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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize noise cancellation and portability, consider the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds; they are smaller, more comfortable, and have a slightly better noise isolation. However, if you're looking for high-quality phone calls, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones provide significantly clearer mic quality. The Sony headphones also have virtual surround sound, which the Bose lacks, enhancing TV and gaming experiences. Recognize the convenience of headphones that can be wired or wireless, like the Sony, versus the Bose earbuds’ wireless-only option. Exercise enthusiasts might prefer the sweatproof feature of the Bose. The Bose earbuds have a shorter battery life but support wireless charging, unlike the Sony headphones which offer a longer battery life but no wireless charging. Choose the Bose for superior comfort during travel and exercise, and the Sony if you want a longer battery life and virtual surround for immersive listening. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is good.
Phone Calls
6.6
5.5
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.5
6.0
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
Battery
7.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has a price of $199 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.6
5.6
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
6.0
5.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds to be only fair for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.9
8.8
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bose | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 7 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.5 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | March 2023
"The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a great do-it-all option for anyone, so long as you can afford it. This is a great alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. You can choose the degree of noise canceling, and enjoy premium features like automatic ear-detection. These earbuds merit an IPX4 rating, making them a fine workout companion."
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds or the Sony WH-1000XM5
About Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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