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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For an immersive audio experience with high noise isolation and portability, opt for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which are better for exercise and air travel with excellent sound quality and comfort. They also support aptX Adaptive codec for enhanced wireless audio. On the other hand, if you prioritize microphone quality for calls, longer battery life, and the option to connect with a cable, consider the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. These headphones are better for extended wear due to over-ear design but are less suitable for exercise, given their size and weight. Both offer active noise cancelling and app customization features. 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 QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- The Sony WH-1000XM5 has no clear advantages over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Key differences
Gaming
8.8
5.6
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is very good for gaming, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
8.1
5.8
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
6.5 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$249
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds has a price of $249 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Music
8.6
8.2
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Phone Calls
5.1
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.0
6.0
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
8.9
9.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is very good.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$249 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bose | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2023 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.2/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 21 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7.7 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Christian Thomas | October 2023
"Bose put the time in to fix the major issues with the previous earbuds, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are very befitting of its price point. While you might be tempted to save a few bucks and go with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II on sale, fight the urge. There are enough upgrades here to justify the newer model."
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 QuietComfort Ultra 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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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