The battle for ANC supremacy continues. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort 45 represent the pinnacle of wireless noise cancellation. After weeks of testing in offices, commutes, and flights, here’s my definitive take.
Design and Comfort
Sony took a bold step with the XM5, completely redesigning the aesthetic. The new sleek, minimal look ditches the folding mechanism for a simpler hinge design. Some will miss the foldability, but the result is a more refined feel.
Bose sticks to its winning formula with the QC45. The classic design hasn’t changed much, and that’s okay. it’s comfortable and familiar. The ear cups are plush, and I could wear these for hours without fatigue.
Build Quality
| Specification | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 250g | 238g |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Case Included | Yes (premium) | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | No |
The XM5 wins on durability with IPX4 water resistance. handy for workouts or unexpected rain. Bose offers no water resistance, so you’ll want to keep these dry.
Noise Cancellation
This is the heart of the matter. Sony has long dominated ANC, and the XM5 extends that lead. The new Integrated Processor V1 handles noise cancellation more efficiently than ever.
In my tests. airplane, subway, busy office. the XM5 consistently outperformed the QC45. Low-frequency rumble (airplane engines, train noise) was nearly eliminated. The QC45 is no slouch, but it’s noticeably behind.
Bose’s strength has always been natural-sounding ANC without the “pressure” feel some headphones create. The QC45 achieves this, but at the cost of effectiveness. Sony’s ANC is stronger while still feeling comfortable.
Sound Quality
Sony’s signature sound has evolved. The XM5 delivers rich, detailed audio with a slight bass boost that works well with most genres. The 30mm drivers produce clear highs and warm mids.
Bose takes a more neutral approach. The QC45 sounds balanced and accurate, without the bass emphasis of the XM5. Audiophiles might prefer this presentation, but casual listeners may find it slightly dull.
Sony wins on customization. The Headphones Connect app offers EQ adjustments, DSEE Extreme upscaling, and various sound presets. Bose offers minimal EQ control. just bass and treble sliders.
Call Quality
For calls and voice recordings, the XM5 excels. Sony’s beamforming microphones and AI noise reduction produce crystal-clear voice capture. I took calls in noisy environments and recipients reported excellent clarity.
The QC45’s call quality is good but not exceptional. It handles quiet environments well but struggles when background noise picks up.
Battery Life
Sony claims 30 hours with ANC, Bose claims 24 hours. In real-world testing, I got approximately 28 hours from the XM5 and 22 hours from the QC45. Both will easily last a week of commute use.
The XM5 supports quick charging: 3 minutes gives 3 hours of playback. Bose offers similar quick charge but at 15 minutes for 3 hours.
The Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear winner. Superior noise cancellation, better sound quality (with customization options), excellent call quality, and better water resistance make it the complete package.
The Bose QC45 remains a solid choice if you prioritize comfort above all else, or if you find Sony’s bass-forward sound too much. They’re also typically cheaper. But for the best overall experience, Sony delivers.