In search of the ultimate set of noise-canceling headphones? The Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 are pretty good options. In this post, we’ll compare the sound quality, ANC performance, and other salient characteristics of these two market-leading models. These headphones are top-of-the-line in every way, from immersive sound to superior noise cancellation. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about two of the top ANC headphones on the market. You’ll find a comparison table below followed by a more detailed review. You can also skip to the end for a quick comparison of key features and specs.
- Battery Life: 30 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Industry leading performance
- Sound: Dynamic and Detailed
- Cost: $$$$$
- Battery Life: 20 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Great Performance
- Sound: Slighty Warm & Energetic
- Cost: $$$$
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Bose 700 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Headphones | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Weight (oz) | 8.82 | 8.90 |
| Total Battery Life | 40 hours (30 w/ ANC) | 20 hours with ANC |
| ANC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | 3 min = 3 hours | 15 min = 3.5 hours |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Included Case | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life & Charging
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 have very different battery life specifications. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a 40-hour maximum battery life, of which 30 hours can be used without active noise cancellation. The Bose 700, in comparison, only offers a total battery life of 20 hours when ANC is turned on. As a result, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a better option for people who frequently travel or use their headphones for extended periods of time because they can last for a long time without needing to be recharged.
Both headphones provide quick charging capabilities, however the Sony WH-1000XM5 charges faster than the Bose 700. While the Bose 700 can offer 3.5 hours of battery life with a 15-minute charge, the Sony WH-1000XM5 can add 3 hours from only a 3-minute charge. This makes the Sony WH-1000XM5 the more convenient alternative for individuals who need headphones to charge rapidly.
Both headphones have USB Type-C charging ports, which are more modern and practical than micro USB charging ports. This is a beneficial feature for folks who wish to utilize fewer wires and use several devices with more modern USB Type-C charging connections.
In conclusion, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers much better battery life and quicker charging capabilities than the Bose 700. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a superior option if battery life is a concern. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is also the better choice if you require quick-charging headphones.
Connectivity & App Support
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose 700 have distinct differences in their design elements. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 are only slightly lighter (8.8 ounces), they’re more portable owing to their folding design. The Bose 700 is 8.9 ounces and offers more substantial padding on the headband and earpads, making them more comfortable for longer listening.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a stylish, contemporary design that is emphasized by the strong plastic material that gives it a premium appearance. The Bose 700 looks great as well, but in my opinion, slightly dated next to the WH-1000XM5. They have a more robust build quality combining metal and strong plastic. For simple volume and playback control, both headphones have touch controls on their earcups.
As for protection during transport, both headphones come with hard cases, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 case looking more sophisticated. When it comes to comfort, the Bose 700 may have a slight edge, thanks to their well-cushioned headband and memory foam earpads, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 are also among the most comfortable over-ear headphones, with a synthetic leather headband and memory foam earpads.
Sound Quality
These are both wireless headphones that offer overall great sound quality with some notable differences. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a default EQ that is more bass-heavy, while the Bose 700 is more neutral and balanced. Through their respective companion applications, both headphones’ EQ may be adjusted by users in accordance with their particular tastes.
The mid-range frequencies of the Sony WH-1000XM5 are balanced, resulting in clear vocals and instrumentation, while the Bose 700 has great midrange accuracy. In terms of treble, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers accurate and clear instruments without sounding harsh, while the Bose 700’s treble is slightly recessed. Both headphones offer good detail and instrumentation separation, which makes for an immersive listening experience.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 also has LDAC support, which can further improve sound quality by allowing for high-resolution audio streaming. However, the Bose 700 has its own strengths with its overall neutrality and balanced sound signature.
Ultimately, personal preference will play a big role in determining which headphones are better for you. Both headphones have their own unique strengths and features, including the ability to customize EQ through their companion apps. Whether you prefer a more bass-heavy sound or a neutral and balanced sound, both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 are great options for premium wireless headphones.
Which Headphones Have Better Noise Cancelling?
When it comes to noise isolation features, both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 offer active noise cancelling technology, which is beneficial for reducing background noise for activities such as commuting or working in a noisy environment. However, the Sony WH-1000XM5 outperforms the Bose 700 in terms of ANC.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is particularly efficient at blocking low frequencies, such as the sound of airplane engines, as well as higher frequencies, like nearby conversations or office chatter. This makes it a great choice for frequent travelers or office workers who need to focus on their work. In comparison, the Bose 700 is also great at noise cancelling but doesn’t perform quite as well as the Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of blocking out background noise.
Both headphones also offer a transparency mode, which allows users to hear ambient noise and sounds in their surroundings without taking off their headphones. This is helpful for situations where it’s necessary to hear announcements or conversations.
In conclusion, while both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 are active noise cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is superior for blocking surrounding noise. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is best-in-class at blocking out low and high-frequency noise, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers and office workers who need to concentrate. However, the Bose 700 still offers impressive ANC and is a great option for those looking for premium noise-cancelling headphones.
Conclusion: Is The Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose 700 the Better Buy?
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 are excellent noise-cancelling headphones that provide exceptional sound quality. However, there are notable differences between the two. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is more bass-heavy, while the Bose 700 has a more neutral sound. Both headphones have premium build quality and offer additional features and EQ customization via their respective apps. The Bose 700 is more comfortable for long listening sessions, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 has better noise cancelling, battery life, and connectivity, making it the superior choice overall. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate the better option for each individual.
Quick Feature Comparison: Bose 700 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Headphone Type:
Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both over-the-ear headphones. The over-ear style of these headphones offers superior noise isolation than on-ear and earbud versions, making them excellent for usage in loud areas.
Weight:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 weighs 8.8 ounces while the Bose 700 weighs 8.9 ounces. Both wireless headphones are lightweight, making them fairly portable and easy to wear for extended periods.
Active Noise-Cancelling:
Both headphones are capable of active noise cancellation (ANC), which helps to reduce ambient noise. However, the Bose 700 can’t compete with the Sony WH-1000XM5’s overall noise-cancelling performance for low or high frequencies.
Passive Playback:
Both noise-canceling headphones support playback with a wired connection, which is useful when the battery is dead or to listen to uncompressed audio.
Supported Codecs:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 also supports the high-resolution LDAC codec, while both headphones support SBC and AAC. Only if the source device also supports LDAC does LDAC provide better audio quality than SBC and AAC. Therefore, LDAC support may not be beneficial for all users.
Fast Charging:
In comparison to the Bose 700, the Sony WH-1000XM5 can get 3 hours of battery life from a 3-minute charge. For users who require a quick battery boost, the Sony WH-1000XM5’s fast charging feature is useful.
Charging Connection:
Both headphones charge via a USB Type-C port, which is a modern and convenient charging method.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, while the Bose 700 have Bluetooth 5.0. Both wireless headphones support Bluetooth multipoint. Bluetooth multipoint allows the headphones to be connected to two devices simultaneously, making it easier to switch between devices.
App Support:
Both headphones come with a companion app that offers further functionality and control, including the ability to adjust the EQ.
Included Case:
Both active noise-cancelling headphones include a case that serves as both storage and protection when traveling.
Key Takeaways:
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 are good wireless headphones overall, yet each has advantages and disadvantages. For users who value noise cancellation, quick charging, and strong app support, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a better choice. For consumers who value comfort and sonic balance, the Bose 700 is a superior choice since it is more comfortable and has a more balanced EQ.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.