Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 are high-quality noise-canceling earbuds, but they have some differences that may influence your choice. Here’s a comparison of their key features:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Battery life (buds): 6 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Yes
- Spatial Audio: Yes
- Water resistance: IPX4
| No. | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Pros | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Cons |
| 1. | Enhanced spatial audio features | Bulky design compared to competitors |
| 2. | Best-in-class active noise cancellation | Disappointing battery life |
| 3. | Metallic finish adds flair | Case needs an additional cover for wireless charging |
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Battery life (buds): 8 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Yes
- Spatial Audio: Yes
- Water resistance: IPX4
| No. | Sony WF-1000XM5 Pros | Sony WF-1000XM5 Cons |
| 1. | Agile, meaty, and fun sound quality | Occasional connectivity issues |
| 2. | Very comfortable and secure earpieces | ANC performance is not as strong as the Bose |
| 3. | Competitive battery life | On-ear volume control can be inconsistent |
The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds offer impressive spatial audio features and the best-in-class active noise cancellation, making them ideal for a noise-free listening experience. However, they have a bulky design and slightly disappointing battery life. Additionally, the case requires an extra cover for wireless charging.
On the other hand, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds provide a comfortable and secure fit, along with excellent sound quality. Their battery life is competitive, and they support wireless charging without the need for an additional cover. However, they may experience occasional connectivity issues, and their ANC is not as powerful as the Bose’s.
Ultimately, your choice may depend on your priorities. If you prioritize the best noise cancellation and spatial audio features, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are a solid choice. If you prefer slightly longer battery life, comfort, and strong sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5 could be the better option.
Pricing Comparison Between Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds were officially priced at $299 in the US, £299 in the UK, and AU$449 in Australia when they became available in mid-October, following their September 14, 2023 launch.
Sony introduced the WF-1000XM5 earbuds on July 24, 2023, and they hit the shelves in August 2023 for $299.99 in the US, £259 in the UK, and AU$499 in Australia. This pricing falls in line with expectations, considering that the WF-1000XM4 was priced at $279.99 in the US, £250 in the UK, and AU$449.95 at its 2021 launch.
Bose has maintained a consistent approach with the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, pricing them at the same level as the QuietComfort Earbuds II, which were released in September 2022.
While both sets of earbuds have a similar launch price, the true value can be assessed based on their performance and features. In terms of competition, these price points align with leading rivals like the Technics EAH-AZ80, priced at $299 in the US, £259 in the UK, and AU$499, and the AirPods Pro 2, which are available for $249 in the US, £229 in the UK, and AU$399. While there is a $50 price variation among these options, they all cater to a similar market segment, and potential buyers are likely to consider multiple models, particularly those seeking the latest features and performance.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5 – Active Noise Cancellation and Immersive Audio
The primary battle between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM5 revolves around noise cancellation and immersive audio features.
Active Noise Cancellation:
- Bose has a history of excelling in active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. Early reviews of the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds confirm the impressive ANC capabilities, maintaining Bose’s reputation in this area.
- Sony made efforts to enhance its ANC in the WF-1000XM5, adding a new, larger driver unit, an integrated processor, and three mics per earbud. While the ANC worked well and was effective, it did not consistently outperform rival models in its class.
Immersive Audio:
- Sony offers immersive audio through Sony 360 Reality Audio, providing a 360-degree soundstage with 24 object-based channels. This technology requires the user to take photos of their ears and link their Tidal account for detailed sound placement.
- Bose’s immersive audio is based on its new spatial audio technology, known as Immersive Audio. It creates a multi-dimensional soundstage that surrounds the listener, enhancing immersion in audio content. Bose offers two distinct listening modes: Still mode with a fixed sound profile and Motion mode, which adapts to the listener’s movements.
- Sony’s Headphones Connect app, while offering noise control, doesn’t focus on spatial audio. In the Sony WF-C700N, which is more budget-friendly, you can find Sony-type tech.
RELATED: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Apple AirPods Pro 2 – A Detailed Comparison for Audiophiles
In this comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds emerge as the winner for noise cancellation and immersive audio technology, offering impressive ANC and spatial audio capabilities. However, the decision might depend on specific user preferences and priorities.
Sound Quality of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5
The sound quality of the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM5 is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing between them. Each earbud offers a different listening experience.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer a powerful listening experience with their Immersion mode, which combines top-level active noise cancellation (ANC) and Immersive Audio technology. This results in an all-encompassing audio experience.
- The 9.3mm drivers within Bose’s buds excel in blocking external noise while delivering balanced and clean sound. The noise-canceling capabilities make them suitable for noisy environments, such as airplane cabins.
- Bose earbuds typically provide a vigorous listening experience. However, they have been outperformed by Sony’s alternatives in terms of nuance and detail in previous comparisons.
Sony WF-1000XM5:
- The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds feature a new 8.4mm driver under the hood, delivering crisp and balanced sound with a zealous and exciting listening experience. They offer crisp bass weight, making them suitable for bass enthusiasts.
- Sony’s earbuds are well-suited for Tidal due to their support for 360 Reality Audio. However, even when listening to lossy streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, users can enjoy an agile, meaty, and enthusiastic audio performance.
- Sony offers both Spatial Audio and high-res audio support, including LDAC for high resolution and DSEE Extreme for real-time audio upscaling. The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds feature aptX Adaptive for high-resolution audio.
Both earbuds provide excellent sound quality, but the preference might depend on individual taste. Bose’s Immersion mode is particularly impressive in noisy environments, while Sony’s WF-1000XM5 delivers a crisp and balanced sound that is particularly attractive for bass enthusiasts. The choice may come down to personal listening preferences and usage scenarios.
Design and Comfort Between Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5
The design and comfort of earbuds can significantly impact your overall listening experience. Here’s how the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM5 compare in terms of design and comfort:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- The design of the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds is visually similar to their predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. The primary upgrades are under the hood, including enhanced microphone technology for call quality.
- These earbuds feature a polished and metallic treatment on the body, giving them a premium look.
- To enable wireless charging, Bose provides a slip-over silicon charging-case cover, rather than building wireless charging directly into the case.
- The design of these earbuds is recognizable, and they offer a secure and comfortable fit.
Sony WF-1000XM5:
- Sony has made significant design changes compared to the previous WF-1000XM4, resulting in a smaller and lighter form factor. The WF-1000XM5 is 25% smaller and 20% lighter.
- These earbuds feature a glossy texture, giving them a distinct visual appeal compared to the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds.
- Sony offers eartips in four different sizes, including an ultra-small SS model, which is suitable for smaller ears.
- The WF-1000XM5 is designed for enhanced comfort and a lighter feel, making them a more suitable choice for users who prefer smaller and lighter earbuds.
The choice between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM5 in terms of design and comfort depends on individual preferences. The Bose earbuds offer a polished and recognizable design, while the Sony earbuds feature a distinct look with a smaller and lighter form factor. Individuals looking for smaller and lighter earbuds may prefer the Sony WF-1000XM5.
Battery Life of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Battery life is an essential factor to consider when choosing earbuds, especially if you plan to use them for extended periods. Here’s how the battery life of the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds compares to that of the Sony WF-1000XM5:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds provide up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, which is on the lower side compared to some other premium earbuds.
- The charging case offers an additional three full charges, bringing the total battery life, including case charges, to 24 hours.
Sony WF-1000XM5:
- The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers an eight-hour battery life on a single charge, which is longer than the Bose earbuds’ battery life.
- The charging case provides two additional charges, resulting in a total battery life of 24 hours, the same as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
In terms of battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM5 outperforms the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds with a longer eight-hour playback time on a single charge. However, the total battery life, including case charges, is the same for both earbuds at 24 hours. Additionally, it’s worth noting that only the Sony WF-1000XM5 case supports wireless charging.
If you prioritize longer continuous usage on a single charge, the Sony WF-1000XM5 may be the better choice for you.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5 depends on your specific preferences and priorities. Here is the differences:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- Exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that is particularly effective.
- Immersive Audio feature for an expansive and multi-dimensional soundstage.
- Suitable for Tidal users looking to experience Sony 360 Reality Audio.
- Fun to use and highly effective at canceling noise.
- A great choice if noise cancellation is a top priority.
Sony WF-1000XM5:
- Excellent audio quality and crisp balanced sound.
- Support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and high-res audio.
- Smaller and lighter design, making them more comfortable for users with smaller ears.
- Suitable for those looking for a smaller and more compact package.
- Connectivity issues experienced during testing.
Ultimately, if noise cancellation is a primary concern for you, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the clear choice, as they excel in this area and provide an impressive, immersive audio experience. However, if you prioritize compactness, comfort for smaller ears, and high-quality audio, the Sony WF-1000XM5 may be the better fit for you.
As I mentioned, budget is also an important consideration, so be sure to weigh your preferences against the cost and features of each option.
