Sony's FALSE ANC Claim ❌ WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort II

[@amanahluwalia1334]

I’m very much happy with my Bose qc2 main purpose was to block loud gym music n able to hear my music loud n clear which they do it very well

[@pickyaudio]

Yep I agree they work perfectly for that

[@Dimitrios_Kapotis]

I have both of them!! Bose have top notch ANC and better fit but suffering of disconnection issues and no have multipair connectivity. The XM5s are overall better but in my ears cannot fit well, hence the ANC is Zero. I solved the issue with the aftermarket silicone tips AZLA SednaEarfit MAX. The tips coming with the earpads are made of foam, that are not "memory foam" and degrade fast. Why Sony choose those types of tips I cannot figure out.

[@lorijustice8541]

You are not alone. I had both as well. I had so many connection problems with the Bose that I sent them back. But the Sony's have basically no ANC b/c it's all about their foam earbuds that definitely don't fit me. And I can only wear them for about an hour before they hurt my ears. Sigh.

[@Dimitrios_Kapotis]

@@lorijustice8541 for the Bose I solve the connection issues by resetting them back to factory settings and pair them to my phone only, not any other devices like before. About the xm5s, unfortunately if I use the original tips I have a physical pain and discomfort in my ears. With the AZLAs the fit is better and more comfortable but I lose about 10% of the ANC though. Generally speaking, when I have to go outside I prefer the Bose's for their comfort and their ANC, although they have shity mics for calls. Hope that helps ;)

[@franklong6269]

I disagree with your analysis of the call quality. Both earbuds have different strengths. In your example footage, the XM5s did have clear sound, but a LOT of the traffic noise was mixed in with the sound. The Bose canceled all of the traffic noise and still produced clear voice quality - but not as clear as the Sony. Of the two, I would choose the Bose because the voice quality was very good and it canceled out a LOT more of the traffic noise.

[@marclbishop]

Clear, concise and fast-paced, so I can watch the whole thing from start to finish. I'm gonna stick with my MOM TWS 3 for now. Thanks for the great review!

[@pickyaudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@PUT_N_WRK]

Have you had issues with your right earbud failing? 2 pairs of mine have so I thought I'd ask

[@mangbecak1]

Do you have any issues with your momentum? I've heard of people reporting chirping or low sound and issues with theirs. (Within months)

[@marclbishop]

@@mangbecak1 As a matter of fact, yes - I had that chirping noise. After reading a few Reddits, I just ripped off the mesh at the end of the posts and it solved the problem. I also never got a really good fit with the stock eartips, so I had to install the Spinfit 1025s , which are perfect. Now I love them, but it's disappointing to have these issues in a premium-priced pair of earbuds.

[@marclbishop]

@@pickyaudio BTW, I noticed in your review that you don't get a perfect fit on your MOM TW3s. I struggled, too, so I tried the Spinfit 1025s and now the fit is perfect.

[@timdatoolman83]

I bought the Sony WF-1000XM5s after going through 2x faulty pairs of Sennheiser MTW3s and it was an instant fail with regards to them not staying in my ears....returned them as soon as I could (although the sound quality was amazing)....had to compromise with the Sennheiser Sports instead (which absolutely stay in my ears but average sound quality)

[@davidmejia2699]

I also had issues with my MTW3's they would not disconnect from my phone when I put them back in the case. It was a shame because they had the best audio quality than any other earbuds IMO.

[@jasonMB999]

Why didn't you just buy 3rd party eartips?

[@pwhkiller3913]

Being able to manually adjust the anc is a massive game changer. If your in a room and you need silence to study xm5 adaptive anc will let noise through because its on a lower setting but for the bose you can max it out and hear nothing. Thats a massive win for bose

[@sng2225]

Great review. Everyone's needs are different and personally I hate transparency mode so I'd always turn it off. When walking I live dangerously and I never run with headphones / earbuds on. The volume control on the Sony seems painful to use. And generally that's my second most used function after pause/play. I'd use them mainly on planes, commuting and in the office to listen to podcasts, watch movies and conference call. I like Sony but the user interfaces and functionality seem overwhelming and in my case unnecessary.

[@franklong6269]

I just bought the Bose QC II Ultra earbuds - a small step up from the Bose earbuds in this review. 1. Agree with your multipoint comment. 2. I don't give a damn about EQ - they don't really affect the sound quality on either set of earbuds. 3. Bose ANC is simply the best. 4. The Bose are FAR easier to put on and get an excellent seal - the best I have ever used. 5. I couldn't disagree more with your criticism of the bass audio on the Bose earbuds. It is hands-down spectacular. I compared it to my 5.1 Harmon Kardon speaker system and my Bose NC700 over-ear headphones and the bass reproduction of the QC II Ultra earbuds is nothing short of stunning. I would suggest listening to Mannheim Steamroller's "Christmas Lullaby" song which goes from the most delicate high-end sound range with bells and tenor instruments, to a massive low-end bass introduction at the climax of the song. The Bose QC II earbuds handle this incredible audio range superbly, and in my opinion, without equal. I don't own the XM5s, but I would be interested to compare them. I strongly disagree with your assertion that the Bose midrange is "too strong" and the highs, mids and lows do not balance. There are a plethora of high quality reviews which violently disagree with you including this one from "What HIfi" whose entire focus is on audiophile song quality: www.whathifi.com/reviews/bose-quietcomfort-earbuds-ii

[@crBudgetWatches]

I have both. It's no contest. The QC2 win by a landslide. I bought the Sonys based on the initial hype I wonder if Sony paid all these KZbinrs.

[@franklong6269]

@@crBudgetWatches Yes, I have been jaded by the constant pro-Sony bias I have seen on KZbin and written reviews. It's almost like there is some kind of secret unwritten policy to always claim that anything Sony is the "king of audio quality." When I purchased my over-ear headphones in 2019, I bought both the Sony XM4s and the Bose NC700 headphones. Based on reviews I had read I expected the XM4s to just blow away the NC700s. The exact opposite was true. I was literally stunned and just how bad the sound was on the Sony XM4s. The headphones had a very loud bass response that clearly was supplemented by mixing in the midrange. The midrange and the high-end responses were also heavily mixed together for reasons beyond understanding. The results were that ALL of the sound ranges for the Sony XM4. over-ear headphones were a muddy mess. Instruments and vocals were not differentiated, the sound stage was almost non-existent, and no audio range was distinct from another. To say the XM4 sound response was poor is an understatement. Conversely, the sound ranges on the Bose NC 700s were pure, distinct and amazing. Their bass response is strong and separated from the midrange, as are the midrange and high-end range responses are separate. The sound stage is beautiful, and you can pick out each individual instrument and separate vocals as you listen. Listening to movies on the NC 700s just blew away the XM4s; it wasn't even close. The NC 700s were head and shoulders better than the Sony XM4s. Now fast-forward to now. Just yesterday I listened to a KZbin reviewer review the Sony XM4s, the XM5s and the over-ear Bose QC ultra headphones. He acknowledged the audio quality was "better" on the QC Ultra headphones but claimed it was ruined by the "compression" effect of the Bose headphones. So both of the Sony headphones were proclaimed superior to the QC Ultras. Even more incredibly, he went on to claim that Sony XM4 headphone audio quality was better than both the XM5s and the QC Ultras and because the XM5s and QC Ultras cost so much, the XM4s are the "best choice for most people." Wow, why would anyone listen to this moron??? I could see he thought he was being honest but what he was doing was parroting comments by other reviewers. This guy criticized the battery life on the QC Ultra (over-ear) headphones and didn't even test the battery life for the three different headphones firsthand. I criticized him in the comments for his lazy review and reminded him that several reviewers have found that Sony's battery life claims were not accurate. I think what is driving these piss-poor reviews is peer pressure. The KNOW Sony fan-boys will crucify them if they don't say that the XM5s are the best like other reviewers, and they are afraid to make any negative statements about them. It's really quite shocking to watch. I think that same thing is going in the financial world. Most of the financial "experts" you listen to are just parroting the accepted gossip and theories of the majority. It has convinced me not to recruit "investment advisors" to "coach" me on how to invest my money - but to do my own research.

[@pickyaudio]

Small mistake! XM5's have 8 hours of battery with ANC on

[@Lobo-ih3bh]

I’m trying to upgrade my Jabra elite 75t. Bought both the Sony and the Bose. Both have lovely sound but the ANC on the Sony just isn’t good enough. The ANC on the Bose is excellent but the wind noise outdoors with the lightest of breezes is terrible and there’s no way to turn off ANC this, and no multipoint is unforgivable at this price range. I have big ear canals and neither go deep enough without hurting so they will both be going back and the search will continue.

[@abrahamroberts2040]

The ANC on the xm5s are just as good as the QCII for me. But I do get a really good seal

[@pickyaudio]

Nice! Yea the seal plays a big part

[@farhadnaqvi]

Honestly, I am looking for buy a compact package, like bass beat and noice cancellation so on. I was wondering shall I go song xm5 or not. Need deep suggestions which one will be for best all regard.

[@migueljorge786]

X-M5 fall off just by talking or eating...imagine at the gym

[@asan1050]

Picky, Thank you very much!

[@pickyaudio]

No worries Asan!

[@hunterridley73]

I got the XM5 I have to use silicone your tips on my xm3 it seems like the medium is too small and the big's too big sometime I get the big in there but it gets uncomfortable after a while the silicones are just perfect takes me like one try to get them in perfect seal every time

[@MBasaar]

Best comparison of any two products I've seen in ages

[@jpanic2]

For the bose - can you use each earbud independently while the other charges?? Left or Right?

[@mohameedmohsan4621]

Nice review as always , bro help me i need to buy a ear buds around 150 us and i didn’t found something worth it So which is the best for anc , comfort, and sound quality ( oneplus pro2 , nothing ear 2) or something else ?

[@pickyaudio]

Nothing ear 2, soundcore Liberty 4 or 4NC, oneplus buds pro 2. Honestly any of those pairs you’re all good

[@wikenseru8187]

For working out (especially running), which one do you prefer XM5/Bose/Senn Momentum 3?

[@pickyaudio]

Bose

[@wikenseru8187]

@@pickyaudio thank you !

[@_-Z-]

Thank you for another great comparison, Picky! 👍

[@pickyaudio]

No worries!

[@fitnesschefen]

Which anc is best these 2 or the new apple pro 2?

[@thewavefafa]

I have both For sound easy win to sony Mutli connection sony Call quality both are good but sony is better ANC both are great bose is slightly better but still sony is good as well For me as overall choice i will go with sony Better sound better call quality & great ANC

[@wikenseru8187]

For working out which one do yo prefer?

[@alejandronuno9829]

L take

[@joel.garcia]

So, in overall xm5 seems to be a better option, but for working out or running Bose wins. 🤔 Which one would you recommend if I'm gonna use it for everything? I workout everyday, also receive a lot of calls and I have meetings on zoom three times a week. I was conviced to go for xm5 but after watching your video I'm not sure.

[@willsrx1]

Battery life with the xm5s anc on is 8 hours. Ldac and anc is 6 hours

[@pickyaudio]

This is true!

[@bobstodomingo]

Thanks for the great in depth review 😊👍

[@pickyaudio]

No worries! Thanks for watching 😊

[@zacharyfernandez1151]

Bose Ultra u think it can take down the Sony Mark 5?.

[@pickyaudio]

If it has multipoint and hi res then going off this ranking system yes

[@SideEffects297]

​@@pickyaudioand now? Do you think bose ultra earbuds are better than sony wf xm5?

[@coolh12]

BOSE ANC is better by a large margin. If you want good ANC get BOSE, why else would you buy ANC earbuds? there are way better options if you are an audio nerd.

[@shethsa]

Hey Picky - I'm looking for your spreadsheet which have both the bose qc2 and the ultras. Struggling to decide between the 2. Any thoughts?

[@pickyaudio]

It depends on the price difference. The Ultra have stronger ANC and Spatial Audio. The Spatial Audio isn’t great to be honest. Those are the only major differences

[@shethsa]

@@pickyaudio Thank you! Just placed my order for the midnight blue qc2s

[@christosstogias4662]

Bose also offers an alternate kit of tips XS and XL. Also I am using third party tips on XM5 and ANC is great. And between Bose and XM5 I prefer to put on the Bose for running. As ambient sound goes since my first earbud was Bose QCII never thought that was an issue with other brands.

[@McDinkledorfM.D]

What 3rd party tips are you using for your xm5s?

[@christosstogias4662]

@@McDinkledorfM.D COMPLY which are foam tips and AZLA which are silicone tips. AZLA will release a hybrid foam tip

[@hwile]

Wait, you can't adjust the levels of noise canceling on the xm5? You could on the xm4, that doesn't make sense

[@lorijustice8541]

There is no level for noise canceling, just on & off. There is level adjusting for ambient noise.

[@ManojNagar-yu3yr]

Sir I m a bass lover which will u recommend me from both of these. Tell me please

[@Kazeant]

Hello and well done for your video! My question is that I have the bang and olufsen ex and i was wondering if it worth the upgrade to sony?

[@krishnadas-op7qp]

Thanks for your great review

[@pickyaudio]

No problem 👍

[@TheDigitalcrack]

You are not fooled dude. The Bose are better for ANC. I tested this for weeks trying to understand what the heck people were overhyping about. Bose clearly and easily is better at the bass, ANC, dynamics.

[@pickyaudio]

Haha well glad to hear you agree!

[@axtoon2152]

I just bought them looking for good ANC and I am thoroughly unimpressed. It doesn't seem to be blocking much sound. Is the Bose much better for ANC or is it just a small improvement?

[@crBudgetWatches]

​@@axtoon2152I have had both. It's way better, tier god noise cancellation. I bought the XM5s based on the initial hype and reviews and it's such a dissapontment. My Seenheisers sound way better and have the same ANC. The Bose QC2 are so amazing. Unfortunately they have disconnection issues.

[@mesout.deragon]

8:39 👏👏👏

[@t0mc0]

Personally I had a sony xm4 but after a year the battery lasts 25min! (new update completely shut down the headphones until they became unusable!), so I won't be switching to the new sony model, but I'll try Bose this time.

[@HK399]

Great succinct review. I was on the fence leaning to the Sony but now the Bose are on sale on Amazon with the big sale you have pushed me into the other camp!

[@DaiThambi]

I just ordered the bose! I used to use bose before moving to samsung due to their offers with the phone. Excited 😊

[@ligeralon]

Can you pleas rank the audio thechnica twx9? Want to see how it will rank for you!

[@pickyaudio]

I do plan on it eventually!

[@donnagathers6979]

Love the comparison, thanks for the video.

[@pickyaudio]

No worries! Thanks for watching 😊

[@saifurrehman9173]

Please guide which one to buy Soundpeats capsule 3 pro or EarFun free 2S in terms of bass, music quality and for calls..?

[@dzielnymaytoster]

Can you recommend me some Earphones TWS? (about the structure of the flea) Up to 40-50$ Maybe SOUNDPEATS Air 3 Deluxe HS are good? Or something other?

[@Ivan.alvarez7]

wich one wil u say had a better bass for a basshead? i dont really care about NC, i only want bass and battery life

[@corporatecerby7480]

Bose QC 2 or Linkbuds S

[@corporatecerby7480]

call quality doesnt matter to me

[@pickyaudio]

QC 2

[@remi1213]

I would like to have your opinion of poly free 60 headset

[@mikeevans7381]

I didn't think the Bose would do this well. They're getting ready to release a new pair and they look smaller. Hopefully they'll have more features also. Thanks for the comparison nice job. 💯👍🇺🇸

[@pickyaudio]

Thanks Mike, yea if they just add multipoint and a better EQ they’ll be one of the best

[@christosstogias4662]

Also Apple will release AirPods Pro 3 in September

[@WilliamCh999]

When do you think Bose will release the next buds? Buds ultra?

[@tailrooster99]

I've owned the Sony and the Bose II, I found the Bose had better sound and fit, of course they're much smaller than Sony. The new Bose Ultras have a notch that keeps the "stability bands" from rotating out of position, which was my only real (albeit minor) complaint. That and the addition of Immersive Audio are probably enough for me to upgrade.

[@mordechai8008]

the Bose QC2 has great ANC but it has bugs when commuting via bus. each bus jump : the earbud will produce loud pop sound. furthermore , since Bose has released firmware update v1.3.26 there are connectivity issues for me. left ear can lag behind right ear or completely go silence and come back (putting it back to case fixes it. annoying) the most crucial thing for me is the mic. with Bose : people can hardly hear me on the street or in the bus. Sony ,on the other hand, had the issue with fast battery drain on XM4's . I wonder if that was fixed in newer earbuds)

[@Dimitrios_Kapotis]

Try to switch off the active sense option

[@eoeoe2]

I'm watiting for your review about bose qc ultra :)

[@pickyaudio]

I should have them soon, there have been some delays in Aus

[@eoeoe2]

in korea, we have dealy too

[@januarhiqman7854]

please review realme air 5 pro, many thanks

[@ansarmuhammed3836]

nice comparison thank you so much

[@lasantha1984]

Thank you for great reviews as always.. Can you check in a crowded Mall or shop for call quality?

[@SibTiger33]

100% agree with u in all categories

[@RN-jo8zt]

i just want to buy beat studio bud plus . It really appreciates if you review it

[@krishnadas-op7qp]

Dear, I don’t know more about the technical side, can you please suggest me to buying, which one is better for watching movies?

[@pickyaudio]

Either way you go you’re fine with movies.

[@douglasrobert7368]

User from x4 and now x5, in a shell i think the x5 is miles ahead in terms of ANC but the catch is replace all the ear tips from x5 to x4 eartips and then you will have the real seal. That being said and with the perfect seal i think the x5 is unbeatable at the point is really close to airpods max over headphone which i judge superior; the trick is get a perfect seal and this is no easy because people have different ear canal My situation i have an amazing seal with x4 eartips, unfortunately the x5 eartips sucks.

[@pickyaudio]

Yea I feel you there with the eartips

[@cooluser23]

You totally forgot microphone tests. That's super important.

[@pickyaudio]

I did not

[@WilliamCh999]

Point 7

[@NotMyRealNameDaDa]

Great comparison and extremely helpful as always 👍 What happened to your finger mate?

[@pickyaudio]

Thank you! Crushed between two stones, she broke but is on the mend 💪

[@NotMyRealNameDaDa]

@@pickyaudio Yikes! Hope it gets better soon

[@motibeats_pro]

But still your fav earbuds is Sennheiser momentum 3 , right?

[@pickyaudio]

Right now yes

[@motibeats_pro]

@@pickyaudio i am waiting until momentum wireless 4 comes out, so I can get mw3 at cheaper price!

[@suongnguyen4331]

Bose doesn’t offer earbud replacement if you lose one. They want you to drop another $300 USD for a new set! Rip off

[@Gemneye6]

OUCH

[@levil4012]

Dare I say this but Bose have more bass(which I love) and sounds better than the Sony's

[@bongslaw23]

The bose is better for music 🎶 the nosie canceling is better than the xm5's however the xm5s are way way more comfortable than the bose . The xm5s sound very good but there's just no comparison to the bose when it comes to the sound quality. However the bose is horrific when in phone calls, the bose to me is only good for listening to music only that's it . For all other stuff the xm5's wins .

[@niko1even]

I disagree with the comfort, everyone's ears are different and I personally prefer the qc buds fit, as they don't go deep in your ear

[@agoz6169]

I assume that after few firmware updates Sony wf-1000xm5 will have better ANC, it's always the same when it comes to earbuds

[@lazylizard6682]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@shadguitar]

Still hasn't got any better. I can talk to people with ANC on with the XM5.

[@lorijustice8541]

I don't think Sony should be allowed to call this ANC.

[@remi1213]

Hello I am a CDL truck driver, I would like to know if the sony 1000xm5 is good for call quality when I am driving my truck Thanks!

[@abenzoar]

Great review, neutral and real!

[@Yaamaari]

Add customer service to the list and Bose takes the win

[@sunsunsunh]

😂

[@retrosai]

Bose mic sound like tin can

[@thompson-mb1iw]

Xm5 design wery ugly.

[@timo_kun]

u want get sq and high brand? choose bose always on top for sound

[@Bluelovebird69]

I can't stand more than 1 month for every sony tws product (mark 3, 4 & 5) until i bought B&O EX and this QC II. I'm just a fool all this time. Just forget sony

[@the1HLT]

You doin’ the Lords work! Hallelujah!

[@pickyaudio]

🙏

[@harry1583]

My wife has the qc2 and I just bought the airpods 3. We exchanged buds for a day and goodness me the qc2’s case was a problem. It does sound good though just that the case was a bother for me with my tight pants. 😂

[@sony1968]

Sony is the king, it's not worth downloading, it doesn't make sense :)

[@vitalkhlebnikov]

Sony wf-1000xm5 are better than Bose qc ii when it comes to ANC. This has been already measured and confirmed by a professional audio engineer kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKG6mnqKrq2jjJY . Perhaps, you had a different personal experience. I am not sure it is sufficient though to conclude that Sony claims are false.

[@pickyaudio]

Yea as I said in the video the fit and ANC personalisation will alter the performance. Which is why I’m not massive on these tests. They do give you a good baseline of performance though

[@joeface03]

Correct. The Sony is objectively better.

[@el_covington5640]

I disagree. I've had 3 different sets of xm5s and all three had little to no functional ANC. I called and complained to Sony and they said that doesn't sound right and said they all must be defective. The Anker liberty 4 NCs had far superior ANC than the xm5s. With no music playing and just anc on, I literally couldn't hear anything. My gf was trying to talk to me and I didn't even know it, and trust me, she's always talking and she always talks LOUD

[@joeface03]

@@el_covington5640 there is no real world scenario that exists where anker has a better anc execution than Sony

[@vitalkhlebnikov]

@@el_covington5640 ¨little to no functional ANC¨ has been addressed in the link above. It is just your perception given how good the passive noise isolation is.