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The short answer · Balanced overview
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads the Balanced Bettr Score 81.7–68.6. The existing category models use the available evidence automatically; open the score details for sources and coverage.
Sony
Keep the generation exact when comparing Sony’s over-ear options. The XM5 has qualifying independent evidence in this snapshot, so you can inspect the listening trade-offs as well as the features. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation and wired playback.
Bettr Score · Balanced
81.7/100
Bose
The generation matters as much as the QuietComfort name. Use this exact model’s features and connections without borrowing the Ultra model’s test results. The sourced feature set includes active noise cancellation, wired playback and USB-C audio.
Bettr Score · Balanced
68.6/100
The sourced facts below explain each product’s features. Bettr Scores use the existing category models and available evidence automatically. Reference prices are not live checkout prices.
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Specification | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
$228.00 ✓ Winner | Reference price (USD) | $359.00 |
over-ear | Form factorTie | over-ear |
40 hours ✓ Winner | Maximum battery life | 24 hours |
30 hours ✓ Winner | Battery life with ANC | 24 hours |
Yes | Active noise cancellationTie | Yes |
Yes | Transparency / ambient modeTie | Yes |
8.82 oz | Weight | 8.11 oz ✓ Winner |
5.2 | Bluetooth version | 5.4 ✓ Winner |
Yes | Bluetooth multipointTie | Yes |
Yes | Wired audioTie | Yes |
Not verified | USB-C audioNot enough data | Yes |
3.5 hours | Full charge time | 3 hours ✓ Winner |
Yes | Spatial audioTie | Yes |
NOT WATERPROOF | Water resistanceNot enough data | Not verified |
Not verified | FoldableNot enough data | Not verified |
Yes | Carrying case includedTie | Yes |
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads the Balanced Bettr Score.
GearLab test results · checked 2026-10-19. GearLab wireless headphone category tests, July 2026 comparison table. Bettr Than did not perform these tests.
People's Pick
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eBay — New
In stock · checked Oct 26, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$199.00
Item price · shipping unknown
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