Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphone Battle
When it comes to premium noise-cancelling headphones, Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort 45 are consistently ranked among the best. Both offer exceptional noise cancellation technology, impressive sound quality, and comfortable designs for extended listening sessions. In this comparison, we'll break down their differences to help you decide which pair deserves a place in your audio setup.
Side by Side Comparison
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive with 8 microphones | Standard ANC with 6 microphones |
| Sound Quality | Rich, bass-forward with detailed highs | Balanced, neutral signature |
| Battery Life | 30 hours | 24 hours |
| Comfort | Very good | Excellent |
| Foldable Design | — | |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Micro-USB |
| Fast Charging | 3 hours in 3 minutes | 2.5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Controls | Touch controls | Physical buttons |
| Multipoint Connection | ||
| App Features | Extensive customization | Basic adjustments |
| Price | ₹26,990 | ₹22,990 |
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
- Best-in-class adaptive noise cancellation
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass response
- Impressive 30-hour battery life
- Advanced features through Sony's app
- Comfortable fit with premium materials
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- No longer foldable like previous models
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Sound leakage at high volumes
- No aptX codec support
Bose QuietComfort 45
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable for long sessions
- Simple, intuitive physical buttons
- Foldable design for better portability
- Consistent noise cancellation performance
- More affordable than Sony
Cons
- Less customizable EQ options
- Slightly shorter battery life (24 hours)
- Micro-USB charging instead of USB-C
- Sound signature less exciting than Sony
- Fewer smart features
Final Verdict
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 deliver exceptional noise cancellation performance and sound quality, but they excel in different areas. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers superior noise cancellation, more extensive customization options, and slightly better sound quality with emphasis on bass response. The Bose QuietComfort 45 provides unmatched comfort, a more portable foldable design, and intuitive physical controls at a lower price point.
Our Recommendation
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want the absolute best noise cancellation technology, prefer a more exciting sound signature with powerful bass, and value advanced app features. Go for the Bose QuietComfort 45 if comfort is your top priority, you prefer a more balanced sound profile, physical buttons, and a foldable design that's more travel-friendly, all while saving some money.