Should I buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra for long flights?

For long flights, I’d slightly lean toward the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if your priority is travel comfort, strong noise canceling, and easier packing. They fold into a more compact case than the Sony WH-1000XM5, which is useful in a carry-on, and Bose’s comfort is a major reason many travelers like them.

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead if you want longer rated battery life: Sony rates the XM5 at up to about 30 hours with noise canceling on, while Bose rates the QC Ultra Headphones at up to about 24 hours. The Sony is also a strong pick if you prefer Sony’s app controls, tuning, or want excellent ANC with a longer endurance buffer.

Both are top-tier noise-canceling headphones and either is a very good long-haul choice. My practical recommendation: buy the Bose QC Ultra if comfort and portability matter most; buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if battery life matters most. If possible, try them on first, especially if you wear glasses or tend to get ear heat on long flights.