DealsBuying guidesBrandsStoresTermsPrivacydeal.ai apps

© Deal.ai Inc.

Deal.ai › Compare

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)

Both are top-tier noise-cancelling earbuds, and on November 3, 2026 the prices are close: $167.99 at eBay for the Sony WF-1000XM5 and $160.00 at eBay for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation). Pick the Sony for longer battery life, LDAC hi-res audio and a smaller, lighter build. Pick the Bose for spatial Immersive Audio, a nine-tip fit system and stronger buyer ratings. The Bose is the better value at $160, but only by about $8.

Today the Sony WF-1000XM5 costs $5.01 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5

3.8· 370 ratings
$154.99at eBayVerified
Visit store

Choose the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want up to 24 hours of total battery with the case, LDAC and 360 Reality Audio, and a smaller, lighter earbud that supports Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri.

Pros
  • Up to 24 hours of total battery with the charging case
  • LDAC and 360 Reality Audio support
  • Smaller, lighter design than the previous generation
  • Qi wireless charging
  • Works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri
Cons
  • 3.8 out of 5 from 370 ratings, lower than the Bose
  • Full features need app setup
  • Charging case is deeper than some rivals
  • No aptX support
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)

4.3· 4,104 ratings
$160.00at eBayVerified
Visit store

Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if you want Immersive Audio spatial sound, CustomTune ear-fitting ANC, nine eartip and stability band combinations, and a 4.3-star rating from over 4,100 buyers.

Pros
  • Immersive Audio spatial sound
  • CustomTune ANC adapts to each ear
  • Nine eartip and stability band combinations
  • 4.3 out of 5 from 4,104 ratings
  • aptX Adaptive and multipoint Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
  • 6 hours per charge, 4 with Immersive Audio
  • Touch controls are easy to trigger by accident
  • Some buyers report one bud cutting out
  • Some buyers report the right earbud loosening during sweaty workouts

What separates them

Sony WF-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
Price on November 3, 2026$167.99 at eBay$160.00 at eBay
Battery lifeUp to 24 hours total with the case6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), 18 hours with the case
Audio codecsSBC, AAC, LDACSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Spatial audio360 Reality AudioBose Immersive Audio
Fit systemFour ear tip sizes, Noise Isolation Earbud TipsNine eartip and stability band combinations
Water resistanceIPX4IPX4
MicrophonesDual feedback mics plus bone conduction sensorsFour microphones in each earbud
Buyer rating3.8 out of 5 from 370 ratings4.3 out of 5 from 4,104 ratings

Price history

$299.99$167.99
Oct 27Nov 3
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: lowest $167.99 on Nov 3 at eBay.
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation): lowest $229.00 on Oct 30 at Amazon; $229.00 on Nov 3.

Prices at every store

Sony WF-1000XM5

  • AVLgear.comNew

    In stock

    $299.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:15 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by tygerdealz (98.4% positive, 62 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $84.99+ $4.00 shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by dido024 (100% positive, 174 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $154.99+ $7.68 shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $199.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:15 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • pyshopping.comCheck price at pyshopping.com
  • PC Richard & SonCheck price at PC Richard & Son
All 3 stores and price history →

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)

  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    In stock

    $229.00Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 10:34 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by primefinds_44 (99.4% positive, 921 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $160.00+ $13.85 shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $229.00Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 5:36 PM
    Visit store
  • 6 Ave ElectronicsNew

    Availability unknown

    $286.49Observed Nov 3, 2026, 6:35 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • 365 WholesaleCheck price at 365 Wholesale
  • WorkoraCheck price at Workora
  • Back MarketCheck price at Back Market

Specs compared

SpecSony WF-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
ColorBlack, Smoky PinkOther
With Charging CaseYesYes
With Touch ControlsYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
UseSportsSports
actual_colorSilverN/A
Water-ResistantYesYes
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri—
Height2.1″ tall—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSony WF-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
Width3.3″ wide—
Depth3.8″ deep—
shapeNew ( 90 Day Warranty )—
size1—
Weight per earbud—0.017 lb (0.01 kg)
Case weight—0.132 lb (0.06 kg)
Water resistance—IPX4
Microphones—4 microphones in each earbud
Battery life—Immersive Audio Off: 6 hours
Battery life immersive

What reviewers say

Sony WF-1000XM5

Owner feedback centers on the noise canceling and the smaller fit, with sound quality called an improvement over the XM4. Complaints focus on touch controls that are easy to trigger and on app-dependent setup.

Pros
  • Strong noise reduction on planes and trains
  • Smaller, more comfortable design
  • Four ear tip sizes help fit
  • Improved sound over the previous generation
Cons
  • Touch controls can be overly sensitive
  • Some features require app configuration
  • Case is bulkier in depth than competitors

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)

Owners rate the earbuds 4.3 out of 5 across 4,104 ratings and consistently praise the sound, comfort and noise cancellation. Complaints center on battery life, oversensitive touch controls and fit issues with the right earbud.

Pros
  • Immersive, rich sound with strong bass
  • All-day comfort without ear fatigue
  • Strong noise cancellation, especially during travel
  • Snug, stable fit that stays sealed during activity
Cons
  • Battery life could be better, around 6 hours
  • Touch controls are too sensitive
  • Sudden loud noises cause a loud pop in the ear
  • Right earbud fit can be loose and pop out
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 cancellation, the Sony WF-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Both are class leaders. Sony pairs the Integrated Processor V2 with the QN2e chip and Noise Isolation Earbud Tips. Bose uses CustomTune to tune ANC to your ear. Bose buyers rate cancellation highly for travel; Sony's edge is adaptive processing across a wide frequency range.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Sony. Sony claims up to 24 hours total with the case. Bose gives 6 hours per charge, or 4 with Immersive Audio, plus 18 hours from the case. A 20-minute Bose quick charge adds up to 2 hours.
Is the Bose worth the extra money?
On November 3, 2026 the Bose is actually cheaper: $160.00 at eBay versus $167.99 for the Sony. At that gap the Bose is the better value if you want spatial audio and a wider fit system.
Which is better for running and the gym?
Both are IPX4. Bose offers nine eartip and stability band combinations, which helps keep a seal during activity, though some buyers say the right bud loosens when sweating. Sony's smaller, lighter body and four tip sizes suit most ears.
Do both support hi-res audio?
Sony supports LDAC and 360 Reality Audio. Bose supports aptX Adaptive, SBC and AAC, but not LDAC. On Android, the Sony can stream higher-bitrate audio over LDAC.
Which has better call quality?
Sony uses AI-based noise reduction and bone conduction sensors. Bose uses four microphones per earbud with noise filtering and enhanced voice pickup. Both handle calls well; Bose's extra mics help in wind.

More comparisons

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
  • Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
  • Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
  • Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
  • Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
  • Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best noise-cancelling earbuds for everyday use and calls
  • Best wireless earbuds
  • Best wireless noise-cancelling earbuds under $200
All 17 stores and price history →
—
Immersive Audio On: 4 hours
Case battery life—Case with 100% charge: 18 hours
Charge time—Earbuds: 2 hours
Quick charge—20 minute change provides up to 2 hours of use
Bluetooth version—Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth codecs—SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Bluetooth range—Up to 30 feet (9 m)
Headphone style—In-Ear
Noise control technology—Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless—Y
Wireless technology—Wi-Fi
Brand—Bose
Rec. use—Casual Listening
Assembled product weight—5 lb
Inputs/Outputs—Bluetooth
Battery consumption type—Integrated Rechargeable Battery
Power type—Battery
Maximum transmission range—30 ft
Virtual assistant—Siri, Google Assistant