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Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is best for: Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
3 sources$327.99as of Oct 12

No headphone in this lineup cancels noise better. RTINGS calls the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 'top-of-the-line noise cancelling headphones,' and What Hi-Fi praises 'class-leading, customisable ANC' alongside sound that is 'both hugely accomplished and hugely entertaining.' Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode is the addition over the standard QuietComfort, and they sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep, but for outright silence plus comfort they are hard to beat.

Strengths
  • — Class-leading, highly customizable active noise cancellation — among the best measured anywhere
  • — Rich, entertaining, well-balanced sound that satisfies casual listeners and enthusiasts alike
  • — Plush, glasses-friendly ear cushions and a light, comfortable fit for long sessions
Watch-outs
  • — Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
  • — Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it
$327.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sony WH-1000XM6
Ranked #5 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6
3 sources$378as of Oct 12

Sony's WH-1000XM6 fixes most of what people complained about in the previous generation: the fragile hinge is gone and the design folds again, with no cost to the top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality. What is still missing is water resistance and USB audio support, which matters if you want durability or flexible wired connections. As an all-rounder for commuters and travelers, it stays a strong pick despite those specific omissions.

Strengths
  • — Includes 12 microphones for superior call quality and voice pickup
  • — Supports Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connection and LC3 codec
  • — Offers a new power/Bluetooth button design that is easier to operate while wearing the headphones
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks any ingress protection rating, making them susceptible to moisture and sweat
  • — Does not support USB audio listening, limiting wired usage options
  • — Ear pads provide minimal clearance between the chassis and the user's skin
$378 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones add Immersive Audio spatial sound over the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, whose entry says spatial audio is saved for the Ultra, and they cost considerably more. Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 they give up LDAC playback and battery life, at 24 hours against 40. At 253g they are lighter than the 386g Apple AirPods Max and fold flat, and they cost less than the Apple.

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 folds up on a redesigned hinge and lists 40 hours of battery life, against up to 30 hours for the Sony WH-1000XM5 and 24 hours for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. It supports LDAC, which the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones' entry says that model lacks. Like the Sony WH-1000XM5 it has no ingress protection rating, and it costs considerably more than that model.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6
Driver35mm dynamic40mm
Weight253g254g
ANCYes, adjustable + Immersive AudioYes
CodecSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveLDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mmBT 5.4, 3.5mm
Battery Life24h (18h Immersive)40h
FoldingFolds flat, hingedFolds up, hinged
← See the full ranking of best over-ear headphones