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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 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.

Score breakdown

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

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
83
89
Sound
8.5
9.0
Noise cancelling
9.5
9.6
Battery
6.9
8.1
Calls
7.9
9.6
Value
8.6
8.2
Price (USD)
$280
$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 Ultra Headphones (2023). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against aptX Adaptive and LE Audio (LC3).

  • QuietComfort Ultra Headphones2023
  • WH-1000XM620252 yr newer
What differsQuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesWH-1000XM6

Platform

Top codec
aptX Adaptive
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, ANC type, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$280
$400
HearWiki score
83
89
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
35 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
35 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
-
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
24 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
18 h
30 h
Full charge time
180 min
210 min
Quick charge
15 min → 3 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
254 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
2.5 mm balanced
3.5 mm
Microphones
2
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These over-ear wireless headphones from Bose deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a comfortable, travel-friendly design. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and up to 24 hours of battery life, they are built for long listening sessions. The included custom EQ and transparency mode add flexibility for different environments.

  • Pro:Adaptive noise cancellation effectively blocks distractions
  • Pro:Long 24-hour battery life for extended use
  • Pro:Comfortable over-ear fit suitable for travel
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Battery life drops to 18 hours with ANC on

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 Ultra HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6