Hi there, looking to pick up a pair of top-tier noise cancelling headphones? Your search has likely narrowed down to two stellar choices – the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose 700.
As premium wireless over-ear models equipped with cutting-edge noise cancelling capabilities, these two headphones have a lot in common. But they also have crucial differences that might make one model better suited for your needs and preferences.
This comprehensive comparison guide will analyze all the nitty-gritty details – from design and comfort to call quality and battery life. My goal is to give you the lowdown on where each headphone excels so you can weigh the pros and cons and make the ideal purchase decision for you.
So let‘s get right into it!
At a Glance: Sony XM5 vs Bose 700
Before jumping into the details, here is a high-level overview of their similarities and standout features:
Similarities
- Active noise cancellation (ANC) utilizing built-in microphones and cutting edge chip-based algorithms to counter ambient sound
- Over-ear design with cushioned ear cups that completely enclose your ears
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1 with support for advanced audio codecs
- Touch and voice controls to manage playback, call handling etc without taking phone out
- Companion smartphone apps allow tweaking audio settings and customizations
Sony XM5 Standout Features
- Extreme 30 hour battery life
- Superb comfort fit with minimal clamping force
- Customizable sound profile via smartphone EQ
Bose 700 Standout Features
- Adjustable 11-level noise cancellation strength
- Balance and clarity focused sound
- Crystal clear voice pickup during calls
Now let‘s explore each key consideration in depth…
Ergonomics and Design
Comfort should be king when picking out headphones you might wear for hours at a stretch whether working, commuting or traveling. The Sony XM5 and Bose 700 on-ear ergonomics achieve comfort in slightly different ways:
Sony XM5 Comfort
The Sony XM5 features generously cushioned earpads wrapped in soft synthetic leather. The oval earcups and angled drivers have been specifically designed to eliminate any pressure points around your ears.
Sony has also minimized clamping force to just 0.8 lbs distributed smoothly by the lightweight build. At only 8.8 oz, prolonged wear is effortless. The subtly pivoting earcups also adapt naturally to your head contours.
Many reviewers praise the XM5‘s fit accuracy and comfort for extended duration use. The plush lightweight feel is a hallmark Sony trait retained from previous models as well.
Bose 700 Comfort
With more oblong earcups filled with slick memory foam, the Bose 700 bed down very comfortably over the ears without enveloping them entirely. Clamping force measures 1 lb allowing secure grip without undue pressure.
The glass-filled nylon headband lined with cushioned silicone contributes to all-day wearing ease. However some users with larger ear sizes have reported discomfort issues over longer periods. Adjusting fit and testing comfort before committing is advisable.
| Headphone | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.55 lbs | 0.56 lbs |
| Clamp Force | 0.8 lbs | 1 lb |
Sound Quality and Customization
Now to the all important audio reproduction capabilities – how do Sony and Bose‘s top noise cancelling headphones stack up?
Sony XM5 Sound Signature
Sony sticks to a familiar sound profile with the XM5 focusing on strong and punchy bass response suited for bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip hop. Mids are balanced with airy, brighter treble. 40mm drivers use a new carbon fiber dome and higher power output for improved dynamics and definition. Support for LDAC, aptX codecs allows hi-res streaming.
The Connect app opens up customizable EQ allowing bass/mid/treble tweaking. Sony‘s room effects simulation also tailors sound output to match environment type whether concert hall or outdoor stage. These handy tools really let you adapt the sound to taste.
Bose 700 Sound Signature
In contrast, Bose opts for more balanced frequency response rather than bass boost with these cans. There is still sufficient warmth thanks to the proprietary active EQ system. But mids and highs take focus to allow vocals, guitars and cymbals shine through the mix whether its rock, jazz or acoustic tracks.
The ultra-crisp definition also enhances podcasts, videos and TV audio. Many users praise the natural tonal balance. Customization options via app are more limited though.
For buyers who want lively but controlled, versatile audio reproduction, the Bose 700s have an edge. Bass junkies can indulge in the Sony warmth!
Noise Cancellation Prowess
Noise cancelling performance is obviously the key reason you‘d splurge $300+ on these premium headphones rather than budget picks. Both deliver excellent ANC that cuts out ambient chatter and dulls nearby sound, but they achieve it via different implementations:
Sony XM5 Noise Cancelling
The Sony XM5 uses a new auto-adaptive ANC algorithm that automatically senses the environment type and adjusts cancellation intensity. For example, boosting NC while riding the train or plane versus just walking in urban outdoors. This works very well in practice cutting intrusive noise without fully isolating you. Call it intelligent noise cancelling!
There are no manual levels to intervene. Performance remains extremely capable albeit not the absolute strongest effect compared to top rivals. Wind noise handling is much improved over previous Sony models though.
Bose 700 Noise Cancelling
Bose offers a more manual approach to noise cancelling with 11 distinct levels to choose from via app. This allows customizing based on real life ambient noise in cafes or offices and targeting loud vehicle rumble during daily commute or airplane cabin noise while traveling. Max ANC setting has incredible damping properties for total immersion.
Call masking and wind noise protection work efficiently as well thanks to Bose‘s complex microphone array capturing and negating errant frequencies. Bose still sets the gold standard for noise cancelling effectiveness even if their system requires more user input.
Microphone and Call Quality
Business calls or casual voice chats rely on the built-in microphones clearly picking up your speech while minimizing background chatter. Here‘s how Sony and Bose‘s headset mics stack up:
Sony XM5 Microphone Quality
The Sony XM5 employs improved microphone hardware and algoritms to separate speech from ambient noise quite competently. Most users find their side of calls sound clear and natural. AI based wind noise reduction while outdoors also helps improve clarity.
There are still rare instances of loud nearby sounds like traffic leaking through though. But overall call performance meets expectations.
Bose 700 Microphone Quality
Call quality hits sharper heights on the Bose 700 owing to its high-tech tetrahedral beamforming microphone array. A combination of directional pick up focusing on user‘s voice and active side/back noise rejection makes transmitted audio crisply defined even amid noisy backgrounds.
Wind distortions are also expertly quashed. For users who have frequent voice/video calls during commutes or from vibrant locales, the Bose 700 microphone system is a key asset.
