Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio, and don't need hi-res codecs — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

4.5

3 sources$327.99as of Aug 1

No headphone in this lineup cancels noise better. RTINGS calls the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 'top-of-the-line noise cancelling headphones,' and What Hi-Fi praises 'class-leading, customisable ANC' alongside sound that is 'both hugely accomplished and hugely entertaining.' Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode is the addition over the standard QuietComfort, and they sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep and they skip hi-res codecs, but for outright silence plus comfort they are hard to beat.

Strengths

— Class-leading, highly customizable active noise cancellation — among the best measured anywhere
— Rich, entertaining, well-balanced sound that satisfies casual listeners and enthusiasts alike
— Bose Immersive Audio spatial mode adds a convincing sense of space the standard QC lacks

Watch-outs

— Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
— Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it
— No high-resolution LDAC/aptX HD codec support, unlike the Sony WH-1000XM6

$327.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #6 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6

4.4

3 sources$458as of Aug 1

Sony's WH-1000XM6 fixes most of what people complained about in the previous generation: the fragile hinge is gone and the design folds again, with no cost to the top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality. What is still missing is water resistance and USB audio support, which matters if you want durability or flexible wired connections. As an all-rounder for commuters and travelers, it stays a strong pick despite those specific omissions.

Strengths

— Delivers excellent active noise cancellation with an Adaptive NC Optimizer
— Features a redesigned, more durable hinge that allows the headphones to fold flat
— Includes 12 microphones for superior call quality and voice pickup

Watch-outs

— Lacks any ingress protection rating, making them susceptible to moisture and sweat
— Does not support USB audio listening, limiting wired usage options
— Ear pads provide minimal clearance between the chassis and the user's skin

$458 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The QuietComfort Ultra sits a clear tier above the standard Bose QuietComfort Headphones in this guide, adding Immersive Audio spatial sound and stronger ANC for roughly $80 more. Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 it arguably edges ANC and comfort but gives up hi-res LDAC playback and longer battery. Versus the Apple AirPods Max 2 it is lighter, folds flat and works equally well on Android, while costing well over $100 less.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	Sony WH-1000XM6
Driver	35mm dynamic	40mm
Weight	253g	227g
ANC	Yes, adjustable + Immersive Audio	Yes
Codec	SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive	LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mm	BT 5.4, 3.5mm
Battery Life	24h (18h Immersive)	40h
Folding	Folds flat, hinged	Folds flat, hinged

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