Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose QC45 vs Apple AirPods Max Headphone Comparison

A review and comparison of the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QC45, and Apple AirPods Max Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM5: jerad.link/sonywh1000xm5
Apple Airpods Max: jerad.link/airpodsmax
Bose Quietcomfort 45: jerad.link/boseqc45
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Unboxing
1:03 - Cases
3:38 - Bose QC45
8:28 - Sony WH-1000XM5
13:13 - AirPods Max
17:06 - The Comparison
17:36 - My Choice
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The content of this video is intended for viewers ages 13+.
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[@haliemorris9171]

I have the QC45s and was surprised you weren't a fan of the case. It's very functional and packs away very nicely, perfect for travel as I could never just hang my headphones off the outside of my bag.

[@ThRealJC2]

I have had 3 generations of Bose QC, having QC 45 right now. They are very comfortable, sound good and case is handy.

[@gameplayer117]

I got the QC45 because I want noise cancelling and comfortable to wear for hours hence the name. Also I prefer a well balanced sound compared to a very bass heavy and one that sounds muddy. So yeah, I love the QC45

[@nanyabiznus4738]

I hope they dont mitigate the ANC quality when a newer product comes just like they did to QC35

[@MrRey84972]

I also cannot justify the price of the other 2.

[@thefunkybassist9916]

Just got the QC45 for €200 after a disastrous experience with a €350+ Momentum 4 and I really like the Bose so far. Physical buttons that simply do what you expect, audio is quite good, it folds and surprisingly small and the ANC is definitely not bad and reliable.

[@vincentforonda7381]

@@nanyabiznus4738 dont worry bose upgrade their qc every 3-4 years.

[@vincentforonda7381]

@@thefunkybassist9916 is there any problem with the m4??

[@nbas1701]

Amazing quality video, thank you!

[@dusfug]

QC 45 also smashes the other two in affordability.

[@hebertgodoy5039]

Excelente review. thanks

[@bj0urne]

I got the XM4's and instantly returned them. There's so much base and too little instrumental separation so everything kinda blends together. Also the XM4's (and XM5's) sound a bit like you're in a can, it sounds hollow, echo... Also applies to XM5.

[@otakudeck]

I have the Boss QC 45 and honestly I think they are the best headphones I've ever owned, for comfort and wear ability the Bose are super comfortable to wear for long periods of time, the sound quality is just a good balance across the board, the only downside with the Bose is the mic is just really poor for call quality but other than that you can go wrong with the Bose, and if your looking at buying the Bose 45 at a few $ cheaper pick up the Bose SE it's basically Bose QC 45 in a different Carey case

[@dataengrprospect9207]

I think that's actually a huge deal. I have both, the sony and Bose. The call quality on Bose isn't great, and for that reason alone I'll return the Bose

[@samuelmosley3120]

You are missing out on features with the m5. You can speak to chat and so you don't have to hold your hand over the headphones. The software is a huge part of it.

[@alib3310]

I’m interested in the noise cancelling mostly. That’s 90% of why I get headphones. It’s vital for me.

[@officialmultimedia8107]

Airpods pro 2 are actually crazy good for NC if you are into buds

[@thefunkybassist9916]

Just today I test drove the ANC in a coffee bar. While it does not block everything, it's definitely more than enough for me to help me focus on my work while others are loudly talking around me.

[@zombieimpact2790]

​@@officialmultimedia8107Bose QC Ultra buds and Sony 1000xm5 have better anc.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

So which do you have?

[@RedDeadWrangler]

I have the qc35 ii and just ordered the qc45 and I’m excited, I think I made the right choice

[@havyer4114]

Hated the XM5s which was a bummer because I love Sony audio. The ear cups were hella uncomfortable and kept making this very noticeable squeak when I moved my head just a little, and the audio swipe controls were kinda annoying to me. The bass was incredible though but ultimately ended up sticking with my QC45s. If only they’d add just a bit more base, they’d be the perfect headphone. As for the max’s… I’ll need to find a sponsor for one of those 😂

[@ashleymitchell3370]

Have you downloaded the Bose app? I thought the bass wasn’t great on my QC45’s, but noticed you can control the settings in the app to turn it up 😃

[@davemeadows6688]

Totally agree. Bose are far more comfortable. I found the tips of my ears touched the sides of the small Sony ear cups. You should try and increase the bass using the Bose app. I find the bass excellent now.

[@itsnando20]

I really wanted to go with Sony, but with those shallow earcups, it just pins my ears to back of it and heats my ears quite quickly.

[@manoelrangel8305]

Man, please, tell us which model is this hoodie you are wearing

[@arkinsam7733]

I owned an airpods max, sound quality is ok, and also liked the easy connection with my iphone,macbook but the huge size, heavy weight and sweating caused by the earpad made me sell it after a month use. I;ve also managed to try the sony XM5 and could not stand wearing it for more than an hour, its so tight on the ear/head...now im using Bose Qc45 and the sound quality is good, phone call mic is ok, noise cancellation is great, app has now EQ, its so light and comfortable that you can wear it the whole day. Its perfect.

[@pharaohsanakht6839]

I travel to Asia every year, an average of 15hrs non stop . I got the bose QC 45 then i bought the white Bose QC45 . The comfort and clarity on the bose is unmatched.

[@danieljohnson6684]

I’ve had the same bose quite comfort 35s for 7 years have been through 5 ear cups. Couldn’t be happier, but I have wanted the apple max. I would be too scared to wear them ever where like I do the bose

[@lathoncarter771]

the airpods pro work for spotify when it comes to playing pausing and skipping tracks. also show this man some love this is great content and only 66 likes. :(

[@mikefa5891]

Excellent review! You have helped me decided to go with the Sony XM5!

[@jf_lecook]

HEY WOAH WOAH. don't forget you can bass boost the qc 45s with the app they come with! they are definitely hard bass hitters

[@b00shay]

the heaviness of the AirPods Max made me return them. Not comfortable at all..XM5 take the cake.

[@houman2009]

Super clunky heavy and poor choice of material lol aluminum cups that are 5” long diagonally …why Tim why???

[@TheWinwin4all]

I have both, sony and bose. Both are comfortable but i can wear bose and not noticing them for a long time. Bose is lighter and sits better because of the slimmer head band. Noise canceling is almost on par between these two, i wear them in the machine room where the sound is 150+ db and both of them are doing well so i still can't decide which one is better. Where sony shining for sure is, when you are making calls. Xm5 is filtering the background much better than qc45. Audio quality are good on both , sony is more fuller sound but bose is just well rounded. So, if your goal is the best sound canceling get sony, if you want most comfortable pair, get bose.

[@Diglettthegamer]

Thank you that is very helpful i am so stuck between then xm5 and qc45 i really cant decide. 😅

[@gillesvandycke9228]

150 db damn

[@_kopiter_]

Why not a single review compares the microphones with/without ANC? This is the major function for all these headsets? Just for listening music there are tons of alternatives.

[@stanleykubrickk]

I have all 3. Airpods max is the clear winner for sound and build quality however it’s heavy and not practical. If you are planning to use it at home or work only it’s great but for travelling, daily outdoor activities and gym I would pick qc45 easily. It’s really comfortable, good anc and decent sound quality. I also think it fits and looks on me the best. XM5 is my least favourite, and in the same league with airpods max. it’s bulky and not as good as airpods max, I am planning to sell it.

[@danielemilazzo432]

what about the microphones for zoom chats?

[@danielarroyo06]

Unpopular opinion: I currently own the XM3's and love the features, but most of all I love the bass, like you said I can feel the music. I'm in the Apple ecosystem 100%, so a week ago I purchased the Airpods Max, I love the features, but I absolutely hate the sound quality. The bass is so weak, that I am wondering if I bought a defective set. I messed around the the accessibility features, but to no avail. I'm so disappointed because I love the look, quality, and noise cancellation, but these have no soul when it comes to music. I'm going to return them, hopefully the next itteration have better bass.

[@imprintministries9770]

I appreciate you time doing this video after all said and done which ones would you buy. Sony X5 or Momentum 4?

[@jeradhilltech]

I love my Sony X5's so that would be my choice.

[@jeretso]

Focusing issues because all black product in all black cases are hard to focus. Eye strain. I wish they offered more colors

[@andrewhan1]

Which headphones would you recommend for strictly traveling, specifically watching movies or listen music on an airplane? I don't really walk around wearing headphones and will only be interested in using for traveling. Thank you!

[@jeradhilltech]

I prefer the Sony headphones but I would put the Bose in second place. I really wanted to like the AirPods Max but prefer the Sony or Bose. I would go for whatever fits best or is most comfortable for you.

[@dobrecristianro]

What amazes me is that no one talks about the reliability over time. I would had liked to know before I bought my Bose QuietConfort that the headband is not replaceable and it is made of pleather or leatherette and this will peel like hell in about 2-3 years of usage. I see that at least the airpods don’t have a headband made of pleather, so probably it will last way more, but it’s still not great as a removable one.

[@xtidus3378]

Hi there! Nice comparison, that's quite disturbing you have such a few number of views. I hope you'll rise fast! However, I would like to know which headphone is the most comfortable for those who are wearing glasses (as you're) and especially between Bose QC45 and the XM4 (i don't know if you had the XM4s but you made a review for the XM3). And please, could you develop a bit more on the ANC and especially the cabin pressure and white noise ? Which has the most of that and which has the fewest ? Are you bothered about that after a long session ? Thank you very much!

[@jeradhilltech]

Prior to buying the XM5s for this video I had the XM4s since they were released, just didn’t create a video. They are very comfortable as a person who wears glasses however the QC45s are as well. I do like the larger cup on the Sonys over the Bose. As far as cabin pressure on a plane, the Sonys never bother me even on longer flights and they have gotten better with each version. I am sure Bose has as well. When I had the QC35s I remember a weird feeling when powering them up while already wearing them, but I remember that being an issue on earlier versions of the Sonys as well. Quality of ANC on both are great but I like the options Sony provides over the more manual experience of the Bose. On all three headphones I didn’t notice much of a difference in ANC quality other than what I mentioned in the video.

[@xtidus3378]

@@jeradhilltech Thanks a lot! :)

[@star1-252]

For me personally I have the Sony Xmwh 1000 4 lol and after like an hour they get so uncomfortable with the pressure on my temple it gives me a massive headache. I’m not to sure about the newer ones but I tried the AirPods Max in the store they are much more comfortable maybe it’s because of the mesh for my head but it’s strange since they are so heavy. So I ordered some and they are coming wed so I have to see after an hour or two what it feels like and whether I should keep them or not.

[@ej9668]

howre you liking them? Just bought some today

[@manin4568]

Whats your thoughts on bose 700

[@sujothedork]

I love my Bose QC 35 case. During travel it’s so good to hold my passport etc in the back.

[@jeradhilltech]

Nice! I wish the Sony case had a sleeve.

[@sujothedork]

@@jeradhilltech Yeah, but after watching yours and a few other reviews I am upgrading to QC45 instead of Airpods Pro Max

[@jenjaine3728]

I had the xm5s but had to return the because they were too big. They did not fit snug and if I looked down they would slide forward. Do you think the qc 45 would be a smaller fit?

[@jeradhilltech]

The QC45s are quite a bit lighter and fit well. Can't go wrong.

[@jexxy1806]

The Digital Crown is actually pretty intuitive and useful. Sad you didn't think so.

[@vivekshivdasani9521]

These noise cancelling headphones are useless in a turboprop like a Bombadair 400. They are only good in the wide bodied jets like the 777

[@keithstrickland6311]

Question. Why are the Microsoft Surface Headphones always left off the list with headphone comparisons? I’ve had the AirPod Max and sold them for the Surface headphones. The Surface headphones are extremely comfortable and high quality, the sound quality is amazing, and the functionality is so easy to use because of the physical dials. I could not deal with the weight of the AirPod Max headphones. Also, the app allows you so much customization with the Surface headphones, which the AirPod Max do not have.

[@roostersideburns3440]

when I was testing out the somys I could hardly hear the bass

[@johndoe3485]

My only question is which one has the biggest ear cup? Could you put the 3 in order of biggest ear cup to smallest.

[@jeradhilltech]

Sony, Apple, then Bose as far as ear up opening size.

[@johndoe3485]

@@jeradhilltech Much appreciated bro. Thanks 🙏

[@venusunderbooks]

Originally, I was going to purchase the AirPods Max, but thanks to you I have now decided now the Sony headphones are for me. Cheers!

[@zawaprz]

It is only 'semi true' about 'won't get base' on QC45.. It's 21st century.. on my S22U I have 3 equalizers (if I'm crazy enough, good ones working simultaneously so base comes like a KILLER without distorting rest... ) - 1. my phone EQ, 2. My Amazon Premium Music EQ, 3: Bose's app EQ... It's not just about lack or not of Base for mid/high sounding clear.. With Sony, even if you reduce Base... still not same crisp, channel separation as oppose to Boze.. sorry.. cold truth.. Lot's of bias reviews out there on Internet as they know QC45 is killer.. Where it lacks though as oppose to MX5 is Mic system. Background noise reduction while on call practically non existing on QC45, neither wind handling is nowhere close to MX5 when listen to music walking outside on windy day... to bad.. as I'd be wheeling to pay 100 more for QC45 to get it.. Well.. that said, I got my QC45 on sale at Costco for $219.00 plus tax, so can't truly complain. My primary usage is at home, to shield for noises, and listening to awesome quality sound reproduction.. just my '2 cents'.

[@agp7090]

Bose stylish & performance

[@agp7090]

But i bot the sony xm4 ❤️

[@Mike-wc3jo]

I like how the bose look.

[@18PregnantAndProud]

is the airpods max comfortable to wear for a long period of time ?

[@jeradhilltech]

Very comfortable even though it’s heavier.

[@krishnakumar-qw9sf]

QC45 LOVE

[@mynameexe2007]

Does the case have to be exciting? Yes the AirPods max are a let down in the case, I have a pair. It’s very unprotected, “diaper thing” yes 🤣I agree with that.

[@zombieimpact2790]

I'm not a bass head so I will choose the QC 45.

[@ahmetcankirmizi]

bose qc45’s are lighter than the xm5’s, please fix that

[@ThRealJC2]

is XM5 comfortable for long hours?

[@qpeueudjdh]

Well, it's personal thingies, but I got my ears off after listening 45 minutes in my case.

[@jeradhilltech]

I wear them for hours and they are very comfortable for me.

[@MyNameJim]

The right answer is the Sony XM4’s

[@addj7093]

If it Bose it Blows

[@Harry-cn8ez]

The xm5 is not lighter then the Bose like you said, the Bose is way lighter than the xm5.

[@SonnyWest87]

Why would he use the old Bose?!

[@moeabohoseh]

XM4s or the XM5s?

[@jeradhilltech]

XM4 if you can get a really good deal on them, otherwise the XM5s all the way.

[@jessyk2579]

@@jeradhilltech I bought XM4 a week ago. This is my first and only headphone. I don't like the bass on XM4 at all. Struggled with equaliser but nothing worked to my liking. It either goes full bass and muffle highs, mids or there is very little bass. I did A/B testing with my Pixel Buds A, I like Pixel buds with every song I played. Does it have to do with Aptx codec? If XM4 and XM5 are best in Bass for headphones, and I still do not like them, does it mean other headphones are not good for music? To enjoy music, do we have to go with TWS instead of Headphones?

[@aakashaugustine2761]

Diaper thing 😂

[@johndoe3485]

17:55 The Apple one looks the best , what are you talking about. 🤣

[@daisyduck8593]

The Panasonic Technics A800 has very good sound and ANC and it's general volume and bass volume is much stronger and powerfull compared to Sony MX4 or Bose QC45. But to listen my favorite music genre electronic music and techno i prefer to use the Panasonic RB-M700B because they have somethning the A800 and other expensive head phones on the market does not have at the moment: A Bass reactor vibration system ! I really love the bass reactor vibration system very very very much !!!! It feels like you have a 2.1 subwoofer hifi system. Panasonic Technics A800, Sony MX4, Sony WHXB910N, Bose QC45 feels more like an 2.0 weak bass hifi system without any subwoofer. For a very very very noisy ambient or music without any bass (for example old music) the A800 is the best. So I change my headphones depending on the situation. I use public transportation and have a very noisy neighbor that is the reason I own the Technics A800 and the Bose QC45 (only to watch TV and video games but not music). For music I use my 3 pairs of Panasonic RB-M700B. I hope Panasonic will continue to offer and develop headphones with bass reactor vibration system because I can't listen to techno and electronic music on head phones without a bass reactor anymore. The Sony MDR-XB950N1 Extra Bass head phones from 2017 have a bass reactor vibration system (my first head phones i had with a bass vibration system) but the new Sony WHXB910N Extra Bass from 2021 don't has a bass vibration system anymore imo.

[@alzansapie2307]

Same too..love R@B music as will as sub bass love it...

[@chocolatewheelchair]

The Bose aren’t loud enough

[@kevinakyuz6762]

Biased af, can see through it so easy man come on

[@xalifornian]

13:54 Dude describing shyttt we could care less about. *HOW DO THEY SOUND* ?dayam🤦🏾‍♀️

[@UAL320]

Another few years listening to metal at full volume and you won’t have the hearing acuity left to do reliable headphones reviews…..🙄

[@arkakumar1834]

how dumb can you be to fumble while keeping a f*ckin headphone in its case........ technology is seriously ruining us guys

[@jessstirland8338]

2much info!! Just get to nuts & bolts.....WHICH IS BEST......SONY......Why you think it is. Just trust me lalala.....cya guys. A 1min video not droning on.

[@nujxad]

Video paid by sony

[@secundariab.2741]

Los bose son un asco, tiene el audio muy agudo y aunque lo quiera mejorar con el ecualizador no obtienes mejores resultados. Si a ti te gusta que se escuche muy agudo es para ti, si te gusta algo mas limpio y con buenos bajos equilibrados definitivamente los xm5 gana

[@zerofivetwelve]

I was so dissappointed with qc45 at first. No bass. Sounded too thin for my taste. I do love Bose. But this qc45 sound signature is just a little different. After listen for a month I start to like it more and more. The sound is precise. Bass don't hit deep but very pleasant for jazz and vocal and instruments music etc. And i like it more and more. Btw i have xm5 and momentum4.