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.

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

📬 📬

☕☕

📷📸🎥

👋👋

⚠️⚠️ Disclaimer:
The content of this video is intended for viewers ages 13+.

[haliemorris]

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.

[gameplayer]

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

[ThRealJC]

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

[pharaohsanakht]

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.

[dusfug]

QC 45 also smashes the other two in affordability.

[ArcaneAlgoritm]

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

[bjurne]

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.

[alib]

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

[havyer]

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 😂

[TheWinwinall]

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.

[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.

[bshay]

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

[arkinsam]

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.

[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.

[roostersideburns]

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

[_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.

[samuelmosley]

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.

[Makingthetransition]

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.

[danielarroyo]

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.

[star-]

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.