The verdict in 10 seconds
Best Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsBest-in-class quiet in a bulky earbud with only average battery lifeSuits you if
- You commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get
- You like a rich, bass-forward sound
- You have medium to large ears and want a secure, stable fit
Best Sonos
Sonos AceSupremely comfortable, strong noise cancelling, with some software quirksSuits you if
- You wear headphones for hours and comfort comes first
- You travel or commute and want long battery life with strong noise cancelling
- You own a compatible Sonos soundbar and want private late-night TV audio
The short version
Bose is the stronger brand for noise cancelling headphones right now. The best single model of the two is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which suits you if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get.
We researched 47 expert reviews, analyzed 59,335 owner ratings and comments across 25 sources for every Bose and Sonos model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
See the evidence
Brand scoreboardAverage score 79 vs 68 · reliability 66 vs 56
| Bose | Sonos | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 79 | 68 |
| Experts | 85 | 76 |
| Owners | 79 | 67 |
| Reliability | 66 | 56 |
| Models scored | 3 | 1 |
| Most reliable model | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Sonos Ace |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Quick answers
Which is better, Bose or Sonos?
Bose, on balance. Its models do better overall.
Based on: Average Product Review score 79 for Bose vs 68 for Sonos.Which brand is more reliable, Bose or Sonos?
Bose. Its models are less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Average reliability 66 vs 56.What is the best Bose noise cancelling headphones?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Bose models (81).What is the best Sonos noise cancelling headphones?
The Sonos Ace. It suits you if you wear headphones for hours and comfort comes first.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sonos models (68).