Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort 45 which should you buy

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the steadier long-term pick: noise cancelling close to the Sony's, a few hours more battery than its rating, no record of the hinge cracking that can cost $199 to fix on the XM5, and a little less up front. The Sony WH-1000XM5 edges ahead on outright noise control and app tuning.

Sony WH-1000XM5

8/10

Best for value

–~$398

✓Slightly stronger, more control

–Doesn't fold

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Bose QuietComfort 45

8/10

Best for comfort

✓~$329

–Very close

✓Comfier, packs smaller

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How they score

Sony WH-1000XM5Bose QuietComfort 45

Street price

8.7

7.3

Noise cancelling

8.9

7.2

Comfort & packing

Battery

8.7

7.3

Durability

7.2

8.9

Sony WH-1000XM5

+Street price (~$248)

+Noise cancelling (Slightly stronger, more control)

+Battery (~30 hrs)

×Comfort & packing (Doesn't fold)

×Durability (Hinge failures, $150 fix)

Bose QuietComfort 45

+Comfort & packing (Comfier, packs smaller)

+Durability (More robust)

×Street price (~$279)

×Noise cancelling (Very close)

×Battery (~24 hrs (often more))

Full spec sheet

Spec	Sony WH-1000XM5	Bose QuietComfort 45
Street price	~$398	~$329
Noise cancelling	Slightly stronger, more control	Very close
Comfort & packing	Doesn't fold	Comfier, packs smaller
Battery	~30 hrs	~24 hrs (often more)
Durability	Hinge failures, ~$200 fix	More robust

What you pay

The Sony WH-1000XM5 runs about $398, the Bose QuietComfort 45 about $329. The Bose is a little cheaper.

Noise and battery

The Sony cancels slightly more noise and offers finer app control, and lasts about 30 hours to the Bose's 24, often more in practice. Both block enough that the gap is small.

Comfort and durability

The Bose is comfier, folds, and packs smaller, with no record of the hinge cracking that can cost $199 to fix on the Sony. For years of daily use the Bose is the steadier pick.