Versus Engine
Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Specs, price and the one trade-off that actually decides it — Bose QuietComfort Ultra against Sony WH-1000XM6, side by side.
Cheaper to start
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Starts about $20.99 lower.
Rated higher
Sony WH-1000XM6
9.5 vs 9.0 on our design scale.
Standout
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Best sustained comfort in the category
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The comfort benchmark for over-ears worn all day, at $429.
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- Best sustained comfort in the category
- Excellent cancellation across low-frequency travel noise
- Well-judged tuning for long listening without fatigue
Cons
- Warm, smoothed tuning is wrong for critical listening or mixing
- 24 hours of battery trails Sony's 30, and Immersive Audio cuts it to 18
- Bulkier to pack than folding competitors
Specifications
- codecsSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- weight254 g
- battery24 hours (18 hours with Immersive Audio)
- featuresMultipoint, Immersive Audio
- bluetooth5.3
- processor—
- form_factor—
- microphones—
- battery_anc_on—
- battery_anc_off—
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony's flagship over-ears at $449.99, prioritising soundstage and fidelity over portability.
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- Soundstage and low end no in-ear can match
- Cancellation competitive with the category leaders
- More neutral tuning than the warm alternatives
Cons
- Comfort trails Bose on very long sessions
- Bulky to pack compared with earbuds
- Premium price in a crowded tier
Specifications
- codecs—
- weight—
- battery—
- features—
- bluetooth—
- processorQN3 HD Noise Cancelling
- form_factorOver-ear, closed back
- microphones12
- battery_anc_on30 hours
- battery_anc_off40 hours