Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $398.

Over-Ear

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

86Outstanding

$360

Full review data

Over-Ear

Sony WH-1000XM6

89Outstanding

$400

Full review data

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 Headphones (2nd Gen)
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

9.0

Noise cancelling

9.4

9.6

Battery

6.5

8.1

Calls

6.7

9.6

Value

7.5

8.2

Price (USD)

$360

$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?

Mixed generations

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) (2026) against Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) brings Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 answers with LE Audio (LC3).

QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)20261 yr newer
WH-1000XM62025

What differsQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)WH-1000XM6

Bluetooth: 5.4; 5.3
LE Audio (LC3): No; Yes

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode.

Specifications

QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)WH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $360; $400
HearWiki score: 86; 89
Released: 2026; 2025
Availability: Sold new; 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: 110 dB/mW; 103 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.4; 5.3
Codecs: AAC, LDAC; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: -; 10 m
Battery life: 24 h; 40 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 30 h
Full charge time: 180 min; 210 min
Quick charge: 15 min → 2.5 h; 3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging: No; No
Active noise cancelling: Yes; Yes
ANC type: -; adaptive
Transparency mode: Yes; Yes
Companion app: -; Yes
Custom EQ: -; Yes
Wear detection: -; Yes
Controls: -; buttons
Voice assistant: -; Yes
Weight: 236 g; 254 g
Water resistance: none; none
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm
Microphones: 6; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$360	$400
HearWiki score	86 / 100 Outstanding	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2025
Audio
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	110 dB/mW	103 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.4	5.3
Codecs	AAC, LDAC	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	24 h	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	180 min	210 min
Quick charge	15 min → 2.5 h	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
ANC type	-	adaptive
Transparency mode	Yes	Yes
Companion app	-	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	-	Yes
Controls	-	buttons
Voice assistant	-	Yes
Design
Weight	236 g	254 g
Water resistance	none	none
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm
Calls
Microphones	6	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

These over-ear wireless headphones prioritize all-day comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, wrapping them in a lightweight 236-gram frame. They deliver a clear, balanced sound with support for high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs, plus handy features like multipoint Bluetooth and transparency mode. While the asking price is steep and some extras like Immersive Audio feel gimmicky, the core experience of quiet, comfortable listening is hard to beat.

Pro:Extremely comfortable for long wear
Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
Pro:Improved sound quality with LDAC support

Con:Expensive for the feature set
Con:EQ controls in the app are limited
Con:Immersive Audio feature is underwhelming

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 comparison Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)Sony WH-1000XM6