Audio & Headphones · Head-to-head
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Which Should You Buy? comparison.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the most complete flagship, pairing top-tier noise cancelling with the deepest features and a light, foldable fit. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the pick if comfort and outright quiet matter more to you than tuning options.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Buy itThe most complete flagship: class-leading noise cancelling, a lightweight fit, and the deepest feature set.
- Independent testing rates its adaptive noise cancelling at or near the top of the category
- Lightweight (approx. 254 g per Sony) and comfortable for long sessions, with a folding design for easier travel
- Deep app control: adjustable EQ, spatial audio upmixing, and strong multipoint and call performance
- Owners note the touch-panel controls can be finicky in cold weather or with gloves
- Sound is very good rather than truly audiophile, and defaults slightly bass-forward
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Buy itThe comfort-and-quiet champion, with noise cancelling that reviewers consistently place among the very best.
- Reviewers and owners repeatedly single out the noise cancelling and all-day comfort as best in class
- Immersive Audio spatial mode is convincing for movies and relaxed listening
- Light clamping force and plush pads suit users who find rivals too tight
- Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours and drops to 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled
- Owners report the EQ and app are less flexible than Sony's
Side by side
The 6 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Our pick | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Frequent travelers and commuters who want the best all-round noise cancelling with the most features. | Anyone who prioritizes maximum silence and long-wear comfort over granular tuning. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$$ · premium |
| Noise cancelling | Class-leading | Class-leading |
| Sound quality | Very good, slightly bass-forward | Rich, warm |
| Comfort | Excellent, lightweight (approx. 254 g) | Best in class |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours (40 with NC off) | Up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio) |
| Features & app | Most complete | Good |
| Build & materials | Functional | Plastic, aluminum, protein leather |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Sony WH-1000XM6 if
frequent travelers and commuters who want the best all-round noise cancelling with the most features.
Know before buying: owners note the touch-panel controls can be finicky in cold weather or with gloves.
Pick the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if
anyone who prioritizes maximum silence and long-wear comfort over granular tuning.
Know before buying: battery life is rated at up to 30 hours and drops to 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Sony WH-1000XM6 - The most complete flagship: class-leading noise cancelling, a lightweight fit, and the deepest feature set. Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) instead if anyone who prioritizes maximum silence and long-wear comfort over granular tuning.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Which Should You Buy?.