When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, two names dominate the conversation: Sony and Bose. The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have set the benchmark for travelers, commuters, and remote workers alike.
But in this close match-up of performance, comfort, and features, which pair of headphones deserves your investment? Let’s break it down.
Design & Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony completely revamped the design from the XM4. The XM5 features a sleek, minimalist build with a lightweight, seamless headband and soft memory foam earcups. They don’t fold like previous models but come with a slim protective case.
- Weight: 250g
- Earcup comfort: Excellent
- Portability: Less compact due to non-folding design
Bose 700
Bose opts for a futuristic, sculpted design with a stainless steel headband and plush ear cushions. The 700s also don’t fold but have rotating earcups that lie flat in their case.
- Weight: 254g
- Earcup comfort: Excellent
- Portability: Slightly slimmer case than XM5
✅ Winner – Tie: Both are well-designed, premium-feel headphones. Sony wins slightly on plushness; Bose wins on modern aesthetics.
Noise Cancellation
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s 8-mic setup and Integrated Processor V1 deliver top-tier ANC that adapts in real time to your environment. From airplane cabins to busy cafés, the XM5s are incredibly effective.
Bose 700
Bose pioneered ANC tech and still offers exceptionally clean and natural noise cancellation, especially in human voice frequencies. The adjustable ANC levels (11 steps) provide fine control.
✅ Winner – Sony WH-1000XM5: Both are superb, but Sony edges ahead with better adaptive performance and wind handling.
Sound Quality
Sony WH-1000XM5
With custom 30mm drivers, the XM5s deliver a warm, bass-rich sound signature with excellent clarity and detailed mids. The DSEE Extreme engine and LDAC support further enhance high-resolution audio playback.
Bose 700
The Bose 700s offer a more neutral, balanced sound with crystal-clear vocals and crisp treble. It’s a clean, studio-like experience but with slightly less dynamic bass than Sony.
✅ Winner – Sony WH-1000XM5: Bose is accurate and clean, but Sony’s tuning is richer and more immersive for casual listening.
Call Quality
Sony WH-1000XM5
Improved microphones and AI-powered noise rejection enhance voice clarity during calls, but it still picks up wind noise occasionally.
Bose 700
One of the best headphones for calls, with a four-microphone beamforming array that isolates your voice exceptionally well—even in noisy settings.
✅ Winner – Bose 700: A clear choice for professionals or frequent callers.
🔋 Battery Life & Connectivity
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 30 hours | 20 hours |
| Fast Charging | 3 min = 3 hrs | 15 min = 3.5 hrs |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
| App Support | Sony Headphones App | Bose Music App |
✅ Winner – Sony WH-1000XM5: Longer battery life and quicker charge with slightly more customization in the app.
Controls & Smart Features
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Touch controls on earcups
- Speak-to-Chat & Adaptive Sound Control
- Auto-pause when headphones are removed
- Voice assistant integration
Bose 700
- Capacitive touch controls + physical buttons
- Customizable shortcut button
- Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri support
✅ Winner – Tie: Sony offers more automation; Bose provides more straightforward user control.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Tie |
| Noise Cancellation | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Sound Quality | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Call Quality | Bose 700 |
| Battery Life | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Smart Features | Tie |
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want:
- Best-in-class ANC
- Rich, immersive sound
- Long battery life for travel or workdays
Choose the Bose 700 if you want:
- Exceptional voice call performance
- Balanced sound with a professional edge
- Sleek aesthetics and intuitive controls
Bottom Line: Both are leaders in the ANC headphone space, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 takes the edge for all-around performance and media enjoyment, while the Bose 700 remains the pro’s choice for communication and clarity.
