Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The two flagship noise cancelling headphones are close on noise cancelling. Sony wins on battery and customization; Bose on comfort and wired USB-C audio.
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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We have not tested these products ourselves, and we don't invent scores. Our methodology.
Current models (checked October 2026): Sony’s current flagship is the WH-1000XM6, launched in 2025; Sony has not announced an XM7 (its pricier WH-1000XX sits above it at $649.99). Bose’s current flagship is the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), announced in September 2025, which replaced the original QC Ultra. If you see older comparisons pitting the XM6 against the first-gen Bose, the specs below are the up-to-date matchup.
Specs and prices come from Sony and Bose. Performance figures (battery rundown, noise reduction) come from published lab tests by SoundGuys and TechGearLab, credited where used. We haven’t tested these headphones ourselves.
Short answer
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 for longer battery life (SoundGuys measured about 37 hours vs 27 for the Bose), a 10-band EQ, LDAC and Auracast support, and a slight edge in TechGearLab’s average noise reduction. Choose the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) if comfort is your priority (TechGearLab found it more comfortable), you want lossless wired listening over USB-C, or you use an Android phone with Snapdragon Sound/aptX Adaptive.
Check Sony WH-1000XM6 price (opens in a new tab)Check Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) price (opens in a new tab)
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): side-by-side
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price on maker’s site | $459.99 (launched at $449.99) | $449 |
| Rated battery (ANC on) | 30 hours (40 hours ANC off) | 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio; 45 with ANC off) |
| Battery, SoundGuys lab test (ANC on) | 37 h 14 min | 27 h 12 min |
| Average noise reduction, TechGearLab | 33.1 dB | About 32 dB (32.2–32.3 dB listed) |
| Weight | About 254 g | About 264 g |
| Bluetooth / codecs | Bluetooth 5.3; SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | Bluetooth 5.4; SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) |
| Wired audio | 3.5 mm analog | 3.5 mm analog and USB-C (lossless) |
| App EQ (per SoundGuys) | 10-band | 3-band |
| Auracast | Yes (per SoundGuys) | Not currently |
| Water resistance | No IP rating | No IP rating |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
Pros and cons
Sony WH-1000XM6: pros
- Longest measured battery life of the two
- Slightly higher average noise reduction in TechGearLab’s test
- 10-band EQ and LDAC
- Auracast support
- Folding design
Sony WH-1000XM6: cons
- TechGearLab found it less comfortable than the Bose
- No USB-C audio
- SoundGuys flags a 10 kHz treble spike that the EQ can’t fully fix
- Slightly pricier on Sony’s site
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): pros
- TechGearLab rates its comfort highly
- Lossless wired audio over USB-C
- aptX Adaptive for Snapdragon Sound phones
- Cinema mode and Immersive Audio
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): cons
- Shorter battery life (27 hours in SoundGuys’ test)
- Battery drops to 23 hours with Immersive Audio
- Only a 3-band EQ
- No LDAC
Verdict
On noise cancelling, published lab tests show the two are effectively tied: TechGearLab measured an average of 33.1 dB for the Sony and about 32 dB for the Bose, with the Sony stronger in the highs and the Bose stronger in the midrange, while SoundGuys found no clear winner. That makes the decision about everything else. The Sony is the better pick for battery life and sound customization; the Bose is the better pick for long-wear comfort and wired USB-C listening. Both regularly go on sale, so compare current prices before buying. On a tighter budget, see our best noise cancelling headphones under $200.
Choose Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- You want maximum battery between charges
- You like to fine-tune sound with a detailed EQ
- You use LDAC on Android or want Auracast
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- You wear headphones for hours and prioritize comfort
- You want to listen over USB-C from a laptop or phone
- You have a Snapdragon Sound Android phone
Noise cancelling: what the lab data says
TechGearLab’s frequency breakdown shows where each pair works hardest: in the low range (engine and HVAC hum) they’re nearly identical (26.6 vs 26.5 dB), the Bose blocks more in the mids where voices sit (30.2 vs 26.6 dB), and the Sony blocks more in the highs (46.7 vs 40.2 dB). SoundGuys likewise concluded neither has a clear ANC advantage. In practice, fit matters as much as the electronics, so try them on if you can.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Sony WH-1000XM7?
Which has better noise cancelling, Sony XM6 or Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen?
Are either waterproof?
Which has better battery life?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor's site before you buy.
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