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Comparing Wireless Headphones From Sony, Bose and Beats
October 20, 2026 · 6 min read
Wireless headphones generally appear very similar on a product page - all of them claim to have noise canceling, long battery life and good sound. The variations can only be seen in certain details, such as how well they block out the noise in a plane cabin, how heavy they feel after two hours and how well they work with your phone.
We looked at six popular pairs from Sony, Bose, Beats and Soundcore (Anker), ranging from a budget pick to a couple of the best noise-cancelling headphones available. For each of these we cover who they're appropriate for and try to make a straightforward call as to whether the current price is good based on previous prices we've tracked.
The short version
- Best noise canceling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 close behind
- Best all-around pick: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best for bass: Sony ULT WEAR
- Best for iPhone users: Beats Studio Pro
- Best on a budget: Sony WH-CH720N, or the Soundcore Q20i if you want to spend as little as possible
The flagships
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
If the main feature you're looking for is to block noise, then this is the pair for you. Bose noise cancellation is the one that everyone else compares to, and these headphones are comfortable enough for you to wear during an entire flight. They also feature Bose's Immersive Audio mode, which makes music seem as if it's coming from around you rather than inside your head.
The price hasn't changed for a while. While it's reasonable for headphones of this quality, we have noticed it dropping during major sales events. If you need them now, you won't regret buying them. But if you aren't in a hurry, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on the price a bit longer.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, White Smoke
These premium wireless headphones deliver serious noise cancellation and crystal-clear sound. They feature spatial audi...
Sony WH-1000XM5
When people refer to "good noise canceling headphones", the XM5 is an ideal candidate. The noise cancellation is very good, comparable to that of the Bose, and they're light considering that it is a full-sized pair. The battery life is about 30 hours and the reason the XM5 has dropped in price is that Sony now has a newer flagship model.
The Bose offers a bit more noise reduction while the Sony provides better value. Since the XM5 is currently at a price close to the lowest we've seen, we can confidently say that it's a good deal.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones, 30-Hour Battery
These premium wireless headphones are built to block out noise and keep you in your own world. They deliver incredible s...
Beats Studio Pro
The Studio Pro makes the most sense when you have an iPhone. It connects quickly with Apple devices, provides personalized spatial audio, and can play lossless audio via USB-C. It also works well with Android. The noise cancellation is also good, but a little short of what's offered by Bose and Sony.
The price is the catch. It moves up and down a lot, and has on more than one occasion been cheaper than this. Instead of buying at the current price, we'd wait to see one of those drops again.
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Navy
These premium wireless headphones deliver active noise canceling and crystal-clear sound for music lovers on the go. You...
The mid-range pick
Sony ULT WEAR
The ULT WEAR are Sony's headphones with a strong bass response. There's a ULT button which boosts the low end, making them a good pick to use with hip-hop, EDM or any music that has a big beat. The noise cancelling works well, but it's not as good as the XM5. This is a pair that you would buy mainly for the sound it produces rather than how quiet it is.
This is the cheapest price that we have seen since tracking it. It's a good value provided the sound matches the way you listen.
Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones, Black
These over-ear headphones deliver powerful noise canceling and massive bass for an immersive listening experience. With...
The budget picks
Sony WH-CH720N
The CH720N is Sony's more affordable model and that's a decent choice. It's extremely light, offers adequate noise cancellation for the price, and is comfortable to wear for long periods. It won't provide the same level of cabin quieting as the XM5, but it is sufficient for use in commuting, in an office or at home.
This is about as low a price as we've come across at the moment. It's a good deal and the one we'd most recommend to people who don't want to pay a premium price.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, Black
These over-the-ear wireless headphones block out noise so you can focus on what you're listening to. They connect via B...
Soundcore Q20i by Anker
The Q20i is the cheapest of the pairs here. While its noise cancelling doesn't come on par with that of Sony or Bose, it does make a bus journey or a noisy office situation more bearable and the battery life is long. When it comes to children, using it with a gym bag or having a spare pair, it's difficult to find a reason to object.
It is priced at the higher end of its normal price and frequently drops by a few more dollars. Although the difference is minor, it's a reasonable price if you need a pair now.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid ANC Wireless Headphones
The Soundcore Q20i offers hybrid active noise cancelling at a budget-friendly price point. With 60 hours of battery life...
How they compare where it counts
Noise canceling
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony's WH-1000XM5 belong in their own category; each of them makes a real difference when you're on a plane or a train. The Beats Studio Pro and Sony's bass-emphasised ULT WEAR are a downgrade but still decent. As for the two more affordable models, Sony's WH-CH720N and the Soundcore Q20i, they deal well with steady background noise like an air conditioner or road noise, though they're not as effective with voices and sudden sounds.
Sound
Right out of the box the Bose and Sony models offer the most balanced sound; Sony's ULT WEAR deliberately emphasizes the bass. The Beats sound clean and are a bit punchy. What's good is that all of these headphones have an equalizer in their app, so you can adjust the sound up or down.
Comfort and weight
Weight is easy to overlook until you've been wearing headphones for three hours. Among these models, both the Sony budget version, the WH-CH720N, and its top model, the WH-1000XM5, are the lightest and are the easiest on your head and neck. The Bose headphones are very comfortable due to their soft padding; if you wear glasses, the softer ear cushions make a big difference, and both the Bose and the Sony flagship models perform well.
Phone and app
Beats work best with iPhones because they connect to and switch between Apple devices easily. Sony and Bose also work just as well with both iPhone and Android, and the apps that come with them allow you to have more control over the noise cancelling and the sound. Although the Soundcore app is basic it does meet most people's needs.
Which one should you get
For flights and long commutes
It's better to spend your money on a top-of-the-line model since that's what noise cancellation is all about; in this case, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Sony WH-1000XM5. If you can't decide between the two, the Sony model offers better value and the Bose is slightly quieter.
For a desk, the house or a short commute
A flagship model isn't necessary since Sony's more budget-friendly pair, the WH-CH720N, does a good job in that area and leaves some money in your wallet. Should your budget be limited or if you're looking for a pair you wouldn't mind losing, then get the Soundcore Q20i, which is the cheapest model in this group.
For iPhone users
If you are in the Apple environment and value the ease of switching between your iPhone, iPad and Mac, then the Beats Studio Pro is the model for you. All you have to do is look for it during a trip.
For bass lovers
Sony's ULT WEAR model is the one that's more fun. Choose it when your priority is having a strong low-frequency response rather than the quietest noise cancellation.
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