Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Get the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2. The most quiet in any earbuds and a fit that stays comfy for hours. The XM5 cost less, last longer and slip into a smaller pocket.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
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Which one is for you?
Sony WF-1000XM5
Longer battery, a small pocket case, LDAC on Android? The XM5.
Is the Sony WF-1000XM5 worth it?Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2
Flights, trains and open-plan offices, ears other buds hurt? Then it's the Bose.
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) worth it?Key differences
Noise cancelling
Battery with noise cancelling
Fit
In a pocket
What owners say
Verified buyers only; every 1–3 star review read by us. How we do this
Sony WF-1000XM5
Owners love the sound, the noise cancelling and the small, comfy buds. The main complaint is the fit: many can't get them to stay in or seal, and then the noise cancelling disappoints.
- Great sound
- Strong noise cancelling
- Small, comfortable fit
- Hard to get a secure fit: they fall out, won't seal or make ears sore
- Noise cancelling weaker than expected
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2
Owners love the rich sound, the comfortable fit and the strong noise cancelling. The main complaint is a Bluetooth connection that drops out.
- Rich, detailed sound
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Bluetooth drops out or won't connect
- Disappointing sound
Related pages
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Sony WF-1000XM5: 972 verified buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US), LDLC (France), Takealot (South Africa), Boulanger (France), Costco (Canada), Harvey Norman (NZ, Australia), Otto (Germany), Elgiganten (Nordics) and Expert (Netherlands), read November 2026.
Owner reports for the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2: 66 verified buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US), Otto (Germany), Takealot (South Africa) and Harvey Norman (NZ, Australia), read November 2026.