Wireless Earbuds · owner-verdict comparison

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: 55% of 130 owners recommend it, vs 39% of 483 for the Sony WF-1000XM5.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

55%of 130 owners recommend
55% recommend · 13% neutral · 32% don't
Owners praise
  • Class-leading noise cancellation, widely called the best in earbuds
  • Rich, immersive sound quality
  • Comfortable, secure fit for gym, cycling, and running
Owners complain about
  • Static, crackling, and buzzing noises in the earbuds
  • Bluetooth disconnects and connectivity issues
  • Bass-heavy stock tuning can sound harsh
Full owner report →

Sony WF-1000XM5

39%of 483 owners recommend
39% recommend · 14% neutral · 47% don't
Owners praise
  • Class-leading noise cancellation
  • Rich, detailed sound quality
  • Comfortable for long listening
Owners complain about
  • Finicky, fragile foam eartips
  • Buds slip out during exercise
  • Connection cuts out when moving
Full owner report →

What Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds owners say

“They’re my instant new favorite. I’ve never had ear buds that fit more securely without discomfort, the ANC really is amazing, and the sound quality is top-shelf.”
— @Thegonagle on YouTube
“These Gen 2s hit a home run. They are phenomenal for ANC. Music quality is superb.”
— @TormentedTantalus on YouTube
“I wish Bose would fix the microphone during calls most people tell me they hear excessive noise when I am on a call if I am in a noisy environment”
— @ait0317 on YouTube

What Sony WF-1000XM5 owners say

“Llevo 1 mes y es lo mejor de lo mejor, vengo de los samsung buds 2 pro y se los lleva por mucho, la cancelación de ruido una barbaridad.”
— @lIObiIl on YouTube
“I bought a second pair and gotta say I’m pleased.”
— @GriffithFromBerk on YouTube
“mic quality is crap in a slightly noisy environment”
— @av365 on YouTube