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Bose QuietComfort 35 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose QuietComfort 35 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 35
  • 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?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Bose QuietComfort 35 (2016). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 4.1, Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). It also adds Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection and Transparency mode.

  • QuietComfort 352016
  • WH-1000XM620259 yr newer
What differsQuietComfort 35WH-1000XM6

Platform

Bluetooth
4.1
5.3
Top codec
AAC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

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

Level on: ANC type.

Specifications

QuietComfort 35WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$300
$400
HearWiki score
Not scored
89
Released
2016
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
4.1
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
20 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
30 h
Full charge time
135 min
210 min
Quick charge
-
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
240 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
2
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 is a wireless over-ear headphone that pairs adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, lightweight design for immersive listening. It delivers a balanced sound signature and up to 20 hours of battery life, making it a reliable travel companion for those who prioritize noise isolation and ease of use.

  • Pro:Effective adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long wear
  • Pro:Solid 20-hour battery life
  • Con:No USB-C charging
  • Con:Lacks transparency mode and multipoint
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ

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 35Sony WH-1000XM6