In the case of the high-end noise-cancellation headphones, two brands will be in the limelight in 2025: the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
They both dominate the sound quality, comfort, and state-of-the-art features, which is why both can be a good option for frequent travellers, audiophiles, and professionals in general. However, when you are ready to pay more money for a good pair of wireless headphones, which is actually worth your money?
We will divide all the features, including design and sound, noise cancellation and battery life, in this comparison to make it easy to decide whether the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2025 fits your needs better.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2025: Which Is the Best Choice?
At first glance, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra appear evenly matched. Sony continues its legacy with a sleek, modern design and industry-leading active noise cancellation. At the same time, Bose has refined its legendary QuietComfort series into the Ultra, focusing on comfort and natural sound reproduction.
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Known for powerful bass, adaptive sound control, and smart AI-driven noise cancellation.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Famous for lightweight comfort, balanced audio, and excellent call quality.
Both headphones retail around $399 in 2025, though discounts occasionally bring them lower. Sony’s model appeals more to users who love tech-packed features and strong bass, while Bose caters to listeners seeking an effortlessly comfortable design and natural sound.
Choosing between them isn’t easy—it comes down to what you value more: the feature-rich innovation of Sony or the comfort-focused elegance of Bose. In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into their performance to make the decision clearer.
Design and Comfort: Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Design and comfort are critical when choosing premium headphones—especially if you wear them for hours on flights, commutes, or work sessions.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony repackaged the WH-1000XM5 in a smoother, more futuristic design in comparison to the XM4. Slim headband, smooth matte finish and soft vegan leather earcups make the touch modern and minimal.
The XM5 weighs 250 grams and is light but a bit bulky when folded, as it does not fold up flat like its predecessor. The earcup is not tight, and the clamping is considered to be balanced, making the earcup comfortable to wear without having pressure points.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The QuietComfort Ultra continues Bose’s tradition of prioritizing comfort above all. At 254 grams, it feels feather-light, and the soft ear cushions with plush padding almost disappear on your head.
Unlike Sony, Bose retains a foldable design, making the Ultra more travel-friendly. The subtle aesthetics are less flashy but practical, appealing to users who prefer timeless styling.
Verdict:
- If you value minimalist design and a futuristic look, the Sony WH-1000XM5 takes the lead.
- If all-day comfort and portability matter most, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra wins this round.
Sound Quality Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Sound quality is where preferences become highly personal. Both headphones deliver premium performance, but they approach audio tuning differently.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony has been serving the needs of those listeners who desire a richer and more dynamic sound. The XM5 has 30mm drivers made of carbon fibre, and they generate deep bass, crisp highs and detailed mids.
Assisting with LDAC codec, high-resolution audio, and Sony DSEE Extreme upscaling, the XM5 will be focused on audiophiles who want to have every detail intact. It is going to be enjoyed by bass lovers as its punch is good, but some might dislike it a bit compared to a neutral profile.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose goes a step further and emphasizes clarity and balance. The Ultra boasts of a more natural studio-like sound signature, with vocals and instruments coming out crystal clear.
One of them will be the Immersive Audio technology offered by Bose in 2025, which produces the impression of a 3D space, making music sound more spacious and realistic.
As compared to the bass-forward oriented Sony, Bose maintains everything smooth and well-tuned and is ideal to listen to classical, jazz, podcasts, or get through long listening durations without feeling fatigued.
Verdict:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Best for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop, EDM, or cinematic soundtracks.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Ideal for balanced listening, podcasts, calls, or music where clarity matters most.
Noise Cancellation: Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2025
Noise cancellation is one of the most important reasons people invest in premium headphones, and in 2025, both Sony and Bose will deliver top-tier performance.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony is still a leader in active noise cancellation (ANC). The XM5 will adjust to the world around you with two processors and eight microphones. No matter whether you are on a plane, sitting in a busy cafe or in the city traffic, the headphones will smartly cut out the unwanted sounds.
Another feature introduced by Sony is Adaptive Sound Control, which also gets to know your habits, automatically swapping between commuting, working, or relaxing. Transparency mode is also powerful, allowing natural access to ambient sound where necessary.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose has always been the first to explore ANC, and the Ultra extends the same. The ANC system in it is custom-tuned, creating a great blocking capacity of noises that are consistent, such as aeroplane engines, air conditioners, office chatter and other noises.
The point of difference between Bose and other brands is that everything sounds quite natural in Aware Mode: voices can be heard without distortion. To the frequent travellers, Ultra has been one of the surest headphones in terms of complete silence.
Verdict:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 offers smarter, AI-driven noise cancellation.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra provides a more natural listening experience with world-class ANC consistency.
Battery Life and Charging: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Battery life is another area where premium headphones need to perform—and both Sony and Bose deliver long-lasting results.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony leads with up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on, and an impressive 40 hours with ANC off. A huge bonus is fast charging: just 3 minutes of charge provides 3 hours of playback, making it perfect for busy schedules or last-minute flights. USB-C charging is smooth and reliable.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The QuietComfort Ultra delivers slightly less endurance, with 24 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 30 hours with ANC off. Fast charging is decent, offering 2.5 hours of use from a 15-minute charge. While this is sufficient for daily use, Sony clearly has the edge for marathon listening sessions.
Verdict:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 wins on pure endurance and ultra-fast charging.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra is still reliable but better suited for moderate, everyday use.
Features and Connectivity: Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Beyond design, sound, and ANC, extra features often seal the deal when choosing high-end headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony makes XM5 smart and easy to use. It operates on Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection, so you can have two devices connected at a time, so that you can smoothly switch between your laptop and phone.
The Sony Headphones Connect app is highly customizable with EQ options, adaptive noise control options, and more. Playback is also intuitive, and played on touch-sensitive earcups: swipe to switch, swipe to change music or volume, or to pick up or take a call.
Also, Sony is adding 360 Reality Audio, which provides spatial audio on the supported platforms such as Tidal and Amazon Music. Narratively supported voice assistants include Google Assistant and Alexa.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose has a slightly different kind of approach. QuietComfort Ultra has Bluetooth 5.3, which is more powerful and has reduced latency. The process of multipoint pairing is seamless, but the customization of the device is not as comprehensive as that of Sony.
Bose brings Immersive Audio, which creates the feeling of three-dimensional sound, improving movies, games, and music. Gestures and touch controls are basic and not as extensive as Sony’s. Bose also includes a convenient and clean application to update the firmware and adjust the sounds.
Verdict:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Best for tech-savvy users who want maximum control and advanced features.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Perfect for those who prefer simplicity with a focus on immersive listening.
Price and Value for Money in 2025
Premium headphones aren’t just about performance—they’re also a big investment.
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Price: Around $399, though by 2025 it often dips to $349 during sales. Considering its long battery life, extensive features, and customization, it’s a strong value proposition.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Price: Also priced at $399, but discounts are less frequent, usually hovering closer to retail. Its selling point lies in unmatched comfort and the introduction of Immersive Audio.
When it comes to durability, both brands are reliable. Sony may appeal to those who want maximum features per dollar, while Bose is often the top pick for frequent travellers who prioritize comfort and sound neutrality.
Verdict: Both offer excellent value at the same price point. Your decision comes down to whether you value features (Sony) or comfort and natural sound (Bose) more.
Final Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
So, which one should you buy in 2025—the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want:
- The longest battery life (up to 30 hours with ANC)
- Deeper bass and richer sound for modern music
- Advanced smart features and customizable EQ
- Industry-leading AI-powered noise cancellation
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you want:
- Unmatched comfort for long listening sessions
- Balanced, natural sound with immersive 3D audio
- Reliable ANC performance with excellent transparency
- A lightweight, travel-friendly design
In short, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is for tech enthusiasts and audiophiles who want cutting-edge features and strong bass, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is for those who value effortless comfort and balanced sound. Both are leaders in 2025, and whichever you choose, you’re investing in one of the finest wireless headphones available today.
FAQs
Which is better, the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is feature-rich with stronger bass and longer battery life, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers unmatched comfort and balanced sound.
Which headphone is best, Bose or Sony?
Both are excellent: Sony excels in features and ANC, while Bose is best for comfort and natural audio. The choice depends on your priority.
What headphones are better than the Sony 1000XM5?
Alternatives like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple AirPods Max rival the XM5, but few surpass its overall features and performance.
What is the difference between the Sony WF 1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort?
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are earbuds with portability in mind, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are over-ear headphones designed for comfort and immersive sound.