Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sennheiser Momentum 4

Design & Build

The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents a complete redesign from its predecessor. The headband is slimmer, the earcups are smoother, and the overall aesthetic is more refined. At 250g, it's tied with both competitors for weight, but reviewers consistently note it feels lighter during extended wear. The carrying case is larger than the previous generation, which is a practical downside for travelers, but the headphones themselves fold flat for easier packing. Build quality is solid with premium plastics that don't creak or flex.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones stick with the brand's familiar design language: understated, professional, and comfortable. Also 250g, these feel substantial without being heavy. The materials are high-quality plastics with soft protein leather earpads. According to RTINGS, comfort is exceptional for all-day wear. The design is less distinctive than Sony's new look, but it's proven and reliable. One notable omission: no wired connection without buying a separate adapter, which feels stingy at $429.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless takes a step backward aesthetically. Previous Momentum models had distinctive, premium designs. The Momentum 4 looks generic and forgettable. Reviewers across the board note the bland appearance, though the build quality remains solid. At 250g, it matches competitors but feels slightly bulkier on the head. The earpads are comfortable, and the headband distributes weight well, but the overall design lacks the refinement of Sony or the timeless simplicity of Bose.

Section winner: Sony WH-1000XM5. The redesign is genuinely attractive, and the comfort advantage during long sessions is real. Bose is close behind, while Sennheiser's uninspired design is the clear third place.

Performance

Sony's WH-1000XM5 uses dual processors (QN1 and V1 chips) to deliver what CNET calls "best-in-class noise cancellation." Real-world testing confirms this isn't marketing hype. The headphones block low-frequency rumble on flights, mid-frequency office chatter, and high-frequency environmental noise effectively. RTINGS measured the ANC performance and found it outperforms most competitors across the frequency spectrum. The adaptive ANC adjusts automatically to your environment, and it works reliably without constant manual tweaking.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers the noise cancellation Bose is famous for. According to TechRadar's 9/10 review, the ANC is "premium" and handles low-frequency rumble exceptionally well. RTINGS gave it an 8.3/10, praising the immersive audio features. In direct comparison, Bose and Sony trade blows depending on the environment. Bose excels at blocking consistent low-frequency noise like airplane engines. Sony handles variable noise and sudden sounds better. Both are excellent, but Sony edges ahead in versatility.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offers competent noise cancellation that's effective but not class-leading. What Hi-Fi? notes the ANC is "solid" without being exceptional. It blocks enough noise for comfortable commuting and office work, but it doesn't match Sony or Bose in challenging environments like crowded airports or busy streets. The passive isolation from the earcups helps, but the active cancellation itself is a step behind the leaders.

Section winner: Sony WH-1000XM5. The dual-chip processing delivers measurably better ANC across more scenarios. Bose is close, particularly for air travel. Sennheiser is competent but clearly third.

Sound Quality

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver clean, balanced sound with good detail across the frequency range. The bass is present without overwhelming mids and highs. CNET praises the sound quality as excellent for consumer headphones, though notes the lack of aptX HD codec support at this price point is disappointing. The soundstage is reasonably wide, and instrument separation is good. These aren't audiophile reference headphones, but they sound excellent for everyday listening across genres.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers pleasant, comfortable sound that prioritizes listenability over accuracy. The bass is slightly elevated, which makes pop and electronic music engaging. However, reviewers note the sound lacks detail and accuracy compared to Sony. The immersive audio mode adds spatial dimension that's impressive for movies and some music, but it's not a substitute for genuinely accurate sound reproduction. As one reviewer put it, these sound good but not $429 good.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless delivers the most neutral, audiophile-friendly sound of the three. What Hi-Fi? gave it 9/10 and praised the "excellent sound quality" with good bass definition and a wide soundstage. The sound signature is cleaner and more accurate than both Sony and Bose. For critical listening, these are the best choice. However, the sound isn't dramatically better than Sony's, and the difference won't matter to most casual listeners.

Section winner: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. The neutral, accurate sound wins for audio quality purists. Sony is close behind with more consumer-friendly tuning. Bose trails in third with pleasant but less detailed sound.

Battery Life

This isn't a contest. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless delivers 60 hours of battery life with ANC engaged. That's not a typo. Reviewers consistently call this "genuinely exceptional" and "life-changing." In practical terms, you'll charge these once a month with typical daily use. For travelers and commuters tired of managing charging cables, this is a massive advantage.

Sony WH-1000XM5 offers 30 hours of battery life, which is excellent by normal standards but looks pedestrian next to Sennheiser. CNET notes this is enough for "charging once a week at most" with regular use. Quick charging delivers several hours of playback from a short USB-C charge. This is genuinely good battery life that won't leave you stranded.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra provides 24 hours of battery life, which is the shortest of the three. It's still adequate for most users and better than many competitors, but it requires more frequent charging than Sony and dramatically more than Sennheiser. For a $429 headphone, this feels like an area where Bose should have done better.

Section winner: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. The 60-hour battery life is a genuine differentiator that matters in daily use. Sony's 30 hours is very good. Bose's 24 hours is merely adequate.

Call Quality & Features

Sony WH-1000XM5 excels at voice calls with what reviewers call "best-in-class" performance. The eight-microphone array isolates your voice from background noise effectively, even in challenging environments. According to our editorial review, these handle "work calls without kids screaming in the background" and perform well on "noisy New York streets." The Speak-to-Chat feature automatically pauses music when you start talking, which works reliably. Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers solid call quality that's good but not exceptional. The microphones handle moderate background noise adequately, but they don't match Sony's voice isolation in truly noisy environments. The immersive audio mode is a standout feature for movies and spatial content, adding dimension that's genuinely impressive. Bluetooth 5.3 is the newest standard of the three. However, the lack of a wired connection option without an adapter is frustrating.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless provides competent call quality that's adequate for video conferences and phone calls but doesn't stand out. The touch controls occasionally misinterpret accidental input, which multiple reviewers mention as an annoyance. The headphones support standard Bluetooth codecs but nothing exceptional. Features are functional but not innovative.

Section winner: Sony WH-1000XM5. The call quality is measurably better, and the feature set is more refined. Bose's immersive audio is interesting but doesn't overcome the overall gap. Sennheiser is adequate but unremarkable.

Value for Money

Here's where things get complicated. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has an MSRP of $429, which is too expensive for what it delivers. However, it's currently on sale at Amazon for $279. At that price, it's a genuinely compelling deal. You're getting excellent noise cancellation and exceptional comfort for $70 less than Sony and $70 less than Sennheiser. The shorter battery life and less detailed sound are easier to accept when you're saving significant money.

Sony WH-1000XM5 at $400 is expensive but defensible. You're paying for the best noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, outstanding call performance, and a refined overall package. According to expert reviews, these are the best noise-canceling headphones available. The price reflects that position. It's not cheap, but you're getting what you pay for.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless at $350 offers the best sticker price of the three. The 60-hour battery life and superior sound quality make this a strong value proposition. However, the bland design, less effective ANC, and unremarkable features mean you're not getting a clear bargain. It's fairly priced but not a steal.

Section winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (at sale price). The $279 Amazon price makes these the best deal right now. At MSRP, Sony offers better value. Sennheiser is fairly priced but doesn't dominate on value.

Who Should Buy What?

Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you need the absolute best noise cancellation and call quality. These are the headphones for people who work from home with noisy households, travel frequently, or spend significant time on video calls. The $400 price is high, but you're getting the most refined, capable headphones in this comparison. If you can afford them, these are the safe choice that won't disappoint.

Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you can snag them at the current $279 sale price. At that discount, you're getting 90% of Sony's performance for 30% less money. The shorter battery life and less detailed sound are reasonable tradeoffs when you're saving $120. Don't buy these at full MSRP, but at sale price, they're an excellent deal.

Get the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless if battery life is your top priority and you care about accurate sound reproduction. The 60-hour battery is genuinely useful for people who forget to charge devices or travel extensively. Audiophiles will appreciate the neutral sound signature. However, if you need the best noise cancellation or call quality, look elsewhere.

Final Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 wins this comparison because it's the most complete package. It delivers the best noise cancellation, the best call quality, excellent sound, and a refined user experience that justifies the $400 price. According to CNET, RTINGS, and our own editorial reviews, these are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now. The 9.5/10 aggregate rating reflects genuine excellence across every category that matters.

Yes, the Sennheiser has better battery life and slightly more accurate sound. Yes, the Bose is cheaper on sale and nearly as comfortable. But the Sony does everything well without meaningful compromises. The dual-chip noise cancellation is measurably better in real-world use. The eight-microphone call quality is unmatched. The design is attractive and comfortable for all-day wear. The 30-hour battery life is more than adequate.

If you're spending $350-$400 on premium headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the choice that won't leave you wondering if you should have bought something else. It's the best because it's the best, and the expert consensus backs that up. The Bose and Sennheiser are good headphones with specific strengths, but the Sony is the complete package that earns its position at the top.