Should I buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead of the Bose QC Ultra?

Yes—buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead of the Bose QC Ultra if battery life, value, and all-around everyday use matter most. The strongest concrete edge here is battery: the WH-1000XM5 is reported at 31 hours 53 minutes with ANC on, while the QC Ultra lasts less in the same comparison.

Pick the Bose QC Ultra instead if you care more about Bose’s comfort/fit feel, its presentation, or you find it at a clearly better price. Also note: Sony’s newer WH-1000XM6 is reported to beat both the WH-1000XM5 and QC Ultra for ANC/isolation, so if maximum noise cancellation is the priority, check the XM6 price before buying either.