Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Sony WF-1000XM5

What QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) does better (1) and where WF-1000XM5 wins (5) — every spec side by side.

5.8Score

1 advantage≈ $150

Sony · 2023WF-1000XM5

7.2Score

5 advantages≈ $170

Higher score

5.6Noise control & calls8.5

6.1Battery7.4

2.4Build & features3.8

Why is QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) better than WF-1000XM5?

Battery life8 h vs 12 h+50%
Hi-res codec (LDAC / aptX HD / LHDC)No · QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen): Yes
Microphones3 vs 62×
LDACNo · QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen): Yes
Earbud weight (each)10 g vs 5.9 g+69%

Specifications

Only differences	Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen)≈ $1505.8	Sony WF-1000XM5≈ $1707.2
Sound
Fit	In-ear	In-ear
Ear cup design	Closed-back	Closed-back
Driver type	Dynamic	Dynamic
Driver size	—	8.4 mm
Lowest frequency	—	20 Hz
Highest frequency	—	20,000 Hz
Hi-Res Audio	—	Yes
Adjustable equaliser	Yes	Yes
Noise control
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Transparency / ambient mode	Yes	Yes
Microphones	3	6
Battery & charging
Battery life	8 h	12 h
Battery life with ANC	—	8 h
Total with charging case	32 h	24 h
Charging time	1.5 h	1.5 h
Fast charging support	—	Yes
Wireless charging (case)	Yes	Yes
Connectivity
Wireless	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth version	5.3	5.3
Bluetooth codecs	SBC	LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC
Hi-res codec (LDAC / aptX HD / LHDC)	No	Yes
aptX	No	No
LDAC	No	Yes
Multipoint (two devices)	Yes	Yes
LE Audio	—	Yes
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Smart & streaming
Voice assistant	—	Alexa, Google Assistant
Design & build
Earbud weight (each)	10 g	5.9 g
Protection rating	IPX4	IPX4
Water resistance (IPx)	IPx4	IPx4
Features
Touch controls	Yes	Yes
Hands-free calls	Yes	Yes