If you’re looking for a pair of high-end noise-cancelling headphones but can’t decide between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort 45, what should you do? Look nowhere else! In order to help you make an informed choice, we’ll examine key features of these two ANC headphones in this article, including sound quality ANC performance, and more. Let’s get started and see which one wins!
- Battery Life: 30 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Industry leading performance
- Sound: Dynamic and Detailed
- Cost: $$$$$
- Battery Life: 24 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Good Performance
- Sound: Detailed & Bright
- Cost: $$$$
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Bose QC4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort 45 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Headphones | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Weight | 8.82 ounces | 8.32 ounces |
| Total Battery Life | 40 hours (30 w/ ANC) | 24 hours (with ANC) |
| ANC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | 3 min charge = 3 hours | 15 min charge = 3 hours |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| App Support | Sony Headphones Connect App | Bose Music |
| Customizable EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Included Case | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life & Charging
The Sony WH-1000XM5 beats the Bose QuietComfort 45 in terms of battery life, with a total battery life of up to 40 and 30 house with ANC enabled. By comparison, the Bose QuietComfort 45’s battery life totals 24 hours with noise cancelling active.
The Sony WH-1000XM5’s quick charging capability is particularly impressive. For individuals who are constantly on the go, the ability to add three hours of battery life with a quick 3-minute charge is quite helpful. Although it takes a little longer, the Bose QuietComfort 45 also support quick charging. You’ll get 3 hours of battery life with a 15-minute charge, which is still practical but not nearly as quickly as the Sony headphones.
Both wireless headphones have a USB Type-C charging port, which is more modern and functional than the Micro-USB port that can be found on many other headphones. For people who wish to utilize fewer cords and use various devices, this is especially helpful. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wonderful option for individuals who value long battery life and quick charging. For people who aren’t often on the go and want a more affordable option, the Bose QuietComfort 45 still have good battery life overall.
Connectivity & App Support
Both ANC headphones allow for passive or wired playback, which is advantageous if you want to listen to lossless, uncompressed audio or don’t have any battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers an advantage for streaming wireless audio devices, as it supports the LDAC codec. Compared to SBC and AAC, LDAC allows for streaming at a higher bitrate for enhanced audio.
Due to Bluetooth multipoint technology, both Bluetooth headphones can connect to two devices at once. In contrast to the Bose QuietComfort 45’s Bluetooth 5.1, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers a more recent version, 5.2.
The Bose QC45 and Sony WH-1000XM5 both have a companion app that offers further control and functionality. The Sony Headphones Connect App, available on the Sony WH-1000XM5, enables users to adjust their EQ and access cutting-edge features like 360 Reality Audio. The Bose Music App, which is included with the Bose QuietComfort 45, also enables customers to modify their EQ and access extra functions.
Overall, the connectivity features offered by the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort 45 are comparable. The LDAC codec and Bluetooth 5.2, which provide better music quality and a more stable connection, provide the Sony WH-1000XM5 with a slight advantage here. In addition, the Sony Headphones Connect App is better than the Bose Music App and offers more features.
Design & Comfort
The Sony WH-1000XM5 features memory foam earpads and a headband wrapped in synthetic leather. It has a very premium and upscale appearance altogether. The sleek WH-1000XM5 design is one of the nicest-looking headphones available. They are made of robust plastic and fold flat making them pretty portable. They are lightweight (8.82 ounces) and great for extended listening sessions. The right earcup’s touch controls for playback and volume control are simple to use and conveniently located. The Sony WH-1000XM5 also comes with a protective hard case, which offers great protection when not in use.
On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones have modern and slightly more subtle design. The headphones are also foldable, and their 8.32-ounce weight makes them incredibly portable and simple to take in a backpack. While the rest of the body is constructed of plastic, the headband is made of sturdy metal. The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are incredibly comfortable for long periods of listening. They also come with a protective hard case to protect the headphones. The Bose QC45 have physical controls for playback and noise cancellation on their earcups that are fairly simple to use.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 each have a distinctive style and design that will appeal to users of various tastes. The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are more comfortable overall with more cushioning to make them extremely pleasant to wear. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are still fairly comfortable and have a more appealing style in our opinion. Both are ideal for usage on the go because they are very portable, foldable, and lightweight. These are two great options design-wise and which you prefer likely depends on your preference.
Sound Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has fantastic audio overall and a bass-heavy default EQ. This may be more suitable for those who prefer a little thump for certain genres of music. Clear vocals and instrumentation are produced with the Sony WH-1000XM5’s balanced mid-range frequencies. Furthermore, the treble response is precise, producing instruments that are clear without sounding harsh. Both wireless headphones allow the ability for listeners to customize their EQ settings through the companion app, according to their personal preferences.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 features a reasonably precise and level midrange frequency response with a slightly enhanced bass response. Unfortunately, the treble response is overemphasized, which can make higher-frequency vocals and instruments sound overwhelmingly bright or harsh. While the Bose QuietComfort 45 may be more balanced overall than the Sony WH-1000XM5, some listeners may find the overemphasized treble to be a flaw. Overall, the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is superior to that of the Bose QuietComfort 45.
Which Headphones Have Better Noise Cancelling?
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 have active noise cancelling and transparency mode. There are, nevertheless, some obvious distinctions in the noise isolation performance between the two. The Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in terms of active noise cancelling capabilities. The Bose QC45 simply cannot block out low or high-frequency sounds as well as the Sony WH-1000XM5. This is crucial for those who want to cut back on background noise while commuting or working in a busy workplace. The Sony WH-1000XM5 will be more effective at reducing distracting noises like office talk, train engines, and the noise of moving vehicles.
Both ANC headphones offer ambient or transparency mode too. It allows users to hear their surroundings without removing their headphones. This can be helpful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as while you’re crossing a busy street or working in an office setting.
Shockingly, the Bose QC 45’s ANC performance is actually a regression from the older release like the Bose 700 or QC35. Nonetheless, if customers are searching for solid active noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is still a respectable choice. Unfortunately, you may be paying more for less ANC performance, since these are newer headphones.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 just performs better for active noise cancellation, making it a wonderful option for anyone searching for top-tier noise-cancelling performance.
Conclusion: Bose QC45 or Sony WH-1000XM5 Worth The Money?
As you can see, both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort 45 offer advantages and disadvantages. The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, are the clear winners if you’re searching for the best value in premium noise-cancelling headphones. These headphones are a wonderful investment thanks to their longer battery life, quick charging, excellent build quality, and enhanced noise-cancelling capabilities. Furthermore, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has better overall sound quality. The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid option for those seeking a more traditional design or a more comfortable pair of ANC headphones.
Quick Feature Comparison: Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Headphone Design:
Both ANC headphones are over-ear headphones with a foldable and lightweight design. The Sony WH-1000XM5 have a more premium, appealing design. The Bose QC45 are the more comfortable headphones for listening for long periods of time.
Weight:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 weigh a fairly light 8.82 ounces, compared to the lighter Bose QuietComfort 45.
Active Noise-Cancelling:
Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which reduces background noise, is available on both wireless headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers better ANC performance than the Bose QC45. ANC is useful for those who want to listen to music or podcasts uninterrupted by outside noise.
Passive Playback:
Both headphones support passive playback and can be used with a wired connection when Bluetooth is not available. Those who wish to listen to uncompressed audio or conserve battery life will find this useful.
Supported Codecs:
SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs are supported by the Sony WH-1000XM5, while the Bose QuietComfort 45 only support SBC and AAC. LDAC offers better sound quality for wireless audio. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a better option if you utilize high-end audio equipment that supports LDAC.
Fast Charging:
While both Bluetooth headphones support fast charging, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is much quicker. Fast charging for the Sony WH-1000XM5 can add 3 hours of battery life on a 3-minute charge. The Bose QC45 can add 3 hours of battery life from a 15-minute charge by comparison. Those who are pressed for time and require a quick charge to carry them through a few hours can benefit from fast charging.
Charging Connection:
Both headphones can be charged from their USB-Type C port. USB-Type C is a newer and more versatile charging connection that is becoming more common.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 supports Bluetooth 5.2, while the Bose QC45 supports Bluetooth 5.1. Both pair of headphones support Bluetooth multipoint, which is helpful for people who use multiple devices like a phone and a laptop or tablet. Multipoint allows for simultaneous connections to two devices.
App Support:
Both headphones have companion apps that offer additional features and the option to customize their EQ. The Sony WH-1000XM5 companion app is called the Sony Headphones Connect App, while the Bose QuietComfort 45 companion app is called the Bose Music App.
Included Case:
Hard cases that provide extra protection during transport are included with both ANC headphones. A hard case is helpful for people for portability and people who want to keep their headphones safe while on the go.
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.