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Head-to-HeadUpdated March 2025

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QC45: Which Should You Buy?

Two of the most recommended noise-cancelling headphones compared in every dimension that matters — from ANC and sound quality to comfort and real-world value.

By James HarlowMarch 20258 min read
Both products independently tested
Our Top PickTop Pick
Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best Overall ANC Headphone

9.2

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the headphone to beat. Class-leading ANC, excellent sound tuning, and a comfortable fit for long sessions. It is the most complete package available at this price point.

Best for: Travelers, remote workers, audiophiles who want the best

$348
Full review Buy
Runner-UpRunner-Up
Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose QuietComfort 45

Best for Lightweight Comfort

8.8

The Bose QC45 earns its place with a lighter build, fold-flat design, and famously comfortable earcups. ANC is excellent, but the Sony edges it on raw performance metrics.

Best for: Travelers who prioritise weight, fold-flat portability

$279
Full review Buy

Overview

The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are the two most consistently recommended noise-cancelling headphones for good reason. Both deliver excellent real-world ANC, comfortable extended wear, and reliable Bluetooth performance. The choice between them is genuinely nuanced and depends heavily on how you use your headphones.

Sony wins on pure technical performance: its ANC is measurably stronger, its battery lasts longer, it supports the high-quality LDAC codec, and its microphone system produces clearer calls. Bose wins on portability: it folds flat, weighs slightly less, and costs meaningfully less at most retailers.

Quick Verdict

If you want the best headphone and price is secondary, buy the Sony WH-1000XM5. If you travel with a compact bag and portability matters, or you are on a tighter budget, the Bose QC45 is an excellent choice you will not regret.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSony XM5Bose QC45
ANC QualityClass-leadingExcellent
Battery Life30 hours24 hours
Folds FlatNoYes
Weight250g238g
Sound Quality9.0 / 108.5 / 10
Call Quality9.2 / 108.5 / 10
Codec SupportLDAC, AAC, SBCAAC, SBC
Multipoint BluetoothYes (2 devices)Yes (2 devices)
Price (MSRP)$348$279

ANC & Sound Quality

This is where the Sony pulls ahead most clearly. In our standardised pink noise tests, the XM5 reduced ambient noise by an average of 32dB compared to 28dB for the QC45. In practical terms, that difference is audible on busy commuter trains and aircraft — the Sony creates a more immersive quiet space.

Sound quality is closer. The Sony has a slightly V-shaped tuning with elevated bass and treble, while the Bose leans warmer and more balanced. Neither will satisfy the most discerning audiophile without EQ adjustment, but both are enjoyable for everyday listening.

SSony WH-1000XM5

  • Best-in-class ANC (32dB reduction)
  • LDAC for hi-res wireless audio
  • Precise ambient sound mode
  • Bass-heavy default tuning

BBose QC45

  • Excellent ANC (28dB reduction)
  • Warmer, more neutral tuning
  • Consistent across genres
  • No LDAC codec support

Comfort & Design

Both are excellent for extended wear. The Bose QC45 has a slight edge in immediate comfort — the earcup padding feels slightly softer out of the box. However, the Sony's redesigned XM5 headband distributes weight more evenly, making it competitive for 4-8 hour sessions.

The critical practical difference is the fold. The QC45 folds flat into a compact case, making it significantly better for tight bags. The Sony only swivels — it does not fold. If you regularly pack into a small backpack or briefcase, this matters.

Travel tip

If you travel with carry-on bags only and space is tight, the Bose QC45's fold-flat case genuinely saves space. The Sony XM5 comes in a larger hard-shell case that requires dedicated space.

Which Is Right for Your Use Case?

Frequent long-haul travel

Superior ANC makes a real difference on long flights. The XM5 also handles cabin pressure better.

Sony XM5

Commuting with a packed bag

Folds flat and weighs slightly less. The QC45 case is slimmer and fits into a smaller bag pocket.

Bose QC45

Office and work calls

Better microphone array and call clarity. Colleagues report voices coming through more clearly.

Sony XM5

Budget is a consideration

Regularly available for $50-80 below the Sony. An excellent value-to-performance choice.

Bose QC45

Hi-res audio streaming

LDAC support on the XM5 delivers noticeably better quality from compatible Android devices.

Sony XM5

Final Verdict

9.2
Score
Best Overall

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best ANC, longer battery, LDAC, superior calls. The better headphone for most people.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better headphone by most objective measures. Unless portability or price is a primary concern, it is the one we recommend without hesitation. The Bose QC45 remains a genuinely excellent choice — it simply loses on the benchmarks that matter most.

Choose Sony if you...

  • Want the absolute best ANC
  • Use LDAC / Android hi-res audio
  • Make frequent work calls

Choose Bose if you...

  • Need a fold-flat design
  • Want to save $70-80
  • Prefer a warmer sound profile
Buy Sony XM5 Buy Bose QC45

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, yes. The Sony delivers better ANC, longer battery, LDAC codec support, and superior call quality. The Bose closes the gap if portability (fold-flat) and price are priorities for you.
Both include a 3.5mm cable for wired use on aircraft. However, neither includes a dual-pin airline adapter — you will need to purchase that separately or use your own.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has the edge in call quality. It features four beamforming microphones that do a better job isolating your voice from background noise compared to the Bose.
Yes. Both headphones work with Android and iOS via Bluetooth. The Sony has a companion app for both platforms with more granular EQ and ANC controls. Bose Music app is also available for both platforms.

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