Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which is better?
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India|April 2024
Can Bose topple Sony in the battle of the ANC headphones?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which is better?

Bose invented noise-canceling headphones, so a new pair from the US brand is always big news. Especially when they are as well specified as the new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones - they pack Bose's take on spatial audio, as well as upgraded noise cancelling tech.

But how do they fare against some of our favourite ANC headphones ever, the Sony WH-1000XM5? Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5: price

Neither of these pairs comes cheap, but that's hardly surprising when you consider all that they offer. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones cost £450. That's quite a bit pricier than the Sony WH-1000XM5, which launched at £380 but have seen some pretty decent discounts; they are currently available for £319. But given the newness of the Ultras, we can't see them dropping below the XM5 anytime soon.

WINNER: Sony WH-1000XM5

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM5: design

So, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones might be pricey, but they certainly feel it. Tactile surfaces and high-end materials make them a very attractive package indeed, plus they fold flat and inwards thanks to their hinges. Add the bundled carry case into the equation, and you've got the perfect travel companion. They are comfortable to wear too, with a grip that is secure but not too tight. And the headband has plenty of room for adjustments. A capacitive-touch strip takes care of the controls, and it is responsive enough to work well without being too sensitive. You can also assign different functions to it, such as switching listening modes and answering calls.

This story is from the April 2024 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2024 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WHAT HI-FI SOUND AND VISION INDIAView All
The missing Link
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

The missing Link

\"Battery life on the Sony LinkBuds Open is excellent\"

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Old school charmer...
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

Old school charmer...

\"It is sonically regimented, particularly through the low end where we expected issues\"

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Home-theatre hero
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

Home-theatre hero

\"Impressive is the way in which it manages to sound clean and o decongested, even during the most complex of passages.\"

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined

\"The Trapeze Ri may resemble their famed ancestors, but in every other respect they are thoroughly modem\"

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Linn Majik LP12 MC
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

Linn Majik LP12 MC

\"We are having fun and encouraged to take a holistic view of the music rather than focus on the details\"

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
The playlist
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

The playlist

Here are our carefully curated recommendations of the best music streaming service for those who value sound quality above all. Form an orderly queue...

time-read
8 mins  |
December 2024
MATCH FIT
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

MATCH FIT

Our ten recommended hi-fi systems are guaranteed to play together beautifully

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
THE TRUE PRO
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

THE TRUE PRO

Audio Pro's Director of EMEA Sales talks sustainability, Indian markets and the future of Audio Pro in India

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
Q Acoustics M40
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

Q Acoustics M40

A pair of powered baby floorstanders that have big shoes to fill

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
YG Acoustics Carmel 3
What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India

YG Acoustics Carmel 3

On paper, the Carmel 3 from Colorado-based speaker specialist YG Acoustics has a credibility problem. They cost a huge amount of money but are small, rather plain-looking two-way floorstanders.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024