Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
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Quick take: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) costs $29 less.
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398 | $369 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (3,200) | 4.5★ (1,500) |
| Type | Over-Ear Headphones | Over-Ear Headphones |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Battery (single charge) | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | 3 min = 3 hrs | 15 min = 3 hrs |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | — |
| Weight | 254 g | 250 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- ✓Arguably the best ANC money buys right now
- ✓Folding hinges return after the XM5's rigid design
- ✓12-mic array delivers excellent call quality
- ✓3-minute charge buys 3 hours of playback
- ✓Wider headband spreads pressure better than the XM5
- ✓LDAC and LC3 codecs plus reliable multipoint
- ✗$449 list price stings versus the discounted XM5
- ✗30-hour battery is now merely average — Momentum 4 doubles it
- ✗LDAC streaming drains the battery noticeably faster
- ✗Matte finish picks up skin oils quickly
- ✗Power button sits awkwardly close to the ANC button
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- ✓Airplane-drone cancellation many owners still rank above Sony's XM6
- ✓Battery finally hits 30 hours, up from gen one's 24
- ✓USB-C lossless audio added in this refresh
- ✓CustomTune recalibrates ANC to your ears every wear
- ✓Immersive Audio is genuinely convincing spatial sound
- ✓aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint
- ✗No true ANC-off mode — always Aware or Quiet processing
- ✗Bose app is the flakiest of the big three
- ✗Occasional firmware-update drama reported by owners
- ✗Mostly plastic build undercuts the $369-449 price
- ✗Bass tuned politely next to Sony's XM6