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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Both are top-tier over-ear noise cancellers, and the choice comes down to sound philosophy and battery. The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on runtime, hi-res codecs and call clarity, with 30 hours ANC on and LDAC support. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra counters with Immersive Audio spatial sound and its long-standing reputation for the most comfortable fit and strongest low-frequency cancellation. Buyers who want the longest listening time and the most detailed wireless audio lean Sony; buyers who want spatial immersion and plush comfort lean Bose.

  • Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you want spatial Immersive Audio and the softest, lightest fit for long listening sessions.
  • Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want longer battery life, LDAC hi-res audio and the most advanced call microphones.

Prices

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $29.00 at Butterfly Nursery (last seen Oct 30)
  • Sony WH-1000XM6: $354.99 at TED'S Electronics (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is $325.99 cheaper than the Sony WH-1000XM6 at the latest prices (Oct 30 and Nov 10)
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

4.3(3,468 ratings)
$29.00at Butterfly NurseryChecked Oct 30
See all prices and details
Visit Butterfly Nursery
Pros
  • Immersive Audio gives a wide, out-of-head soundstage
  • Very comfortable for multi-hour wear
  • Strong adaptive noise cancellation
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
  • Simple app setup and EQ
Cons
  • 24-hour battery trails the Sony
  • No carry case in the box
  • No water resistance
  • No LDAC or hi-res lossless over Bluetooth for iPhone users
Sony
Sony WH1000XM6

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony WH1000XM6

$354.99at TED'S ElectronicsChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit TED'S Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 30 hours with ANC on, 40 with it off
  • LDAC supports hi-res wireless streaming
  • Six-mic beamforming for clearer calls
  • Adaptive NC optimizer adjusts to fit and air pressure
  • Ships with a hard case and audio cable
Cons
  • No spatial audio mode to match Bose Immersive Audio
  • Heavier on the head than the Bose
  • Spatial and codec benefits depend on your phone's support

What separates them

Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6
Battery life with ANC onUp to 24 hoursUp to 30 hours
Quick chargeFull recharge takes about 3 hours3-minute charge gives up to 3 hours playback
Hi-res wireless codecsaptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless with Snapdragon SoundLDAC
Spatial audioBose Immersive Audio places sound in front of youStandard stereo focus, no equivalent spatial mode
Microphones for callsNoise-rejection mic arraySix-mic AI beamforming
Weight and comfortLightweight with ultra-soft protein leather cushionsSlightly heavier build with carbon fiber dome drivers
Water resistanceNone ratedNone rated
In the boxHeadphones and USB-C cableHeadphones, magnetic-closure case, audio cable and USB-C cable

Price history

$378.00$29.00
Oct 27Nov 11
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: lowest $29.00 on Oct 30 at Butterfly Nursery; $99.00 on Nov 11.
  • Sony WH-1000XM6: lowest $354.99 on Nov 11 at TED'S Electronics.

Prices at every store

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

  • Butterfly NurseryNew

    Availability unknown

    $29.00Checked Oct 30
    Visit Butterfly Nursery
  • Balux Pet MarketNew

    Availability unknownShips from Brazil · duties may apply

    $58.80Checked Nov 8
    Visit Balux Pet Market
  • td-mirex.ruNew

    Availability unknownShips from Russia · duties may apply

    $99.00Checked 35 min ago
    Visit td-mirex.ru
  • vipoutlet.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $154.00Checked Nov 1
    Visit vipoutlet.com

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • ThrillingAudioCheck price at ThrillingAudio
  • World Wide StereoCheck price at World Wide Stereo
All 70 stores and price history →

Sony WH-1000XM6

  • Tech for LessNew

    In stock

    $366.97Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Tech for Less
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $366.97Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Techmate Intl.Returns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $369.99Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • TED'S ElectronicsNew

    Availability unknown

    $354.99Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit TED'S Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6
Battery Life24 hours (ANC on)30 hours
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
ColorBlackOlive Gray
Impedance32 ohms48 ohms
Driver40mm dynamic—
Bluetooth5.3, SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, Sn…—
Headphone Cup TypeOver-ear—
Body Part UseHead—
Noise Cancellation TypeActive—
Max Battery Life24 hours—
Recharge Time3 hours—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6
Rechargeable BatteryYes—
Standby TimeGo into sleep mode automatically (when you remo…—
Earpad MaterialProtein Leather—
Driver Size40 mm—
Frequency ResponseBose doesn't provide frequency range specs—
Headphone Impedance32 ohm—
SensitivityUnnecessary to take sensitivity measurements (r…—
Sound OutputStereo—
Audio HighlightsSpatial audio, Immersive Audio—

What reviewers say

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

  • 4.3 / 53,468 ratings

Reviewers consistently praise the sound quality, noise cancelling and comfort. Some find the bass-forward tuning too strong, and a few note average build quality on the earpads and heat over long wear.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedReviewers call the sound detailed and accurate, with well-defined bass and natural mids.
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say ANC blocks out background noise superbly and ActiveSense smooths sudden spikes.
  • ComfortPraisedThe cushioned earpads are widely described as comfortable for long listening.
  • Bass tuningMixedSome listeners find the bass-heavy signature too strong for their taste.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Owners and reviewers consistently rate the XM6 as one of the best noise-canceling headphones available, praising its cancellation, comfort over long sessions and call clarity. Criticism centers on its size and weight next to Bose, occasional touch-control misfires, and the fact that sound tuning is more neutral than the bass-heavy XM4.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationPraisedOwners say it silences engine drone and office chatter better than any rival they have tried.
  • ComfortMixedMost find the padding fine for long flights, but some say the extra weight and clamp show up after a few hours.
  • ControlsCriticisedThe touch panel is convenient but misfires with gloves, rain or accidental brushes.
  • SoundMixedReviewers call it detailed and balanced, while bass lovers miss the heavier low end of the XM4.
Reviews
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2026
  • Best Headphones We've Tested - CNET
  • The best headphones in 2026: Lab-tested by experts - All products featured are independently chosen by us
  • Best Wireless Headphones
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed
  • The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancellation?
Both are class-leading. Bose is widely praised for low-frequency drone like plane engines, while Sony's QN3 processor and adaptive optimizer handle changing environments and fit well. Try both if you fly often.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
Sony. It rates 30 hours with ANC on and 40 with it off, against 24 hours for the Bose. Sony's 3-minute quick charge also adds hours of playback.
Is the Bose worth stepping up to for spatial audio?
If you watch movies or want music to feel wider than your head, Bose Immersive Audio is the reason to pick it. Sony has no direct equivalent, so the gap is real for that use.
Which is better for calls?
Sony, on paper. Its six-microphone AI beamforming is designed to isolate your voice in wind and crowds. Bose uses a noise-rejection mic array that works well but is less advanced on spec.
Do either work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, both pair with either. Bose supports AAC and aptX codecs; Sony's LDAC hi-res needs a compatible Android phone, while iPhone users get AAC on both.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
Bose generally wins on comfort, with lighter weight and soft protein leather cushions. Sony is still comfortable but slightly heavier, so fit varies by head shape.

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Total Harmonic Distortion
Higher scores mean cleaner reproduction (MOS-D)
—
WaterproofNo—
Water ResistantNo—
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, Wireless—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
Bluetooth Version5.3—
Compatible DevicesiPhone, Android, Laptop—
Ports And InterfacesUSB-C, USB C PORT—
With Charging CaseYes—
With Touch ControlsYes—
StyleIn-ear—
UseSports—
Water ProtectionIPX4—
Transmission Range30'—
Over-EarYes—
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa—
BrandBose—
ManufacturerBose—
ConditionRECONDITIONED—
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