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Bose vs Sony
Too close to call: it comes down to the model.
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 Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit youSuits you if
- You commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted
- Sound quality matters most to you and you like adjusting the sound in an app
- You use an Android phone and switch between two devices
The short version
Brand for brand, Bose and Sony are closely matched. 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 71 expert reviews, analyzed 101,382 owner ratings and comments across 24 sources for every Bose and Sony model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
See the evidence
Brand scoreboardAverage score 79 vs 77 · reliability 66 vs 68
| Bose | Sony | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 79 | 77 |
| Experts | 85 | 88 |
| Owners | 79 | 72 |
| Reliability | 66 | 68 |
| Models scored | 3 | 3 |
| Most reliable model | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Quick answers
Which is better, Bose or Sony?
Neither, clearly. Choose the model, not the brand.
Based on: Average Product Review score 79 for Bose vs 77 for Sony.Which brand is more reliable, Bose or Sony?
Neither stands out. Their models have a similar record.
Based on: Average reliability 66 vs 68.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 Sony noise cancelling headphones?
The Sony WF-1000XM5. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sony models (79).