Bose
Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White
Over-ear · 2023
93
/ 100
From $429
VS
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5
Over-ear · 2022
93
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White lands at 93 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White 93
vs 93 Sony WH-1000XM5
Score breakdown
Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White
93 anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89
Sony WH-1000XM5
93 anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Which is better, Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Both score 93 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $429, Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +
At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.
Does Bose QC Ultra Headphones · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.