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Bose QuietComfort 15 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose QuietComfort 15 vs Sony WH-1000XM6, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Bose QuietComfort 15
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
-
89
Sound
-
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$300
$400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Bose QuietComfort 15 (2009). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Feedback. It also adds USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

  • QuietComfort 152009
  • WH-1000XM6202516 yr newer
What differsQuietComfort 15WH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
Feedback
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Specifications

QuietComfort 15WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$300
$400
HearWiki score
Not scored
89
Released
2009
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
96.9 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
30 h
Full charge time
-
210 min
Quick charge
-
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
feedback
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
No
Yes
Weight
140 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort 15

The Bose QuietComfort 15 are over-ear wired headphones that use feedback-style active noise cancellation to significantly reduce ambient sounds, making them ideal for travel or noisy environments. They come with a carrying case, audio cables, and an airline adapter, and their foldable design adds portability. With a 40mm dynamic driver, they deliver a balanced sound signature suitable for most music genres.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation for its time
  • Pro:Comfortable over-ear fit for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Foldable design with carrying case for easy portability
  • Con:Wired only, no Bluetooth or USB-C connectivity
  • Con:No transparency mode or custom EQ
  • Con:Lacks water resistance

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery and support for high-quality audio codecs. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a transparent mode, making it a versatile choice for both focused listening and everyday commutes. With a lightweight build and tactile controls, it balances comfort and functionality for extended use.

  • Pro:Adaptive active noise cancellation for personalized silencing
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Pro:Transparency mode for ambient awareness when needed
  • Con:No water resistance rating for wet conditions
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonBose QuietComfort 15Sony WH-1000XM6