The Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700 Headphones represent the latest in cutting-edge noise canceling headphone technology. As the new flagship models from two of the biggest names in the industry, there‘s understandably a lot of interest in how they compare. In this in-depth review, we‘ll break down how these two premium headsets stack up across critical categories like sound quality, comfort, features and value.
Design and Build Comparison
Both the Sony XM5 and Bose 700 feature attractive, minimalist designs constructed using high quality materials. The XM5 sports a lighter, slimmer body than previous Sony models, with a smoother headband and synthetic leather ear cups. The Bose 700 is slightly heavier but contains more metal parts like the stainless steel headband.
For comfort, the plush ergonomic ear cups on the Sony XM5 and softer clamping force help take pressure off the ears during longer listening sessions. While the Bose 700 is very comfortable as well, some may find the fit too snug over time. For build quality, the Bose 700 feels a bit more durable and premium.
Winner: Tie – The Sony XM5 gets points for its slimmed-down design and excellent comfort. But the Bose impresses with its class-leading build quality and metal accents.
Noise Canceling Performance
Both headphones deliver first-rate active noise cancellation that cuts out ambient environmental noise very effectively. However, Sony‘s new integrated V1 processor and automatic AI-powered ambient sound control system gives its noise canceling capabilities a slight boost.
In real-world testing, the Sony XM5 provided a touch more isolation across a range of situations – especially in environments with chatter and mid-range frequencies like offices and coffee shops. For blocking steady low rumbles like airplane engines, the differences are less discernible.
Winner: Sony XM5 – While both headphones have superb noise canceling, Sony‘s new adaptive ANC system gives it a marginal advantage.
Audio Quality
With their new integrated processors, both the Sony XM5 and Bose 700 headphones output expansive, detailed sound across all frequencies. The XM5 produces punchy, exciting sound fueled by powerful bass. Vocals also come through cleanly on the Sony set.
The Bose 700 opts for a more balanced sound signature, with airy treble adding extra vibrance to songs. Mids stand out crisply on the Bose making podcasts and audiobooks a treat to listen to. Ultimately, both deliver dynamic, lifelike audio that outperforms their predecessors. But the Bose 700‘s better balance wins out.
Winner: Bose 700 – The rich, evenly distributed sound gives the Bose a slight audio quality advantage.
Features and Connectivity
The Sony XM5 is packed with features including Speak to Chat which automatically pauses when you start speaking. Wear detection stops playback when taking off the headphones. You also get seamless fast pairing with Android devices plus integration with Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls.
The Bose 700 counters with intuitive touch controls letting you adjust volume, activate assistants, and take calls by touching or swiping your finger across the headphones. This works better than Sony‘s tap and gesture-based system especially for calls. But the Sony gives you more customization via its Connect app.
For connectivity, both the Sony and Bose support standard codecs like SBC and AAC for solid wireless performance. But only Sony includes higher resolution LDAC streaming support.
Winner: Sony XM5 – The more extensive features and connectivity options like LDAC give Sony the edge.
Call Quality and Battery Life
With their noise rejecting beamform microphones, the Bose 700 delivers significantly better call and voice quality than the Sony XM5. Voices transmitted through the Bose headset sound clearer and more natural. The top notch mic system adapts well to windy environments too.
For battery life, the Sony XM5 runs well ahead of the Bose with a class-leading 30 hours of playback per charge with ANC on. This demolishes the 20 hours figure on the Bose 700. The Sony headphones also charge faster – providing 3 hours of playtime from just a 3 minute USB-C quick charging session.
Winner: Sony XM5 – Significantly longer battery life and quick charging overcomes weaker call performance.
Verdict: Sony XM5 Wins
While both headphones have minor pros and cons over each other, the Sony WH-1000XM5 ultimately comes out ahead as the better overall package. The light, comfortable design paired with excellent noise cancelation and audio quality gives Sony the lead. The addition of useful extra features like Speak to Chat and LDAC support further tips the scales in Sony‘s favor for a fantastic all-around listening experience.
That said, the Bose 700 remains an appealing alternative especially if crystal clear phone calls are a priority along with nicely balanced sound. But for everything else from comfort to battery life, the Sony XM5 proves to be the superior noise canceling headset.
