Bose vs Sony: Which Brand Makes Better Headphones in 2026?

The WH-1000XM5 vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones debate comes up constantly, so I figured it was time to settle this once and for all.

Head-to-Head Comparison

| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Sony WF-1000XM5 | | ----------- | --------------- | ----------------------- | --------------- | | Price | £299 | £379 | £259 | | Type | over-ear | over-ear | earbuds | | Anc | excellent | excellent | excellent | | Battery | 30h | 24h | 8h (24h case) | | Weight | 250g | 250g | 5.9g | | Codec | LDAC, AAC | aptX Adaptive, AAC | LDAC, AAC | | Rating | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.1/10 |

Sound Quality

The WH-1000XM5 offers a neutral sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more balanced. Both sound excellent, though your preference will depend on what genres you listen to most.

Noise Cancellation

The WH-1000XM5 has a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly at low frequencies.

Comfort and Design

Design is subjective, but the WH-1000XM5 feels more premium in hand.

Our Pick

It's a close call, but the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones wins for most people thanks to better value for money. The WF-1000XM5 is also worth considering if you prioritise different features.