Which has better noise cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?

The Sony. Reviewers repeatedly call the WH-1000XM6's ANC the best available, driven by the QN3 processor and 12 microphones. The Bose is strong but not rated as highly.

Which is better for calls and meetings?

The Sony, on paper: its six-microphone AI beamforming and tap-to-mute are built for voice. Some shoppers still report weak ANC on MS Teams calls, so test it in your meeting app.

Is the Bose worth stepping up to for spatial audio?

If you want sound placed in front of you rather than inside your head, yes. Immersive Audio is the Bose's clearest edge, though it cuts battery to about 23 hours.

Which is more comfortable for long listening?

The Bose is lighter at 9.3 oz with pressure-distributing materials. The Sony's redesign improved comfort, but it is heavier at 1.5 lb.

Does the Sony support better audio codecs?

Yes. The Sony adds LDAC, LC3, LE Audio and Auracast; the Bose lists Bluetooth 5.4 without those. On Android, LDAC gives the Sony an edge for high-resolution streaming.

Which folds for travel?

Both fold. The Sony ships with a carrying case, which makes it the easier pick to pack.

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the stronger all-rounder: reviewers consistently call its noise cancelling the best available, and it adds LDAC, multipoint, LE Audio and Auracast plus a foldable design and 30-hour battery. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra counters with Immersive Audio spatial sound, CustomTune ear-shape personalization and a lighter build, and owners rate comfort highly. Buy the Sony for the deepest quiet, the widest codec support and the most reliable calls; buy the Bose if spatial audio and a lighter, plusher fit matter more than codec flexibility.

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want the strongest noise cancelling, LDAC and multipoint, and a foldable travel case.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra if you want spatial Immersive Audio, CustomTune personalization and a lighter fit for long sessions.

Prices

Sony WH-1000XM6: $305.22 at Greentoe (last seen Nov 7)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $200.00 at eBay (checked today)
Difference: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is $105.22 cheaper than the Sony WH-1000XM6 at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 8)

What reviewers say

	Sony WH-1000XM6	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Noise cancelling	QN3 processor drives 12 microphones in real time; reviewers call it the best available	Bose's best headphone ANC, strong but not rated as highly by reviewers
Battery life	Up to 30 hours, with 3 hours from a 3-minute charge	Up to 30 hours, dropping to about 23 with Immersive Audio on
Codecs and connectivity	SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, multipoint, LE Audio, Auracast	Bluetooth 5.4, no LDAC or LE Audio listed
Spatial audio	No spatial audio mode	Immersive Audio places sound in front of you
Sound personalization	DSEE Extreme upscaling and adaptive NC optimizer	CustomTune analyzes your ear shape and adapts the sound
Weight and fit	1.5 lb listed; stainless-steel reinforced headband	9.3 oz; metal arms and pressure-distributing headband
Folding and travel	Foldable, carrying case included	Foldable
Call quality	Six-mic AI beamforming; tap to mute; reviewers praise calls on both ends	Mic included; reviewers report no call complaints

Spec	Sony WH-1000XM6	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, Multipoint, LE Audio, Aura…	Yes
Noise Canceling	Yes	Yes
With Microphone	Yes	Yes
Color	Black, Midnight Blue, Platinum Silver, Olive Gr…	White Smoke
Style	On-ear	On-ear
Wireless Type	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Over-Ear	Yes	Yes
Wireless	Y	Yes
Wireless technology	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
With Touch Controls	Yes	Yes
Max Battery Life	30 hours	24 hours
actual_color	Black	Desert Gold

Spec	Sony WH-1000XM6	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Impedance	48 ohms	32 ohms
Microphone	Yes	Yes
Connector on Cable	3.5 mm	3.5 mm, USB, 2.5 mm
Battery Time (in use) (h)	40.0	30.0
NFC	No	No
Buttons & Controls	Answer/Hang Up, Skip Song, Volume, Play/Pause	Answer/Hang Up, Skip Song, Volume, Play/Pause
Water Resistant	No	No
Simulated Surround Sound	Yes	Yes
Weight (oz)	9.0	9.3

Sony WH-1000XM6

4.7 / 5Google Shopping · 4,758 ratings

Reviewers rate the WH-1000XM6 highly, calling its noise cancellation the best available and praising the more expansive, refined sound and improved comfort. CNET scored it 9.2 and named it the top headphone it tested this year. A minority say the sound is merely good for the price and that call noise cancellation falls short.

What people mention

Noise cancellationPraisedSeveral reviewers call it the best ANC available and say it silences engine noise and nearby conversations.
Sound qualityMixedMost praise the expansive, refined sound and punchy bass, but a few say it is only good for the original retail price.
ComfortPraisedThe redesign and stainless steel reinforcement are credited with making long sessions more comfortable.
CallsMixedVoice pickup is strong, but some shoppers say ANC does not help on MS Teams calls or meetings.

A reviewer's verdict

CNET9.2
It is the top pair of headphones tested this year, with a redesign for improved comfort, stainless steel reinforcement and upgraded drivers for a more expansive, refined sound.
Read the review

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

4.7 / 570 ratings

Owners rate the QuietComfort Ultra highly, at 4.7 out of 5 from 70 ratings, and most praise the noise cancelling and comfort. Complaints tend to focus on the app and the spatial audio battery drain.

What people mention

Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say it blocks engine noise and office chatter better than most rivals.
ComfortPraisedThe over-ear fit and soft cushions are called comfortable for long flights.
BatteryMixedThe 24-hour claim holds with spatial audio off, but immersive mode drains it faster.
Spatial audioMixed

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Prices

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Prices

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Specs compared

What reviewers say

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

Buying guides that pick them

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Specs compared

What reviewers say

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

More comparisons

Buying guides that pick them