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Bose QuietComfort 25 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose QuietComfort 25 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 25
  • 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?

Same generation

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is 11 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Sony WH-1000XM6 adds USB-C. For 11 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • QuietComfort 252014
  • WH-1000XM6202511 yr newer
What differsQuietComfort 25WH-1000XM6

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

QuietComfort 25WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$300
$400
HearWiki score
Not scored
89
Released
2014
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
53 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
100 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
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
196 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
protein-leather
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort 25

The Bose QuietComfort 25 are wired over-ear headphones designed to minimize ambient noise, particularly low-frequency sounds, for a quieter listening experience. They feature a single AAA battery for extended use and are available in platform-specific variants, with a foldable design and detachable cable for portability.

  • Pro:Excellent noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency sounds
  • Pro:Comfortable over-ear fit with protein-leather padding
  • Pro:Foldable design and detachable cable for easy travel
  • Con:Requires a battery for noise cancellation to function
  • Con:Wired only, no Bluetooth or wireless connectivity
  • Con:No built-in microphone for calls (only one mic, likely for ANC)

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 25Sony WH-1000XM6