Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case
True-wireless · 2023
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
CustomTune ANC · Immersive Audio · aptX Lossless
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case lands at 91 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at 92. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if…
- ✓Best ANC for earbuds
- ✓Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
- ✓Immersive Audio
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testNoise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsCompared on the noise cancelling sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on anc (98 vs 88).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsCompared on the comfort sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on comfort (94 vs 89).
Sound
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsCompared on the sound sub-score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leads on sound (92 vs 90).
Value for money
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds more score per dollar ($299 vs $329).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True-wireless | — |
| Release year | 2023 | — |
| Battery | — | 6 h (ANC) / 24 h case |
| Codecs | — | aptX Lossless, SBC, AAC |
| Water rating | — | IPX4 |
Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- +Best ANC for earbuds
- +Excellent comfort with StayHear Max tips
- +Immersive Audio
- −Only 6 h battery
- −Case is chunky
- −No wireless charging standard
FAQ: Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Which is better, Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case worth the price? +
At $329, Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sound.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth the price? +
At $299, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.
Does Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 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, Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on anc (98 vs 88). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.
Which is better for comfort, Sony WF-1000XM5 · Midnight Black · wireless charging case or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — leads on comfort (94 vs 89). Compared on the comfort sub-score.