QC Earbuds II vs WF-1000XM5
The QC Earbuds II and the WF-1000XM5 land in the same premium wireless earbuds category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Neither pair runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging WF-1000XM5 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price QC Earbuds II wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.4
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.8
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The WF-1000XM5 has 2 h more listening per charge
The QC Earbuds II is clearly behind on battery (single charge) (6 h against 8 h), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
-
The WF-1000XM5 has wireless charging
Whether it matters depends on your habits, but only one of these two gives you wireless charging: the WF-1000XM5. If you already own a wireless pad, the WF-1000XM5 fits right into your routine.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.21 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.38 oz Lightest case in class |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the sound & noise cancelling section. If sound & noise cancelling was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Battery & Charging
WF-1000XM5 leads
The battery & charging comparison is one-sided. The WF-1000XM5 leads where it counts. The WF-1000XM5 takes this one with 2 h more listening per charge. The WF-1000XM5 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast. Bottom line for battery & charging: the WF-1000XM5 has the edge.
Battery (single charge)
QC Earbuds II: 6 h WF-1000XM5: 8 h Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
Wireless charging
QC Earbuds II: no WF-1000XM5: yes Wireless charging lets you drop the case on a charging pad instead of hunting for a cable.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
Both the QC Earbuds II and the WF-1000XM5 cover features & connectivity equally well on paper. Treat features & connectivity as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 0.33 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | N/A (not specified) | 360 Reality Audio |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 8 h (winner) |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes (winner) |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch (tap and swipe) | Touch |
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.21 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.38 oz Lightest case in class |
Price
| Spec | QC Earbuds II | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 | $300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch price difference is small: $1, favoring the QC Earbuds II. The QC Earbuds II saves $1, but the WF-1000XM5 answers with 2 h more listening per charge and wireless charging.
Launch prices in the US as of July 2023; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QC Earbuds II if…
- you’d put the $1 saving toward something else
- you’re comfortable with how Bose does things
Choose the WF-1000XM5 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (8 h vs 6 h per charge)
- you already own a wireless charging pad
- you prefer staying with Sony
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the QC Earbuds II or the WF-1000XM5?
The WF-1000XM5 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless the extra $1 would stretch your budget.
Which has better battery life, the QC Earbuds II or the WF-1000XM5?
The WF-1000XM5 does better here. It lists 8 h for battery (single charge), while the QC Earbuds II lists 6 h.
Is the QC Earbuds II cheaper than the WF-1000XM5?
Going by launch prices, the QC Earbuds II costs $1 less than the WF-1000XM5. Prices as of July 2023; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Bose’s QC Earbuds II versus Sony’s WF-1000XM5. The WF-1000XM5 wins me over with 2 h more listening per charge.
Think about your week. Heavy on price? The QC Earbuds II. More about battery & charging? The WF-1000XM5.
My pick: the WF-1000XM5 is the one I’d buy, unless paying $1 more feels hard to justify for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.