Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about audio enthusiasts seeking premium sound — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 45

4.3

$299

The Bose QuietComfort 45 delivers excellent active noise cancellation that remains among the best in class, making it ideal for frequent travelers and commuters. SoundGuys praised its comfort and USB-C upgrade over previous models, though noted the sound quality isn't exceptional. PCMag's Tim Gideon gave it an Editors' Choice rating, highlighting its reliability and comfort despite some outdated control mechanisms. The headphones are best suited for users prioritizing ANC performance over audio fidelity, and those seeking more advanced codec support should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Outstanding active noise cancellation that's among the best in class
— Comfortable over long periods of time with well-distributed weight (240g)
— USB-C charging port replaces outdated micro-USB

Watch-outs

— Sound quality is not great, with only SBC and AAC codecs supported
— No true off ANC mode; must use Aware mode to disable ANC
— Controls are physical buttons that can be odd to get used to

$299 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

4.8

$399

Sony WH-1000XM5 represents the pinnacle of active noise cancelling headphones with exceptional sound quality and ANC performance, according to both SoundGuys and What Hi-Fi? reviews. While the design has undergone a major overhaul that some find less premium, the audio improvements are significant and justify the $399 price tag. The headphones excel in travel and office environments, offering comfortable wear and robust call quality. However, the lack of IP rating and vulnerability to moisture are noted drawbacks. These headphones are ideal for commuters and office workers seeking premium audio but may not suit gym users or those in rainy climates.

Strengths

— Outstanding active noise cancellation performance that rivals top competitors
— Superior sound quality with sensational sonic clarity and punchy delivery
— Excellent microphone quality for calls with good app features including custom EQ

Watch-outs

— Build quality feels less premium compared to previous generation
— No IP rating and vulnerable to moisture despite lack of definitive waterproofing

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Bose QuietComfort 45

While the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers outstanding active noise cancellation that rivals the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max, it falls short in sound quality compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, which both deliver superior audio fidelity. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5, it lacks true off ANC mode, forcing users to rely on Aware mode to disable ANC, a limitation not present in its competitors.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out with its superior sound quality and ANC performance that matches the Bose QuietComfort 45, but it's less comfortable than the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and lacks the premium build quality of the Apple AirPods Max. While it offers better battery life than the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, it's significantly more expensive and lacks IP rating, unlike the Sennheiser model which provides better value for money.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bose QuietComfort 45	Sony WH-1000XM5
Weight	240 g	251g
Connectivity	5.1	Bluetooth 5.2
Driver	40mm	New drivers
ANC	Yes	Outstanding
Battery Life	24 hours	Up to 30 hours
Charging Method	USB-C	USB-C

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