Two years after the launch of the five-star QuietComfort Ultra headphones, Bose recently announced the second generation update.
But what’s really new with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones and how do they compare to the five-star Sony WH-1000XM5? Although the WH-1000XM5 has since been succeeded by the Sony WH-1000XM6, the former is still readily available as a more affordable option.
To help you decide, we’ve compared the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and noted the key differences, alongside any similarities, below. Once you’re done here, make sure you visit our best headphones guide to see our other top-rated models.
Price
The recently launched Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones are naturally the more expensive model of the two, with a starting price of £449.95/$449.
Although the headphones have since been succeeded by the Sony WH-1000XM6, the WH-1000XM5 is still available to buy from Sony’s official site and third party retailers like Amazon. At the time of writing, the RRP is around £279/$279.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen supports USB-C audio
Unlike its predecessor, the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) now supports USB-C audio for lossless listening, which should provide a clearer, high fidelity sound. Bose explains that for lossless formats, audio signals are received at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48kHz from compatible source files, which preserves the full details of the original recording, as the artist intended it.
On the other hand, although the Sony WH-1000XM5 doesn’t support audio through USB-C, the headphones are fitted with Sony’s LDAC which enables higher quality (if lossy) audio over a wireless connection.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen features Cinema Mode
The 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra is among the first of Bose headphones to introduce Cinema Mode, which balances background sound and other audio effects for a movie-like experience.
Although Cinema Mode was intended for video content, it also enhances spoken word audio like podcasts and audiobooks too, as dialogue is made crisp and clear.
Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen promises improved adaptive noise cancellation
Both the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones feature ANC, Bose promises its 2nd Gen headphones sport improved adaptive noise cancellation.
While we praised the original QuietComfort Ultra headphones as offering “class-leading” noise cancelling performance, the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen promises its updated algorithm will build upon its predecessor and improve the headphone’s ActiveSense when in aware mode. This, Bose promises, means changes in noise cancelling should be smoother than before.
Considering we hailed the QuietComfort Ultra headphones as being a “step ahead of the WH-1000XM5”, this is a promising feature for the next generation. With this in mind, if you want the best possible ANC on offer, then the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen might be an easy choice.
Having said that, it’s worth noting that we still praised the Sony WH-1000XM5 as being “an excellent pair of noise cancellers”, so if you’d prefer an everyday pair that’s more affordable, then they remain a brilliant choice.
Both offer up to 30 hours of battery life
The original QuietComfort Ultra headphones provided up to 24-hours of battery life, which should be more than enough to see you through long journeys and frequent commutes alike. However, Bose has boosted this with the second generation and now offer up to 30-hours instead.
In fact, when ANC is switched off, you can even eke out up to 45-hours although we’re yet to confirm this ourselves.
The WH-1000XM5 also offers a similar battery life of up to 30-hours or up to 40 when ANC is switched off.
Early Verdict
As we’re yet to review the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 headphones we’ll refrain from passing a conclusive verdict until we do. However, with the promise of even better ANC than its predecessor, USB-C audio connection and the introduction of Cinema Mode, the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 headphones are undoubtedly a promising update.
It’s worth remembering that such prowess and premium technologies do come with a hefty price tag. With this in mind, if you would prefer a more affordable pair of headphones but don’t want to miss out on ANC and the like, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 is still a solid choice.
We’ll update this versus once we’ve reviewed both headphones.
