Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the cheaper of the two at $299 versus $450, a difference of about $151. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort 35 II stands out for legendary bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard, while Sony WH-1000XM6 is praised for qn3 processor delivers industry-leading anc. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- →QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- →40-hour battery life with ANC
- →Foldable design returns (compact case)
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- 40-hour battery life with ANC
- Foldable design returns (compact case)
- LDAC + LC3 codec support for hi-res audio
- Charge while listening via USB-C
Cons
- $450 is $50 more than XM5
- 230g is still heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 230 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours, charge while listening |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| Features | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case | QN3 HD processor (7x faster than QN1), 12 microphones for ANC, Foldable design, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Cinema upmix mode, Speak-to-chat |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Sony products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Sony WH-1000XM6.