Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5: The Ultimate Noise-Canceling Showdown (2025)

The premium noise-canceling headphone market has never been more competitive, and two models are dominating the conversation in 2025: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5. These flagship headphones are top choices for anyone who values silence, comfort, and sound fidelity.

Introduction

At around the $400 mark, both these over-ear titans aim to deliver uncompromising noise isolation, premium sound, and next-gen functionality. Whether you’re a frequent flyer trying to mute the roar of a jet engine, a remote worker fielding back-to-back video calls, or just someone who appreciates great sound without the distractions—this comparison has you covered.

Each of these headphones takes a distinct approach. Bose leans into class-leading ANC and all-day comfort, while Sony packs the XM5 with adaptive tech, app control, and broader codec support. So which one truly earns the spot on your head—and in your bag—in 2025?

Let’s break it all down.

Design and Build Quality

Size, Weight, and Portability

Bose has stuck to its roots with the QuietComfort Ultra’s familiar foldable design—a real win for travelers. It folds neatly into a slim carrying case and weighs just 250 grams, making it the more compact and travel-friendly of the two.

Sony, on the other hand, committed to a sleek, minimalist silhouette with the XM5—but ditched the folding hinges. The result is a refined, seamless frame at 254 grams, but one that demands a bit more room in your backpack. Sony says this change enhances durability and structural integrity, and to be fair, it does feel rock-solid.

Materials and Long-Term Durability

The materials used here say a lot about the brands’ philosophies. Bose blends premium plastics with a metal-reinforced headband and protein leather cushions—sturdy yet soft. The Ultra feels tough enough for daily use without looking industrial.

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 steps into eco-conscious territory. Recycled plastics and sustainable packaging don’t compromise the premium feel. The synthetic leather wrap is softer than past models, though the lighter colors show wear faster. After a few months of real-world use, both models held up admirably—but the XM5’s finish did attract more smudges.

Comfort for Extended Use

Both headphones are supremely comfortable—but comfort isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Bose’s deeper ear cups and moderate clamping force offer plush, all-day comfort. They seal well, fit larger ears easily, and distribute weight evenly. If you wear glasses, the QuietComfort Ultra might just be your new best friend.

Sony’s XM5 takes a different path with lighter foam padding and a headband that spreads weight more evenly. It’s exceptionally comfortable, but some larger-headed users felt a bit of crown pressure after four-plus hours. Still, both are among the most wearable headphones on the market today.

Style and Aesthetic Appeal

Bose keeps things classy and subdued. Black, White Smoke, and Sandstone all look sharp, with just a hint of elegance thanks to subtle metallic accents.

Sony goes for a more modern, statement look. The matte finish resists fingerprints beautifully, and the Midnight Blue colorway is a standout. While Bose feels boardroom-ready, Sony leans slightly more toward streetwear sleek.

Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5

The Tech Behind the Silence

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5 competition shows how each company uniquely approaches ANC. The QuietComfort Ultra introduces Bose’s new CustomTune technology, which calibrates ANC to the shape of your ear every time you put them on. With eight microphones and a revamped digital chip, Bose doesn’t just block sound—it adapts to your ears in real time.

Sony counters with its proven QN1 HD Noise Canceling Processor—paired with a second processor and eight microphones on the WH-1000XM5. Sony’s system is a powerhouse at analyzing ambient noise and excels in the mid-range frequencies—especially where human voices live.

Real-World Performance

We tested both models in everyday (and not-so-everyday) environments to see how they stack up:

• Airplane Cabin: Both headphones nearly erase engine hum, but the Bose edges ahead with deeper low-frequency suppression. It’s eerily quiet—almost like someone hit mute on the world.
• Open Office: The QuietComfort Ultra shows major gains over previous Bose models, especially in cutting chatter and clacking keyboards. The XM5 performs slightly better at adapting to random, sharp sounds like coughing or a dropped mug.
• Urban Streets: Walking through traffic and construction noise, both handled ambient chaos well. Sony takes a slight lead in wind handling, thanks to improved mic positioning and smart processing.

Smart ANC Adaptation

Bose’s Aware Mode with ActiveSense adjusts in real time to sudden noises—like a door slam or barking dog—then smoothly reverts to your preset level. It’s responsive and doesn’t require learning patterns.

Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control takes a smarter, longer-term approach. Over time, it learns your routine—home, office, commute—and tailors ANC settings automatically. It’s location-aware and behavior-aware, which feels more magical the longer you use it.

Transparency Mode

Transparency is no longer an afterthought—it’s now an essential feature.

Bose nails it. The QuietComfort Ultra’s Aware Mode sounds incredibly natural, preserving spatial cues and making it easy to have a conversation without removing your headphones.

Sony offers more control—20 levels of ambient passthrough and a “focus on voices” mode—but its ambient sound still feels slightly processed compared to Bose. That said, if you like tweaking settings to suit different environments, Sony’s approach is more flexible.

Sound Quality

Signature and Tuning Philosophy

Bose has clearly re-engineered their sound profile with the QuietComfort Ultra—and it’s a big leap forward. This isn’t the old “safe” Bose tuning. The bass is deeper and better defined, the mids are lively, and the treble finally sparkles without harshness.

Sony sticks to its signature smooth, slightly warm profile on the WH-1000XM5. It’s engaging, especially for pop and electronic genres, with a full-bodied bass and clean mids. It’s not as analytical—but it is fun and fatigue-free.

Breakdown: Bass, Mids, Treble

• Bass: Bose offers cleaner, tighter bass with less boom—great for detail lovers. Sony has more warmth and slam out of the box, which many users love.
• Midrange: Vocals are crisp, clear, and present on the QuietComfort Ultra. Sony is more relaxed in this range, which works beautifully for classical or ambient listening.
• Treble: The biggest surprise is how refined Bose’s treble has become. Sony plays it safer with a rolled-off top end, avoiding harshness.

Soundstage and Imaging

Bose now offers a noticeably wider soundstage than previous generations. Instruments have space, and the stereo image is well defined.

Sony leans more into depth than width. You get excellent layering, especially in orchestral and cinematic tracks.

Bluetooth Codec Support

• Bose: SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive.
• Sony: SBC, AAC, and LDAC.

Android users may prefer LDAC’s high bitrate, but aptX Adaptive provides lower latency.

Final Verdict: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5

So in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5 showdown, which one wins? It depends on your needs.

Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you want:

• The best low-frequency ANC performance
• All-day comfort and a travel-friendly design
• More natural transparency mode

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want:

• Longer battery life
• LDAC support and more app customization
• Better microphone clarity in noisy places

Either way, you’re getting best-in-class performance. For travelers, Bose might be the top pick. For tinkerers and Android audiophiles, Sony still holds the crown.

For more comparisons like this, check out our guide to best ANC headphones for travel.

Explore more on the official Sony WH-1000XM5 page and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra site.