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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Lee Dunkley

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Which noise canceling headphones win?

Sony Bose Tom Guide
Bose QC Ultra Headphones with Sony WH-1000XM5 on a wooden bench.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The QC Ultra Headphones combine class-leading ANC with intuitive features and universal spatial audio to deliver one of the most engaging, peaceful listening experiences money can buy.

For

  • Modernized design
  • Effective Immersive Audio experience
  • Intuitive controls
  • Impressive ANC

Against

  • High cost compared to most rivals
  • Middling battery life for a flagship design
Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony has stepped up its ANC tech with the XM5 to give Bose a run for the money. They sound superb, and the 30-hour battery life (with ANC) is strong. Everything from the touch controls to the Headphones Connect app is well thought out and seamlessly integrated.

For

  • Articulate and engaging sound
  • Great control options
  • Impressive noise-cancelation
  • Long battery life
  • Stellar call quality

Against

  • Redesign divides opinion
  • Gets hot around the ears during longer listening
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