The two biggest names in noise-cancelling headphones. Based on product documentation, both are compared across flights, open offices, and commutes for A...
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers better sound, smarter ANC, multipoint Bluetooth, and superior call quality for $70 more. Bose still wins on raw comfort for long flights.
Score
Bose QuietComfort 45
4.5/5
★★★★★
Sony WH-1000XM5
4.7/5
★★★★★
Comparison Table
Spec
Bose QuietComfort 45
Sony WH-1000XM5
Price
$329
$399
Active Noise Cancelling
Excellent
Excellent
Battery Life
24 hours
30 hours
Multipoint Bluetooth
No
Yes
Call Quality
Good
Excellent
Comfort (long flights)
Excellent
Good
Audio Codec
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Pros
Bose QuietComfort 45
Pros
Best-in-class ANC blocks low engine rumble
Most comfortable over-ear fit for long flights
Simple, reliable physical controls
Up to 24 hours of battery life
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
Adaptive ANC rivals Bose with better wind handling
LDAC hi-res audio and 8-mic call quality
Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices
Speak-to-chat and smart features work well
Cons
Bose QuietComfort 45
Cons
No multipoint Bluetooth
No wired transparency EQ in app
Design looks dated next to Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5
Cons
$70 more than the Bose QC45
Lighter clamp is less secure during exercise
No folding hinge, larger case
Who Wins?
Frequent long-haul flightsBose QuietComfort 45
Switching between laptop and phoneSony WH-1000XM5
Audiophiles who want LDAC hi-resSony WH-1000XM5
Budget under $350Bose QuietComfort 45
Taking calls in a noisy cafeSony WH-1000XM5
FAQ
Which has better noise cancellation for airplanes?
The Bose QC45 still has a slight edge on low-frequency engine rumble, but the Sony XM5 is very close and handles mid-range chatter and wind better with its adaptive ANC.
Can I connect the Bose QC45 to two devices at once?
No. The QC45 lacks multipoint Bluetooth, so you must disconnect from one device before pairing another. The Sony XM5 supports true multipoint for simultaneous laptop and phone connection.
Which is better for phone calls?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a superior 8-microphone array with better wind rejection, making it the clear winner for calls in noisy environments.
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