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Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Both are top-tier noise-cancelling earbuds, and the choice comes down to sound tuning and fit. The Sony WF-1000XM5 packs more codec support (LDAC, LC3), multipoint, a lighter shell and a broader feature set, but reviewers are split: some love the audio and ANC, others find the fit loose and the bass weak. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the safer pick for comfort and stable ANC, though Bose gives fewer published specs here. Buy the Sony for features and hi-res audio; buy the Bose for fit and everyday quiet.

  • Choose the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want LDAC hi-res audio, multipoint pairing and the widest feature set in a light in-ear bud.
  • Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if a secure, comfortable fit and steady noise cancelling matter more to you than codec extras.

Prices

  • Sony WF-1000XM5: $144.12 at Reebelo USA (checked today)
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $199.99 at eBay (checked today)
  • Difference: the Sony WF-1000XM5 is $55.87 cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds today
Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5

3.8(370 ratings)
$144.12at Reebelo USAChecked 47 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Reebelo USA
Pros
  • LDAC and LC3 support for hi-res wireless audio
  • Multipoint pairing with two devices
  • Up to 8 hours ANC playback, 24 with case, Qi wireless charging
  • IPX4 sweat resistance and a light, small design
  • Works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri
Cons
  • Reviewers split on sound; some call bass weak and clarity poor
  • Fit is loose for some owners; buds can fall out
  • Stiff ear tips out of the box
  • App setup is complex for full features
  • Case is deeper than some rivals
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

$199.99at eBayChecked 56 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Class-leading noise cancelling
  • Secure, comfortable fit for long sessions
  • Simple touch controls
  • Charging case included
  • Water-resistant
Cons
  • No hi-res codec listed
  • Fewer published specs to compare
  • Multipoint not confirmed
  • Battery figures not stated here
  • Fewer assistant integrations named

What separates them

Sony WF-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Noise cancellingDual processors (V2 and QN2e) with AI-based ANC; reviewers rate it highly but some call it weaker than the LinkBuds SBose's signature ANC, widely regarded as the benchmark for quiet
Audio codecsAAC, SBC, LC3 and LDAC, plus 360 Reality AudioStandard Bluetooth codecs; no hi-res codec listed
Fit and comfortSmaller, lighter shell with four ear tip sizes, but several owners report a loose fit and buds falling outStable in-ear fit that reviewers consistently praise for long wear
BatteryUp to 8 hours with ANC, 24 hours with the case, Qi wireless chargingAll-day use with the charging case; exact figures not published here
Water resistanceIPX4Water-resistant, rating not specified
Controls and assistantTouch controls, Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri, Sony Headphones Connect appTouch controls, microphone, Bose app
MultipointPairs with two devices at onceNot listed
Build and size2.1 x 3.3 x 3.8 in case, 8.4 mm driversCompact case, 40 mm drivers listed (likely a spec error; these are in-ear buds)

Price history

$286.49$129.99
Oct 27Nov 10
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: lowest $129.99 on Nov 5 at Walmart; $144.12 on Nov 10.
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: lowest $199.99 on Nov 9 at eBay; $199.99 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Sony WF-1000XM5

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by adrockcarter (100% positive, 38 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $180.00+ $5.58 shippingChecked 46 min ago
    Visit eBay
  • Swiftronics USANew

    In stock

    $189.99+ $14.99 shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Swiftronics USA
  • Reebelo USANew

    Availability unknown

    $144.12Checked 47 min ago
    Visit Reebelo USA
  • Microless.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $193.42Checked Nov 3
    Visit Microless.com

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 33 stores and price history →

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by hsdealsny

    $199.99Free shippingChecked 56 min ago
    Visit eBay
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknown

    $99.94Checked Nov 3
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $279.00Free shippingChecked 47 min ago
    Visit Amazon
  • 6 Ave ElectronicsNew

    Availability unknown

    $286.49Checked Nov 3
    Visit 6 Ave Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSony WF-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
ColorBlack, Smoky PinkBlack
With Charging CaseYesYes
With Touch ControlsYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Water-ResistantYesYes
Driver Size (")0.340 mm driver
Impedance48 ohms32 ohms
UseSports—
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSony WF-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Height2.1″ tall—
Width3.3″ wide—
Depth3.8″ deep—
shapeNew ( 90 Day Warranty )—
size1—
actual_colorSilver—
ConnectivityWireless—
Water ResistanceIPX4—
Stated Battery LifeUp to 8 hours/ 24 hours with the case—
WirelessYes—

What reviewers say

Sony WF-1000XM5

  • 3.8 / 5370 ratings

Reviewers are split. Many praise the audio quality, noise cancelling and foam ear tips, and call it a clear upgrade over the previous model; others find the sound disappointing, the fit loose and the earbuds inferior to other Sony models.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityMixedSome call the audio excellent, while others say it is not clear or satisfying and the bass is weak.
  • Noise cancellingMixedMany rate it industry-leading, but some say the LinkBuds S cancels more noise.
  • FitCriticisedOwners report a loose fit and earbuds falling out, though the foam tips help some.
  • ComfortMixedSome find them comfortable for long wear; others say they are less comfortable than the LinkBuds S.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Owners and reviewers rate the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds highly for noise cancellation and fit, and many call them the best ANC earbuds available. Complaints center on battery life, the size of the case, and the sometimes unnatural sound of Immersive Audio.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationPraisedOwners say it shuts out engine rumble and crowd noise better than almost any other earbud.
  • Battery lifeCriticisedReviewers note shorter runtime than rivals, and Immersive Audio cuts it further.
  • FitPraisedThe tip and stability-band options give a secure seal that stays put.
  • Immersive AudioMixedSome love the wider soundstage; others find it processed and prefer it off.
Reviews
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2026
  • Best Headphones We've Tested - CNET
  • The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026
  • Best Wireless Earbuds of 2026 - CNET
  • Best Travel Headphones for 2026 - CNET - - Weight
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds for 2026

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancelling, Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Bose has the stronger reputation for pure ANC. Sony's dual-processor system is close and adds adaptive features, but reviewers who compared both often give Bose the edge in quiet.
Which is better for running and the gym?
Sony lists IPX4 water resistance and a sports-ready in-ear style, so it is the more explicit choice for sweat. Bose is water-resistant too, but its fit is the main reason people pick it for workouts.
Do the Sony WF-1000XM5 stay in your ears?
Not for everyone. Several owners report a loose fit and buds falling out, while others say the foam tips hold well. Try all four tip sizes before deciding.
Is the Bose worth stepping up to over the Sony?
If fit and consistent ANC are your priorities, yes. If you want LDAC, multipoint and a wider feature set, the Sony gives you more for the same kind of money.
Which has longer battery life?
Sony states up to 8 hours with ANC and 24 hours with the case. Bose does not publish comparable figures here, so Sony is the safer bet on paper.
Can I use either with an iPhone and an Android phone?
Sony supports multipoint across two devices and works with iOS and Android. Bose pairs normally but multipoint is not confirmed in the specs shown.

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Buying guides that pick them

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MicrophoneYes—
BluetoothYes—
Battery Time (in use) (h)12.0—
NFCNo—
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)20.0—
Buttons & ControlsVolume, Play/Pause—
Weight (oz)1.8—
Voice AssistantGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa—
FoldableNo—
Type of HeadphoneIn-Ear—
Manufacturer ColorBlack—
Speaker Configuration2.0 (stereo)—
IP-ClassIPX4—
Construction & ElementsDynamic—
Detachable CableNo—
Battery Time with Noise Cancelling (h)8.0—
Frequency Response (max) (Hz)20000.0—
Bluetooth CodecLDAC, SBC, LC3, AAC—
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