Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Headphones
$299List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Headphones
$299List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds.
- Leads 3 of 3 rankable overall specs.
- Weight: 11.8 g vs 15.4 g
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
Battery life: 8 hours listening time with ANC on vs 6 hours listening time on single charge
Same list price, so the spec lead is the whole story.
The trade-off to know
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds: Polyurethane noise-isolation foam tips require a rolling squeeze technique to fit properly
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| TypeDesign | In-ear true wireless earbuds with silicone stability bands | In-ear true wireless earbuds with noise-isolation foam tips |
| WeightDesign | 15.4 g (0.54 oz) earbuds total (7.7 g each) / 60 g charging case | 11.8 g (0.42 oz) earbuds total (5.9 g each) / 39 g charging case |
| FoldableDesign | No (charging case) | No (compact pocket case) |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (World-class Active Noise Cancellation with CustomTune sound calibration) | Yes (Integrated Processor V2 + HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e with dual feedback mics) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 6 hours listening time on single charge (4 hours with Immersive Audio) / up to 24 hours total with case | 8 hours listening time with ANC on (12 hours ANC off) / up to 24 hours total with case |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Reasons to choose it
- Benchmark active noise cancellation that silences low and mid-frequency ambient noise
- CustomTune technology calibrates sound and ANC to your ear canal shape on every insertion
- Bose Immersive Audio provides spatialized audio regardless of source or platform
Worth considering
- Wireless charging case cover is sold as an optional accessory (USB-C wired standard)
- Battery life drops to 4 hours with Immersive Audio turned on (6 hours standard)
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Reasons to choose it
- Dual processors (QN2e + V2) provide stellar active noise cancellation across all frequencies
- Dynamic Driver X delivers wide frequency response and deep rich bass with LDAC Hi-Res support
- Compact 25% smaller and 20% lighter design than previous XM4 generation with polyurethane foam tips
Worth considering
- Polyurethane noise-isolation foam tips require a rolling squeeze technique to fit properly
- Glossy edge finish can make earbuds slightly slippery to grip from case
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?
Both list at the same price.
What is the biggest catch with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?
Both has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?
For flights & commutes, buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds. Leads 2 of 2 rankable flights & commutes specs. Battery life: 8 hours listening time with ANC on vs 6 hours listening time on single charge
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 11 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.