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Bose QuietComfort Ultra — CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Adaptive
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Adaptive

93
/ 100
From $429
VS
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — Over-ear · 2022
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Over-ear · 2022

93
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose QuietComfort Ultra lands at 93 and Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black at 93. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra if…

  • ✓Best comfort in class
  • ✓Excellent ANC
  • ✓Immersive Audio spatial feature

Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads on anc (96 vs 91).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Long-session wearability

Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads on comfort (98 vs 92).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 93
vs
93 Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
93
anc 96
sound 92
comfort 98
battery 86
features 90
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black
93
anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89

Specs side-by-side

Bose QuietComfort Ultra versus Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Bose QuietComfort Ultra Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black
Driver
35 mm dynamic
—
Battery
24 h (Immersive Audio off) / 18 h (on)
—
Weight
253 g
—
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
—
Type
—
Over-ear
Release year
—
2022

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Pros
  • +Best comfort in class
  • +Excellent ANC
  • +Immersive Audio spatial feature
Cons
  • −Bose app fiddly
  • −No USB-C audio (3.5 mm + Bluetooth only)
  • −No LDAC support

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

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 QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Which is better, Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black? +

Both score 93 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra worth the price? +

At $429, Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in comfort.

Is Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.

Does Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black 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.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on anc (96 vs 91). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra — leads on comfort (98 vs 92). Long-session wearability.