Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5

“the WXM5 still can make a strong case for anybody in 2025 because first of all this headphone can be found used as I said for around the $200 range... or you should be able to find it new even probably on sale in that $300 range”

“I would say these are the best active noise cancelling headphones that you can get for the money. That $50 price bump I'm not the happiest about... $50 extra bucks I would have loved to see the case just be a bit more robust”

“both of these headphones have previous iterations the XM5 and the Bose Ultra 1 that are both really good... if you're really trying to save money, get one of the older generations of either of these headphones”

“I've been using these headphones for about three years now. And they're not perfect. But with the price dropping nearly 50% since launch, this might be the only time they're actually worth it”

“So the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are an incredibly expensive pair of headphones. The good news is if you want a pair of Bose headphones and you want the best sound the best comfort the best noise cancellation and the best ability…”

“So right now the Bose headphones are cheaper whether you're grabbing them on sale or if you're grabbing them for retail... It's really just like at most a $30 difference.”

“I'm liking this canvas texture. Feels good. I could definitely see it fitting very easily inside my bag.”

“The Beats Studio Pro do that with what I think is the best headphone case on the market right now.”

“Now I actually do find these cable very handy because as someone who travel a lot”

“it's nice to keep the headphones really protected”

“The Bose is come in honestly a more compact case, and they make it a bit easier to pull the headphones out of the case because it seems like they're more naturally placed in the case. And I think for traveling, I do prefer the Bose case…”

“What you'll notice is that the Bose case is definitely smaller, which I do prefer. And the reason it's smaller is because the QuietComfort Ultra are able to collapse. When the XM5 initially came out, the fact that they don't collapse was a…”

“These have the ability to fold in which makes the case significantly more compact than a lot of the competition which is a real win if you travel with headphones regularly.”

“I still love how compact this is, which is perfect for tossing into your carry on or clipping onto a backpack strap if you're rushing through an airport.”

“the head clamp force on the Sony, I think it's just perfect especially for long usage or you know for people that are just using it at a desk or while travelling, commuting, just regular everyday usage, the amount of clamp force on this is…”

“The headband also feels more comfortable against my head, but it's not because there's more cushioning... but it's because the new headband flexes in a wider arc so more cushion is making contact against your head”

“so these are good for active people that's what I'm just this is what I'm trying to get at being active and you want some headphones you can wear through the day not have to worry about them doing the most”

“the XM5 just kind of feel like they're resting on top of my head, which makes them an excellent choice for traveling or just anyone that wears their headphones for longer periods of time.”

“However, if you value comfort above all, or you just can't stand the fit of these headphones, and you're also somebody who doesn't really want to tinker and just wants a reliable pair of headphones that sound decent out of the box, then…”

“Now speaking of the foam on the Bose, it's definitely thicker all around... The padding on the earcups themselves is also plushier, it's softer, it's thicker, it actually in my opinion forms to your head a little bit better. It doesn't…”

“The headphones have just the right amount of clamping force so they feel fairly secure without any discomfort. The padding is quite plush and soft and the overall cup size just fits around my ears without pressing.”

“these are the only buds that I can throw into my ears with a 100% battery, drain them down all the way to 0% then take them out after like hours and hours and have zero discomfort or pressure points.”

“I think durability deserves a special mention with the XM5s and they are a bit of a winner in that area, which is a surprise because when you first get these and first get them out the box, they are unnervingly light.”

“Now the 1000XM5 from Sony on the other hand makes a solid first impression with a fresh and clean design, clear sound, and an even better ANC.”

“One thing I prefer on the Sony's is just how they feel in the hand. They have a very soft matte finish that feels very smooth to the touch.”

“day to day the XM5s definitely feel like newer headphones the materials are durable and comfort wise you can tell Sony's refined the design”

“Moving over to Bose though, while these headphones are still relatively minimal, they do feature more branding in that you've got the Bose branding right there on the top of the earcups. But then you've got these shiny arms that hold the…”

“the Bose QC Ultra do feel the most premium here 'cause they have the best feeling leatherettes here, plus they also have those exposed metal headband arms”

“the ultra is up I would say it's it's the I guess it's Ultra it's like their most high-end headphones that you can get with some new technology in it”

“the bose case is definitely smaller which i do prefer and the reason it's smaller is because the quiet comfort ultra are able to collapse”