Head-to-head · Best Wireless 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.

The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio, and don't need hi-res codecs — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Wireless Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

4.5

$329as of May 29

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the noise-cancelling benchmark of this lineup — RTINGS calls them '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.' They add Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode over the standard QuietComfort and sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep and they skip hi-res codecs, 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
— Bose Immersive Audio spatial mode adds a convincing sense of space the standard QC lacks

Watch-outs

— Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
— Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it
— No high-resolution LDAC/aptX HD codec support, unlike the Sony WH-1000XM6

$329 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6

4.4

$399as of Apr 17

The Sony WH-1000XM6 successfully addresses many previous design flaws, such as the fragile hinge and non-folding form factor, while maintaining top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality. However, the absence of water resistance and USB audio support may deter users seeking durability or versatile wired connectivity. Overall, it remains a strong all-rounder for commuters and travelers despite these specific omissions.

Strengths

— Delivers excellent active noise cancellation with an Adaptive NC Optimizer
— Features a redesigned, more durable hinge that allows the headphones to fold flat
— Includes 12 microphones for superior call quality and voice pickup

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

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The QuietComfort Ultra sits a clear tier above the standard Bose QuietComfort Headphones in this guide, adding Immersive Audio spatial sound and stronger ANC for roughly $80 more. Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 it arguably edges ANC and comfort but gives up hi-res LDAC playback and longer battery. Versus the Apple AirPods Max 2 it is lighter, folds flat and works equally well on Android, while costing well over $100 less.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Sony WH-1000XM6
Driver	35mm dynamic	40mm
Weight	253g	227g
ANC	Yes, adjustable + Immersive Audio	Yes
Codec	SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive	LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mm	BT 5.4, 3.5mm
Battery Life	24h (18h Immersive)	40h
Folding	Folds flat, hinged	—

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