Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. Both launched at roughly the same price ($429 vs $450), so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stands out for best-in-class noise cancellation, 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 Ultra Headphones if…
- →Best-in-class noise cancellation
- →Exceptionally comfortable for long wear
- →Immersive Audio spatial feature works well
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 Ultra Headphones
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable for long wear
- Immersive Audio spatial feature works well
- Supports aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth
Cons
- Battery life shorter than Sony XM5
- Immersive Audio significantly drains battery
- No LDAC for Android hi-res streaming
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Pricey
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 Ultra Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 254 g | 230 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hours ANC on (18 hours with Immersive Audio) | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, 15 min = 2.5 hours quick charge | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours, charge while listening |
| Drivers | 35mm dynamic | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| Features | Bose Immersive Audio, CustomTune sound calibration, Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive, Multipoint pairing, Aware Mode with ActiveSense | 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 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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Related Comparisons
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 Ultra Headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM6.