Sony XM5 vs Bose QC Ultra vs AirPods Max: Three-Way Showdown

Choosing between the WH-1000XM5 and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones? You're not alone — this is one of the most common dilemmas for audio buyers.

Head-to-Head Comparison

| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | | ----------- | --------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------- | | Price | £299 | £379 | £499 | | Type | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | | Anc | excellent | excellent | excellent | | Battery | 30h | 24h | 20h | | Weight | 250g | 250g | 384g | | Codec | LDAC, AAC | aptX Adaptive, AAC | AAC | | Rating | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |

Sound Quality

The WH-1000XM5 offers a bass-forward sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more analytical. 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

Both are comfortable, though the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones has a slight edge for larger heads.

Our Pick

It's a close call, but the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones wins for most people thanks to longer battery life. The AirPods Max is also worth considering if you prioritise brand ecosystem integration.