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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 11) and scores better on noise cancelling, comfort, durability. Sony WH-1000XM5 wins on sound, call quality, battery.
The biggest complaint about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is bluetooth pairing and connection trouble; for the Sony WH-1000XM5 it's hinges and headbands that break. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Good for: Long flights where ANC and all-day comfort matter most
Its catch: Bluetooth pairing and connection trouble
Check price on AmazonGood for: Open offices and cafes (blocks voices well)
Its catch: hinges and headbands that break
Check price on AmazonPaid links. We don't list prices — they change daily. Neither one feels right?
Side by side
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in noise-cancelling headphones | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Noise-cancelling | Noise-cancelling |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 13% | 15% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Sound | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Noise cancelling | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Comfort | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Call quality | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Battery | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Bluetooth pairing and connection trouble
SoundGuys lists 'some connection issues' as a con and says pairing can need manual steps when Fast Pair fails. Amazon's summary says some owners have connection issues with non-Apple devices. Low-star Walmart reviews (syndicated from bose.com) call the Bluetooth 'terrible' and a 'nightmare', describe constant pairing prompts, and report a pair that wouldn't connect or power on after a week.
- Frustrating controls and a basic app
Tom's Guide lists 'woeful touch controls' as a con. SoundGuys calls the controls a bit confusing and the in-app EQ too simplistic. A 1-star Walmart review complains there's no mute button for Teams calls.
- Expensive, and not built for weather
Tom's Guide lists the price hike as a con. SoundGuys says the headphones are 'not even water-resistant' and scores build 6.9. Amazon owners disagree on value, with some calling them overpriced. A few low-star Walmart reviewers say ANC wasn't strong enough for office use or that a thumping noise appeared while traveling on roads.
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Hinges and headbands that break
Amazon's summary says multiple owners report the headphones breaking easily, particularly at the hinge. SoundGuys scores build 6.7, notes owner reports of the headband or hinge giving out, and says the XM6's hinge is sturdier.
- Tight or uncomfortable for some heads
Amazon's summary says fit is mixed, with some owners finding it very tight on the head. SoundGuys quotes owners who say the cups are shallow, the headband can hurt over long sessions, and the pads aren't comfortable with glasses. Wirecutter, by contrast, calls it ultra-comfortable.
- Needs EQ, no water resistance, fixed ANC
Wirecutter says the boosted lows sound clouded out of the box until you adjust the EQ in Sony's app, there is no water resistance, and the ANC isn't adjustable. SoundGuys lists price and no IP rating as cons.
Who should pick which
Pick the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if
Long flights where ANC and all-day comfort matter most
Glasses wearers (Amazon owners say the cushions don't pinch)
Wired lossless listening over USB-C
Skip it if: You want detailed EQ control; You need any water resistance; You already own the first-gen QC Ultra (SoundGuys and Tom's Guide say it's not worth upgrading)
Pick the Sony WH-1000XM5 if
Open offices and cafes (blocks voices well)
Long trips without recharging
Buyers who want most of the XM6 for less
Skip it if: You will never touch an EQ app; You need any water resistance; You are rough on headphones (hinge breakage reports)
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.
Neither one feels right?
If both catches are deal-breakers, start here.
Wirecutter's budget pick in both its noise-cancelling and Bluetooth headphone guides: ANC close to pricier pairs and about 40 hours of battery for around $100. The trade-offs are muffled call audio, small fiddly buttons, and a plastic build that some owners say broke or died within months.
Its catch: callers hear you poorlyA third option · #2Sony WH-1000XM6Wirecutter's top noise-cancelling pick and What Hi-Fi?'s best overall, with about 30 hours of battery and strong call mics. But comfort splits testers and owners, there's no water-resistance rating, and SoundGuys reports owners' headbands cracking in a way Sony's warranty doesn't cover.
Its catch: comfort is hit or missAll 11 comparedSee every headphone, rankedEach one's biggest complaint at a glance, with the full ranking.
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