Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want over-ear noise cancelling with 30 hours of battery and LDAC. Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) if you want tiny in-ears with IPX4 sweat resistance and Immersive Audio. The Bose is cheaper at $160.00 at eBay as of November 3, 2026, against $189.90 at Walmart for the Sony, but the Sony's price has swung from $378.00 on November 2, so watch it.
Today the Sony WH-1000XM6 costs $39.10 less at its best price.
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Sony WH-1000XM6
3.1Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want over-ear comfort, 30 hours per charge, LDAC hi-res audio and a folding case for travel.
- 30 hours with noise cancelling on, 40 with it off
- LDAC and LC3 with LE Audio and Auracast
- Six-mic beamforming for calls
- Folds into a magnetic case with cable included
What separates them
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation) | |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear, 1.5 lb with case | In-ear, 0.017 lb per bud, 0.132 lb case |
| Battery life | 30 h with NC on, 40 h off; 3 min charge gives 3 h | 6 h (4 h with Immersive Audio); case adds 18 h; 20 min gives 2 h |
| Water resistance | Not rated | IPX4 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, LE Audio, Auracast | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Noise cancelling | QN3 processor, 12 mics, adaptive optimizer | CustomTune, adapts to each ear |
| Call mics | Six-mic AI beamforming | Four mics per earbud |
| Fit options | Fixed headband and earpads | Nine eartip and stability band combinations |
Price history
- Sony WH-1000XM6: lowest $189.90 on Nov 3 at Walmart; $189.90 on Nov 4.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation): lowest $229.00 on Oct 30 at Amazon; $229.00 on Nov 3.
Prices at every store
Sony WH-1000XM6
- WalmartNew
In stockSold by Seller
$189.90Free shippingObserved at 10:34 PM - Teds ElectronicsNew
In stockReturn policy
$354.99Observed at 10:33 PM - Audio AdviceNew
In stockReturn policy
$378.00Observed at 10:33 PM - AVC photo video storeNew
In stockReturn policy
$378.00Observed at 10:33 PM
Also available at
- SonyCheck price at Sony
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
Specs compared
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Canceling | Yes | Yes |
| With Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black, Midnight Blue, Platinum Silver, Olive Gr… | Other |
| Style | On-ear | In-ear |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Battery life | 30 h | Immersive Audio Off: 6 hours |
| Headphone style | Over-Ear | In-Ear |
| Noise control technology | Active Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Wireless | Y | Y |
| Brand | Sony | Bose |
What reviewers say
Sony WH-1000XM6
Reviewers describe the WH-1000XM6 as comfortable headphones with good sound quality, including strong bass, and excellent call quality on both ends. Noise canceling is also singled out as a strength.
- Comfort
- Sound quality
- Bass response
- Noise canceling and call quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
Owners rate the earbuds 4.3 out of 5 across 4,104 ratings and consistently praise the sound, comfort and noise cancellation. Complaints center on battery life, oversensitive touch controls and fit issues with the right earbud.
- Immersive, rich sound with strong bass
- All-day comfort without ear fatigue
- Strong noise cancellation, especially during travel
- Snug, stable fit that stays sealed during activity
Questions and answers
- Which is better for running and the gym?
- The Bose. It is IPX4 rated and buyers say it stays sealed during runs. The Sony has no water resistance rating and weighs 1.5 lb with its case.
- Which has longer battery life?
- The Sony by far: 30 hours with noise cancelling on. The Bose gives 6 hours per charge, or 4 with Immersive Audio, plus 18 hours from the case.
- Is the Bose worth $29.90 less than the Sony?
- Only if you need in-ears. At $160.00 at eBay versus $189.90 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026, the Bose is cheaper, but the Sony gives five times the battery life per charge.
- Which is better for calls?
- The Sony. Its six-mic AI beamforming system isolates your voice, and reviewers single out call quality. The Bose has four mics per earbud and also handles calls well.
- Which sounds better?
- Both get praise for bass and clarity. The Sony adds LDAC hi-res wireless; the Bose adds Immersive Audio spatial processing and aptX Adaptive.
- Which lasts longer over years of use?
- The Sony has a replaceable battery and a folding case. Some Bose owners report battery drain and one bud cutting out after long-term use.
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