Comparison · sourced draft
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Comparison based on manufacturer specs and What Hi-Fi, not invented scores.
- Sony WF-1000XM5 · ASIN B0C33XXS56
- Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen · ASIN B0F7M3HPBD
One-screen verdict
Pick Sony for codecs and per-charge hours. Pick Bose for fit kit and ANC-first use (commute, cabin). If you already own either, upgrading across brands is a preference change, not a spec knockout.
No invented scores. Battery numbers are manufacturer claims.
- Check price on Amazon
Sony WF-1000XM5
ASIN
B0C33XXS56. We do not list a price here because Amazon prices move constantly. - Check price on Amazon
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen (US Black)
ASIN
B0F7M3HPBD. We do not list a price here because Amazon prices move constantly.
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Trade-offs
ANC battery (mfr.)
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- 8 h on / 12 h off
- Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen
- 6 h Quiet/Aware; 4 h Immersive Audio
Case extras
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- Wireless charge listed
- Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen
- Wireless charge; up to 3 extra charges
Codecs (Sony official / Bose listings)
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
- Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen
- AAC, SBC commonly listed; we did not verify LDAC on Bose
IP
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- IPX4 equivalent
- Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen
- IPX4
Fit system
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- Isolation tips
- Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen
- Tips + stability bands
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| ANC battery (mfr.) | 8 h on / 12 h off | 6 h Quiet/Aware; 4 h Immersive Audio |
| Case extras | Wireless charge listed | Wireless charge; up to 3 extra charges |
| Codecs (Sony official / Bose listings) | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | AAC, SBC commonly listed; we did not verify LDAC on Bose |
| IP | IPX4 equivalent | IPX4 |
| Fit system | Isolation tips | Tips + stability bands |
What Hi-Fi’s published take: Bose wins comfort, fit, and ANC; Sony still wins sound and features/value in their test. That is their verdict, not a lab result from this site.
Verdict
Pick Sony for codecs and per-charge hours. Pick Bose for fit kit and ANC-first use (commute, cabin). If you already own either, upgrading across brands is a preference change, not a spec knockout.