Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Which to Buy?
By Raimundo Oliveira, founder & editor · Published · Updated · Products hand-picked and curated, updated daily
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) has the stronger noise cancelling and spatial audio for $449. The Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $299.99 with excellent ANC and call quality, so it is the better value for most people.
Our picks at a glance
- Best value: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — Top-tier ANC with 8 microphones for $299.99. (USD 299.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best noise cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) — Bose's strongest ANC plus spatial audio. (USD 449.00, reference 2026-11-12)
- Bose for less: Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — Proven ANC without the Ultra price. (USD 359.00, reference 2026-11-12)
- Budget alternative: JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones — Adaptive ANC and up to 70 hours of battery. (USD 79.99, reference 2026-11-12)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony's flagship ANC headphones with eight microphones, Auto NC Optimizer and DSEE Extreme upscaling.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose's top headphones with its best noise cancellation, spatialized immersive audio and premium materials.
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose over-ear headphones with high-fidelity audio, Quiet and Aware modes and custom noise-cancellation settings.
JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Wireless over-ear headphones with Adaptive Noise Cancelling, JBL Pure Bass and up to 70 hours of battery.
Both are premium over-ear headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC). The difference is price, sound features and fit.
How we chose
We compared the published specifications, reference prices and listed pros and cons of products in our catalog. We have not tested these products. Prices were checked on November 12, 2026, and can change at the retailer.
Noise cancelling
Bose lists its top-tier ANC on the QC Ultra. Sony uses eight microphones on the WH-1000XM5. Both are among the strongest options in our catalog.
Comfort and design
Both are comfortable for long flights. The Sony does not fold flat, and the Bose case is large.
Sound features
Bose adds spatial (immersive) audio. Sony offers DSEE Extreme upscaling.
Price
At reference prices, the Sony costs about $150 less.
If you want something cheaper
The Bose QuietComfort (non-Ultra) and the JBL Tune 770NC are lower-cost options.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better noise cancelling, Sony or Bose?
Bose lists the QuietComfort Ultra as its top-tier ANC; the Sony WH-1000XM5 is close behind and costs less.
Which is more comfortable?
Both are known for comfort; the Sony does not fold flat, and the Bose case is larger.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth it at $299.99?
For most buyers, yes: it offers top-tier ANC and strong call quality for about $150 less than the Bose Ultra.
General shopping guidance. Verify exact specifications and retailer terms before buying. Our editorial policy