Sony takes it on features, battery and app control. Choose Bose only if raw noise cancellation on aircraft is your single priority.
OUR PICKSony WH-1000XM5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Price
▲£279
£299
Battery (ANC on)
▲30 hours
24 hours
Multipoint
≈Yes
≈Yes
Folds flat
No
▲Yes
Low-frequency ANC
Excellent
▲Class-leading
Weight
≈250g
≈254g
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
▲ Winner≈ Tie
Bottom line
For most buyers the XM5 is the better headphone and the cheaper one. The QuietComfort Ultra earns its price only for frequent flyers who value absolute quiet over battery life and app flexibility.