the bass. Crucially, the Sonys are significantly cheaper.
For
- Sensational sonic clarity
- Precise, agile bass
- More useful features than Bose
- Nice to use
Against
- Build seems a little less premium than before
- Don’t fold away completely
- Bose sound beefier in the bass
