QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs WF-1000XM5
It’s Bose against Sony in the premium wireless earbuds class, and the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the WF-1000XM5 are the models carrying each flag. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging WF-1000XM5 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.0
- Features & Connectivity5.0
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.8
- Features & Connectivity5.0
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
When it comes to battery (single charge), the WF-1000XM5 wins comfortably with 8 h against 6 h. The WF-1000XM5 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | 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
Call the sound & noise cancelling round a draw. In short, sound & noise cancelling is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Battery & Charging
WF-1000XM5 leads
Look at the battery & charging table and one name keeps coming out on top: the WF-1000XM5. The WF-1000XM5 wins here with 2 h more listening per charge. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary. On battery & charging alone, the WF-1000XM5 gets the nod.
Battery (single charge)
QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): 6 h WF-1000XM5: 8 h Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t features & connectivity. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 0.33 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Bose Immersive Audio (with head tracking) | 360 Reality Audio |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch (tap and swipe) | Touch |
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | 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 Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | 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
Price is almost a tie, with the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) launching $1 below the WF-1000XM5. The extra $1 for the WF-1000XM5 buys 2 h more listening per charge.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked June 2025. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- you don’t need the extras that cost $1 more
- you trust Bose and want to keep things familiar
Choose the WF-1000XM5 if…
- you want longer listening per charge (8 h vs 6 h)
- you’re loyal to Sony and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the WF-1000XM5?
For most people, the WF-1000XM5 is the stronger choice, unless you want to keep that $1 difference in your pocket.
Which has better battery life, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the WF-1000XM5?
Going by the official figures, the WF-1000XM5 leads: 8 h versus 6 h for battery (single charge). Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Is the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) cheaper than the WF-1000XM5?
The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is the cheaper option, launching at $1 less than the WF-1000XM5 (launch prices as of June 2025).
Executive Summary
On paper, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the WF-1000XM5 chase the same buyer. In the details, Bose and Sony made different calls. For me, the deciding factor is that only the WF-1000XM5 gives you 2 h more listening per charge.
I’d steer price fans toward the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and battery & charging fans toward the WF-1000XM5.
My pick: the WF-1000XM5, unless you’d rather keep $1 for something else, in which case the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.